BEIJING

BEIJING – CAPITAL OF CHINA

It was a friend's company trip, and my mother and me were cordially invited to join them for a 6D5N tour to Beijing, in 2005.

ICON OF CHINA - GREAT WALL OF CHINA

TIANANMEN SQUARE

TIANANMEN SQUARE – is the largest public square in the world and is considered a symbol of the People's Republic of China. The square is surrounded b a cluster of buildings including Tiananmen Gate, The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of the People, The Monument of the People's Heroes and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. Tiananmen attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its political and historical significance. The square was renovated for the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

FORBIDDEN CITY

FORBIDDEN CITY also known as Former Palace was the imperial residence of the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. The complex has 70 structures and more than 9,000 rooms. It is surrounded by a high wall and encircled by a moat. It is turned into a museum in the early 20^th century, it houses a collection of fine treasures. The National Party took a large number of these treasures to Taiwan in 1949, but 900,000 relics remain. There is a royal garden at the back of the palace.

SUMMER PALACE

SUMMER PALACE – The Summer Palace was the royal summer residence during the Qing Dynasty. The palace grounds cover an area of 290 hectares, ¾ of which is Kunming Lake. Within the grounds there is a diverse collection of gardens that form a overall harmony. During summer, this attraction offers a number of pleasant respites from Urban Beijing including walks along the West Bank or through the elaborate Xie Qu Garden. The Summer Palace is known for its 17-arch bridge, and the long corridor decorated with brightly-colored paintings.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN – The stunning temple park was built between 1406 – 1420, situated at the south of the City. Here, the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed, through an elaborate ritual, to the Gods for good rains and harvests. There are 4 main areas – Round Altar, Echo Wall, Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a symbol of Beijing, and a whisper at any point on the echo wall can be heard anywhere else along its length.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

GREAT WALL OF CHINA – stretches east to west for more than 5000 km. Its origins can be traced to the 7^th BC century, when independent kingdoms constructed separate walls to keep out marauding nomads. China's first emperor linked many of these during the Qing Dynasty (221-207 BC). It was renovated several times in later centuries. Built along the rolling ridges of steep mountains, it offers spectacular awe-inspiring views. After walking at least to the middle of the wall, I feel that I have achieved something – an additional visited place for the Wonders of the World – where the Great Wall of China is in the list.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

 QIANMEN TOWER (QIANMENJIANLOU)- was built during the Ming Dynasty and has nine city gates one of which is the Gate of Victory. The emperor was the only person allowed to enter through the gate. Today, visitors can visit the tower and the 'feng shui museum' located on the tower ground.

QIANMEN TOWER

UNDERGROUND CITY – was opened in 2000. It was once a tunnel used between 1969 and 1979 to protect the people during a war between China and Russia. In the tunnel, there is a meeting room, soldier room, hospital, arsenal, military factory and even a silk factory. 

UNDERGROUND CITY

SHOPPING – for those who cannot do without shopping, go to Liu Li Chang cultural street or the antiques street, Wan Fu Jing Shopping Area similar to Singapore's Orchard Road, Want Fu Jing Night Market, Jade Factor (Jin Siwei Yuqilin Shopping Centre), Pearl Factory (Jinbaotang Jewellery Centre), Porcelain Factory (Beijing Enamel Factory), Beijing Baoshutang Pharmacertical Company and Crystal Factory (Shui Yang Trading Centre).

LEGEND OF KUNG FU AT RED THEATRE

SHOW TIME – a must see Acrobatic Tiantan and Legend of Kung Fu at the Red Theatre. For a more sizzling experience – take a peek into Beijing's nightlife at the city's Red Light District, Gay Bars and the Hard Rock Cafe.

HARBIN REPLICA - to see the beautiful statue and landscape that can be found in Harbin, China - coupled with snow.

HARBIN REPLICA

ONE FOR THE ALBUM

MARCH 2 – 7, 2005