Beijing, China
Beijing, Jing for short, is
the nation's political, economic, cultural
and educational center as well as China's
most important center for international
trade and communications. Together with
Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing and
Hangzhou, Beijing is one of the six ancient
cities in China. It has been the heart and
soul of politics and society throughout its
long history and consequently there is an
unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight
and intrigue travelers as they explore
Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its
exciting modern development.
Forbidden City
Enclosed by 3.5km of citadel walls at the
very heart of Beijing, the Unesco-listed
Forbidden City is China’s largest and
best-preserved collection of ancient
buildings – large enough to comfortably
absorb the 16 million visitors it receives
each year. Steeped in stultifying ritual,
this otherworldly palace was the reclusive
home to two dynasties of imperial rule,
sharing 900-plus buildings with a retinue of
eunuchs, servants and concubines, until the
Republic overthrew the last Qing emperor in
1911.
Temple of Heaven Park
An oasis of methodical Confucian design, the 267-hectare Temple of Heaven Park is unique. It originally served as a vast stage for solemn rites performed by the emperor (the literal 'Son of Heaven'), who prayed here for good harvests at winter solstice and sought divine clearance and atonement. Since 1918 this private imperial domain has opened its gates to common folk, who still congregate daily to perform taichi, twirl on gymnastics bars and sing revolutionary songs en masse.
Summer Palace
A marvel of Chinese garden design and one of Beijing's must-see attractions, the Summer Palace was the royal retreat for emperors fleeing the suffocating summer torpor of the old imperial city and, most recently, it was the retirement playground of Empress Dowager Cixi. It merits an entire day’s exploration, although a (high-paced) morning or afternoon exploring its waterways, pavilions, bridges and temples may suffice.
Flanked by triumphalist Soviet-style buildings, Tian'anmen Sq is an immense void of paved stone (440,000 sq metres, to be precise) at the symbolic centre of the Chinese universe. Watched over by Mao's portrait (and the eyes of hundreds of security personnel), it's an iconic if disquieting place for a stroll. Highlights on the square itself include the daily flag-raising (and lowering) ceremony, Mao's mausoleum and the Zhengyang Gate. Access is via the underpasses beside Tian'anmen East and Tian'anmen West subway stations (Line 1).