Travel Beijing

Beijing is China’s center of economic, political, educational and cultural worlds. Beijing is considered an ancient city, in addition to Kaifeng, Luoyang, Kian, Hangzhou and Nanjing. Travelers everywhere flock to Beijing to experience a city that’s a special blend of ancient heritage and modern progress.

Beijing, the capital of The People’s Republic of China, boasts a population of over 14 million. This bustling Asian city is fortunate enough to experience four distinct seasons, and has something to offer year-round. In spring and summer, you can enjoy warm sunny skies and lots of outdoor festivals and performances. Fall is a time of changing leaves and crisp weather, while winter is the perfect time to go skiing or enjoy other snowy activities.

For culture and fun, check out the Beijing Opera. Or, visit one of Beijing’s many clubs, lounges, dance clubs or pubs. There’s ballroom dancing, martial arts, and many other diversions to keep you busy while in this fascinating city. Visit a teahouse or stroll through a beautiful Chinese garden. There are many diversions to capture your imagination and attention in this gorgeous Asian locale.

There are a wide variety of choices available to you when it comes to accommodations. Experience luxury in one of Beijing’s world class hotels, which feature such amenities as spa services, room service, and more. When it comes to where to eat while in Beijing, your possibilities are unlimited. Try authentic Chinese cuisine or grab some fast food. No matter what you like to eat, you can find it in Beijing.

Beijing also boasts some of the finest educational facilities in the world. If you’re looking for a city that has it all, then Beijing is it. The friendly people, amazing heritage and variety of things to do and see make Beijing a destination you’ll want to visit again and again.

Exploring the Heart of the city
The central areas around the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) and city gates have been designated as protected landmark districts that retain the features of Old Beijing. The Forbidden City at the centre is surrounded in concentric circles by the Inner City and Outer City. Also known as the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City is truly the spot to appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Get there when the gates open (around 8.30am) if you want to walk through the vast and spectacular courtyards in relative peace.

A good place to start exploring the city is Tiananmen Square, built by Mao to impress, is the largest square in the world and is the place where Mao Tse Tung declared the foundation of the People’s Republic. It is surrounded by Soviet-style monuments and government buildings, and houses Mao’s mausoleum on the opposite side of the Forbidden City entrance. Today, the Square is more closely identified with the suppression of the student-led pro-democracy protests of spring 1989.

The Lama Temple or Palace of Peace, was built by Chinese emperors who harboured a deep fascination for the Tibetan (Tantric) version of Buddhism. Over the years many Tibetan and Mongolian monks lived and taught here, and there are still monks in residence today. The temple is famous for its 18m statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

The Winter Palace or Beihai is a good place to take a glance at Zhongnanhai, the heart of Communist China. The counterpart of a beautiful white pagoda of 17th century and of a peaceful island in the middle of the park, is a skyline made up of giant Government buildings (PRC’s Ministry of Defence and General Staff). Before you leave the park, visit some small but beautiful gardens on the north bank.

The Hutong Villages of Beijing most represent the traditional housing of Chinese locals and are the perfect place to get a glimpses of Chinese daily life. Unfortunately, the majority of Hutongs have been demolished to make space for modern buildings. Better see these typical Hutong Villages with rickshaws that can weave in and out of their narrow streets. Another interesting experience is an early morning visit to one of Beijing’s public parks. This is when people indulge in their particular physical activities as Tai Chi, jogging, singing or even ballroom dancing.

Located on south east of the Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven is not only a beautiful sight, but also the greenest public park of Beijing. The temple itself was the site where the emperor prayed every year for good harvests and fair weather. In the north-western corner of Beijing, is a good place for weekend outings and picnics. Formerly a Qing imperial garden, today the Fragrant Hills makes an easy short climb in the suburbs of Beijing. Beijing Botanical Gardens, just steps away from the east gate of Fragrant Hill, offer acres of greenery and flowers for those tired of urban smog and traffic noise. In the spring, the gardens hosts special exhibits of tulips, peach, plum blossoms and peonies.