Beijing attractions
故宫/紫禁城 The Forbidden City
Lying at the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was first built throughout 14 years in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Now known as the Palace Museum, it is to the north of Tiananmen Square. Rectangular in shape, it is the world's largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. Surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall, there are more than 8,700 rooms.
天安门 Tian’anmen Square
Tian'anmen Square occupies an area of 49 hectares (122 acres), big enough to hold half a million people. It is the biggest public square in the world. The square has witnessed the Chinese people's struggle against foreign aggression and reactionary rule at home. Many tourists to Tian'anmen Square would like to have their pictures taken in front of the white marble Jinshuiqiao (Gold Water Bridges).
天坛 The Temple of Heaven
Set in the southern section of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is the center of imperial ritual ceremony for Ming and Qing Dynasties. First built in the 18th year of Emperor Yongle of Ming Dynasty, and renovated during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. The complex covers an area of 2.73 million square meters, stretching in the east-west axis 1,700 meters and in the south-north axis 1,600.
颐和园 The Summer Palace
Situated in the western outskirts of Haidian District, the Summer Palace is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from central Beijing. Having the largest royal park and being well preserved, it was designated in 1960 by the State Council, as a Key Cultural Relics Protection Site of China. Containing examples of the ancient arts, it also has graceful landscapes and magnificent constructions. The 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
长城 The Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world. it is an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. The Great Wall is the building project with the longest duration and greatest cost in human lives, blood, sweat and tears. Perhaps the most powerful advertising words in history come from the mouth of Chairman Mao: "Until you reach the Great Wall, you're no hero." (不到长城非好汉).
