Beijing (Forbidden City, summer palace, temple of heaven, great wall)

Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of China, it is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. Beijing is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies. The metropolis, located in northern China, borders Hebei Province to the north, west, south, and a small section to the east, and Tianjin Municipality to the southeast.

Beijing is an ancient city with history as long as about 5000 years. Back in Zhou dynasty, Beijing was called Ji at that moment, was the capital of Yan. There after Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasty all have Beijing as their Capital city. The long history leaves Beijing precious cultural treasures. There are several spots are confirmed as world culture heritage by UNESCO, including the Great wall, not far from Beijing, is the only man-made structure that could seen in outer space. The forbidden city is the largest royal palace in the world. However the best representatives for Beijing are Hutong and Square Courtyard(Si he yuan).

Where to go:

The Palace museum  (the Forbidden city)

The Palace Museum was commissioned by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420. The Forbidden City was the seat of Imperial power for over 500 years, and is the palace museum. The total area of the complex is 183 acres, so it takes quite a while to walk through, if you want to take close look to everything, the tour will take more than a whole day to complete .people say  there are 9,999 1/2 rooms all together in the Museum, but not all of which can be visited.

Ticket : 60 yuan

Open: 8:30~17:30 (ticket office close at 16:00)

Location: No.4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District

The summer palace

In 1750, Emperor Qianlong paid 4.48 million taels of silver, an equivalent of 140,000 kilograms, to invest in building the Garden of Clear Ripples(the summer palace).

Ticket : 30 yuan

Open: 6:30~18:00 (ticket office close at 16:30)

Location: No.19,Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District.

The temple of heaven

The Temple of Heaven was initially built in the eighteenth year of the Ming Dynasty (in 1420). Located in the southern part of Beijing city, it covers an area of 273 hectares. It is a place for Emperors from both the Ming and Qing Dynasties' to worship god and to pray for harvest. There are a lot of prominent places in this park such as the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Long Corridor, the Echo Wall, the Seven-Star Stone and many other areas of historic interest and panoramic beauty.

Ticket : 15 yuan

Open: 6:00~22:30

Location: No.1,Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District .

The great wall (Badaling)

The Great Wall at Badaling is located in Yanqing County, which is about 60 kilometers northwest to the city . It is the most representative section of the “Great Wall” from the Ming Dynasty. The wall was built on the ridges of the mountains. Various beacon towers were erected at strategic points along the wall. The wall looks magnificent and best epitomizes the magnificence of traditional Chinese architecture.

Ticket : 45 yuan

Open: 6:30~19:00

Location: In the southwestern part of Yanqing County.

Shi cha hai

This scenic area contains the largest and best-preserved age-old block in the city. In the Yuan Dynasty it was the capital’s center for commerce. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was home to many high officials, now it is a great place for visitors to enjoy “Beijing Culture”. There are several great scenic spots in this area such as Lotus market, Yinding Bridge， Prince Gong’s mansion and so on. And there are quite a few famous typical Beijing restaurants in this area.

Location : opposite the north gate of Beihai Park, Di’anmen West Street, Xicheng District

Capital museum

After four years of hard work, the capital museum finally made its debut along the western extension of Chang’an Street. With its magnificent architecture, abundant exhibitions, advanced technology and remarkable functions, the Capital Museum, makes its contribution to the titles such as “famous historical and cultural city”, “cultural center” and “international metropolis” of Beijing and ranks among the first class museums both at home and abroad.

Ticket： free

Open: 9:00~17:00(ticket office close at 16:00)

Location: No.16, Fuxingmenwai Street, Xicheng District .

The Southern Gong and Drum Lane

The Southern Gong and Drum Lane has the reputation of being one the oldest Hutongs in Beijing. This street is now a favorite shopping, bar and restaurant street for tourists and expats, and some of the stores and restaurants are owned or staffed by expats. Some of the places are upscale and designed for expat executives. The street is popular among young people, it is less expensive then upscale places, it is a more relaxed shopping and eating street popular with tourists who want to save money and with young people.

Location: Di’anmen East Street, Dong Cheng District.

Where to eat:

Quan Ju De (guan-lu roast duck) http://www.qmquanjude.com.cn/

Bian Yi Fang (Men-lu roast duck) http://www.bianyifang.com/ 

Dong Lai Shun(Beijing Hotpot) http://www.donglaishun.com/

Fang Shan (royal court food)http://www.fangshanfanzhuang.com.cn/ (in Beihai Park)

Ting Li Guan (royal court food)http://www.tingliguan.com/  (in the Summer Palace)

Hu guo si  Gourmet street

Location: No.96, Huguisi Street, Xichen District, 35 meters north to Pinganli subway station

Qianmen gourmet  street

Location: go to Qianmen  pedestrian street, jinyuhutong