Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen, literally meaning Gateway of Heavenly Peace (which sits North, separating it from the Forbidden City), is perhaps the most important spot in Beijing and China. This is the largest city square in the planet, and has been the stage for many important events, especially the pro-democracy movement of 1989, which ended with many protestor deaths caused by government troops.
Built in 1417 by the Ming Dynasty, the Gate was destroyed during battles and eventually reconstructed to about 4 sizes larger of its original dimension. Beautiful monuments like Maoïs Mausoleum and Monument to the Peopleïs Heroes can be appreciated at Tianamen Square.
Tours available from The China Guide, and independently travel company managed by an American staff.
www.thechinaguide.com
Stay at: Prime Hotel Beijing
Prime Hotel Beijing is located near downtown Beijing, fitted with modern room facilities. The hotel was renovated in 2003, offering spacious and affordable rates for a 5 star hotel.
2 Wangfujing Street
Beijing, China
Great Wall of China
One of the few and rare man-made structures to be visible from space, this is truly an epic and breathtaking sight. This string of stone fortresses spans 8,851.8 km (5,500.3 mi), including actual walls, trenches, hills, and rivers. The Great Wall of China was originally built to protect and defend the Chinese Empire from Xiongnu during several dynasties.
The Great Wall is accessible from Beijing by bus – about a 2 or 3 hour drive. Try to get to the Badaling portion, which is restored and safer. If you go in the summer be ready for scorching temperatures…and beware of freezing temperatures during the winter as well. The Great Wall of China, aside from being one of the biggest tourist magnets, has been an attraction to many world leaders and celebrities.
Stay at: Jinshanling Hotel at the Great Wall
This courtyard styled hotel, lying at the base of the Great Wall, allows visitors to spend the night as an alternative option to sleeping on the wall. A convenient restaurant offers both western and Chinese style breakfast. Standard rooms offer hot showers, western toilets, and Chinese TV. Deluxe rooms with private courtyard and living rooms are available as well.
Ph. (+8610) 8532-2274
Beijing, China
Forbidden City
Called Gu Gon in Chinese, the Forbidden City, lies in the center of Beijing, North of Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City used to be the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Home to the Palace Museum, spectacular edifice is dominated by the color yellow. Roofs, decorations, glazed tiles are all painted with this color. Wenyuange is the exception with its black roof which was believed to extinguish away fire with its representation of water. You will be able to see intricate and amazing decorations, palace halls, sculptures, which took over 15 years and 1 million workers to complete.
Stay at: Days Inn Forbidden City
Conveniently located in central Beijing, the Days Inn Forbidden City, is close to downtown, permitting a comfortable walking distance to the wonders this part of Beijing has to offer. Nestled among a cluster of thousand year trees, the hotel serves its guests with a pleasant mix of contemporary and ancient allure.
Days Inn Forbidden City
No. 99, Nanheyan Street
Dongcheng District
Beijing, China 100006
Ph. 86 10 65127788
www.daysinn.cn/english/hotel/forbidden_a.htm
Temple of Heaven
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven lies in the southern part of central Beijing. Built in 1402 AD as an offer of sacrifice to heaven by the Ming Dynasty, this complex of Taoist buildings has been ground to visits of Emperors from the various dynasties, who gathered there to pray for good harvests. The layout consists of 3 groups of constructions including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar. Come early and you’ll get a glimpse of locals practicing Tai Chi. The Temple of Heaven is open from 6 AM to 10 PM.
The entrance fee costs 10 CNY (Chinese Yuan), about USD $1.50. Combination tickets which include The Hall of Ceremonial Music, Hall of Abstinence, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar, and The Echo Wall, go for 30 CNY, about USD $4.40. Recommended visit time for the Temple of Heaven is around 1 to 2 hours.
Stay at: Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven
Located 40 minutes from Beijing International Airport, 15 minutes from Beijing South Railway Station, and 10 minutes by foot to the nearest subway station. Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven offers commodities suited for all types of travelers, whether you’re on business or on vacation with your family. Guests may choose from three of the different food facilities available, as well as enjoy the well-equipped gym inside the hotel.
No.1 Dingïan East Li
Fengtai District
Beijing, China 100075
www.ichotelsgroup.com/
Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)
The Beijing National Stadium, mostly known as the Bird’s Nest, was constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Worth $423 million dollars, this is the world’s largest steel standing structure. It has a seating capacity of 91,000, as well as 11,000 temporary seats. Designed by a Swiss architectural firm, the Stadium is based on the study of Chinese Ceramics. Its steel beams hide supports for its retractable roof, giving it the appearance of a “Bird’s Nest”.
After its 2008 Olympic days, the stadium has been home to the Turandot Opera, the Italian Super Cup, and the Race of Champions. The stadium owners are in talks to turn the place into a huge shopping and entertainment center complex. The National Stadium is open on weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM, and on weekends and holidays from 9 AM to 9:30 PM. Admissions fees change depending on the type of activity you want to do.
A regular visit to the Stadium will cost you 50 CNY, and 80 CNY if you want to see during the weekday. Skiing during weekends and holidays is a little pricier, costing 140 CNY. If you want to combine both the National Stadium visit and skiing in one day, tickets are available for 120 CNY during the weekday and 180 CNY during weekends and holidays.
Beijing National Stadium
www.n-s.cn/en/