Beijing
The Chinese phrase Four Great Ancient Capitals of China traditionally refers to Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang and Nanjing.
Few cities in the world besides Beijing have served as the political and cultural centre of an area as immense as China for so long. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates, such as Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, etc. Xi'an is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and known as the site of the Terracotta Army, made during the Qin Dynasty. The city has more than 3,100 years of history, and was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty. Situated on the central plain of China, one of the cradles of the Chinese civilization, Luoyang is famous for Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple and Peony (city flower of Luoyang). Located in the lower Yangtze River drainage basin and Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing has always been one of China's most important cities with lots of famous spots, such as: City Wall of Nanjing, Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, etc.
To discover the real cultural and historical China, traveling along the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China is the best choice.
What to see in Beijing?
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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.
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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. .
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hutong Tours in Rickshaw
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.
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Peking Opera and The Beijing Kung Fu Show
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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.
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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.
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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.
What to eat in Beijing?
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Peking Duck
Beijing's most famous dish, Peking Duck is traditionally served with Mandarin pancakes, and green onions for brushing on the hoisin sauce.
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