Beijing in Review
Beijing, one of the six ancient cities in China and the nation’s political, economic, cultural and educational centre, never ceases to intrigue its visitors. The city moves effortlessly between past and present and the vibrant mix of ancient history and exciting modern development offers a wealth of discovery to every traveller exploring the land of the rising sun.
With its Temple of Heaven, one of the finest examples of religious architecture, the Forbidden City that is the largest and best preserved Imperial Palace complex in the world and a fantastically saved part of the Great Wall, Beijing attracts both domestic and foreign visitors who come to marvel at treasures and relics of the city’s 500,000 years old and illustrious history.
Beijing houses lots of beautiful temples. When you visit these former centres of religious life, make sure to include the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple and the Temple of Confucius in honour of this great thinker.
Strolling beneath the red flags of Tiananmen Square, the political heart of modern China and the largest public square in the world, you will still find Beijing to have a lot in common with any other great metropolis in the world; towering skyscrapers, bustling shopping malls, modern hotels and busy traffic.
Traditional markets where you can haggle for the best prices offer the finest silk, handicrafts, shoes, souvenirs and antiques and turn shopping into an unforgettable experience. Topped off with delicious and diverse Chinese cuisine and a colourful choice of night life including the Beijing Opera, acrobatic shows and dramatic performances, Beijing is a magical destination and you will leave with a feeling of special appreciation in your heart for this ancient city.
- From our editor V.White – United Kingdom