Beijing
Beijing (Peking), capital of China, borders Hebei Province and Tianjin Municipality. It is one of China's four provincial-level municipalities (Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing) and is China's largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of China. It hosted the 2008 Summer Olympic and the 2008 Summer Paralympics.
With a history of 3000 years, Beijing has 7300 cultural relics and historical sites, among which the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall were listed as World Heritage Sites. Architecture in Beijing blends the old and the new. The historical ones include imperial architecture such as Tian'anmen (天安门, Tiān Anmén) and common style such as Siheyuan (courtyard houses) and Hutongs (alleys). The modern ones include Olympic Sports Center Stadium (Bird's Nest) and other venues that were constructed for the Olympic games.
Beijing Opera (Peking Opera) is considered one of the highest achievements of Chinese culture. Mandarin cuisine is the local style of cooking, with Peking Roast Duck and the Manhan Quanxi (Manchu-Han Chinese full banquet) being the most well-known dishes.
What to see in Beijing?
Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall: Of course no tour to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall. The Great Wall is definitely the highlight of a Beijing tour.July 7, 2007 has once again witnessed the worldwide reputation that the Great Wall gained: it was listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Forbidden City
Summer Palace
Forbidden City: Their residence on the earth was built as a replica of the Purple Palace where the God lived in the Heaven.The splendid architecture of the Forbidden City represents the essence and culmination of the traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment.
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.By the time of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it had become a luxurious royal garden providing royal families with rest and entertainment.
The Temple of Heaven
The Ming tombs
The Temple of Heaven:It is the most holy of Beijing Imperial temples. The temple of Heaven was where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest.
The Ming tombs:It was widely held in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that although dead physically, a persons soul remained, still having human needs. Consequently, the 13 emperors tome complexes look like imperial palaces.
The Sacred Way
The Sacred Way
The Sacred Way:In the front part of the imperial necropolises, there usually is a Sacred Way (or Divine Road) which means the road leading to heaven. The Emperor, known as the Son of the Heaven, who came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way, also deservedly would return to Heaven through this road.
Hutong Tours in Rickshaw
Hutong Tours in Rickshaw
Hutong Tours in Rickshaw:Visitors from Austria said:" you must find Beijing's tradition in Hutongs. It expresses well the traditional Chinese culture."
There are numerous sites worth visiting in your Beijing tour. One visit simply isn't enough. There is the Museums, Beihai Park, Drum and Bell Towers, Lama Temple, Prince Gong Mansion, Qing Dynasty Imperial Tombs, the list is endless.
Because Beijing was the host of the 2008 Olympics, The Olympic venues the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and Aquatic Center (Water Cube) are world famous.
Peking Opera and The Beijing Kung Fu Show
Peking (Beijing) Opera
Beijing Kung Fu Show:
Peking (Beijing) Opera :Known as the national opera of China, Peking (Beijing) Opera is the most influential and representative of all the operas in China, and one of the three main theatrical systems in the world.
Beijing Kung Fu Show:The Legend of Kung Fu follows the story of a young boy found wandering outside an ancient temple. Like every boy in China, he dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master. On the road to enlightenment the young monk encounters many difficulties and temptations.
What to eat in Beijing?
Peking Duck
Peking Duck
Special Food:Beijing's most famous dish, Peking Duck is traditionally served with Mandarin pancakes, and green onions for brushing on the hoisin sauce.
Recommended Tours
11 Days China Splendid Ancient Capital Tour from $1601
other cities of Four Great Ancient Capitals of China: Xian ,Luoyang , Nanjing
