Beijing unveils top spots to enjoy amazing nighttime views

Beijing is set to map out 14 venues where people can appreciate views of the Chinese capital at night, as part of city planners' urban lighting development program for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The spots will cover many of the city's intangible cultural heritage sites and historical landmarks situated along the Beijing Central Axis. There are four planned locations: one to view the central axis northward from Jingshan Park; a second to view the central axis from the Drum Tower; another to view the Drum Tower from the Shichahai scenic area; and lastly one to overlook the central axis northward from Yongdingmen Gate.

Many of the locations offering nighttime views of the capital were also selected to highlight Beijing's skyline and modern feats of urban architecture.

Among the suggested locations, three stand out in particular: close-up views of the core CBD area from Jian'guo Road; views of the Wangjing business district from the Airport Expressway and North Fifth Ring Road; and views of the Shougang Bridge from the Beijing-Kunming Expressway.