Beijing Attractions

The capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, is the nation's political, cultural, scientific and educational heart as well as a key transportation hub. Beijing has served as the capital of the country for more than 800 years dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Beijing is a prominent historical and cultural city, abundant in treasured historical heritage and cultural relics. The city hosted the 2008 Summer Olympic and people from all around the world were more than welcomed to travel to Beijing for the grand celebration.

Over the past 10 years, Beijing has transformed into a modern and world-class capital city. Many of the traditional houses are replaced with huge office buildings, fashionable residents and apartment complexes, and the streets are widened to be able to handle the heavy traffic of Beijing’s 3 million cars. For the average Beijing resident, it may be a loss of historic significant to experience the rapid changes of the city. For us foreigners, Beijing is an adventure.

The Great Wall is one of the greatest wonders of the world, and was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 6,700 km from east to west of China. It has a history of more 2,000 years, and some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD, during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven. As Chinese emperors called themselves »The Son of Heaven« they dared not build their own dwelling, the »Forbidden City« bigger than a dwelling for Heaven. Temple of Heaven is located in the southern part of Beijing, and is China's largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. Photo: Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Temple of Heaven.

The Forbidden City, at the centre of the ancient city of Beijing, was the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, and the home of 24 emperors during these dynasties. Today, the Forbidden City is a public museum and World Heritage site, attracting millions of tourists from around the world.


The Tiananmen Square is the “must” place to visit in Beijing. It is located at the centre of Beijing City is Tiananmen Square, where you can visit Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony.

The Ming Tomb. Among the many Sacred Ways, the one of Ming Tombs is best preserved and complete. Approximately 50 km northwest from Beijing City lays the Ming Tombs - the general name given to the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The mausoleums have been perfectly preserved, as has the necropolis of each of the many emperors.

The Sacred Way is part of the Ming Tombs complex, and starts with a huge stone memorial archway lying at the front of the area. It is a long, straight path flanked by statues first of ancient government officials and then by animals. The Sacred Way ends at a pavilion sheltering a stone tablet.

The Summer Palace was constructed in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). It is situated in the western outskirts of Haidian District, 15 km from central Beijing. The Summer Palace is the archetypal Chinese garden, and is ranked amongst the most noted and classical gardens of the world. In 1998, it was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Peking Opera is a national treasure with a history of 200 years. In the 55th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1790), the four big Huiban opera Troupes entered the capital and combined with Kunqu opera, Yiyang opera, Hanju opera and Luantan in Beijing's theatrical circle of the time. Through a period of more than half a century of combination and integration of various kinds of opera there evolved the present Peking opera, whose richness of repertoire and artistic performance are incomparable in China.

Silk Market (on Jianguomen Wai) and Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market) are two of the most popular local markets for foreigners to do shopping, and you will not go empty handed after enjoying the excitement of bargaining. And you should bargain, because you ought to make the seller satisfied. Are you satisfied with the product and price after bargaining, the seller will be as happy as you are! Silk Market has a wide variety of clothing, including cashmere and silk, often sold as seconds or surplus goods from export market. Fakes abound, as do pickpockets. At these markets you will also find electronic equipment, watches, clothes, shoes, leatherware and travel accessories. Pearl Market, also known as Hongqiao Market, has one of the largest and best selections of inexpensive fresh-water pearls in Beijing, as well as antiques and reproductions. It is located across the North gate of the Temple of Heaven.

The most time-saving way of getting around is to take a taxi or book a private tour through a reliable travel company which often includes private transport with an English speaking guide. If you have not booked a Beijing sightseeing in forehand, ask the hotel reception to assist you. Do not accept a sightseeing tour by strangers or pirate taxies. One thing is that pirate sightseeing is an illegal business, and the other thing is that it is not worth the money you will have to pay for it.

Chinese Cuisine is excellent, with a variety in taste and definitively one of the finest pleasures a visitor will experience in China. You have not really visited Beijing without having eaten the famous Beijing Duck! The restaurant we can recommend you for a Beijing Duck meal is Quanjude Restaurant.


How to make Beijing Duck!
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-peking-duck
 
Nightlife entertainment will not disappoint you, as bars, Karaoke and night clubs are open all night. In Karaoke bars you can rent a room for a couple of hours with friends, order a good dinner while you and your friends entertain each other.

If you wish a more cultural evening, visit a Chinese Acrobatic & Magic Show at Chaoyang Theater (36 Dongsanhuan Beilu, North Eastern Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District) or the Peking Opera at Zhengyici Theater (220 Xiheyan Dajie, Xuanwu District). The Peking Opera is regarded as the highest expression of the Chinese culture. Artistically, Peking Opera is perhaps the most refined form of opera in the world. It has deeply influenced the hearts of the Chinese people.

Beijing Acrobatic Group:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGSFBDQsWBQ