- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
The Glossary
China's capital, Beijing or Peking, is where modernism blends with tradition. It was home to the Peking Man from 500,000 years ago, to Ming and Qing dynasty emperors from 100 to 600 years back, to the 2008 World Olympics, and to today's dozens of bike lanes and railways that make the city the biggest railway hub in China and the so-called "bicycle capital" of the world.
Almost every opulent palace, temple, museum, and university in this metropolis has been the catalyst of China's history and culture for centuries, which is why Beijing has been named one of China's "Four Great Ancient Capitals" and "one of the world's great cities" by Encyclopedia Britannica.
World's biggest square
Life in Beijing centers on Tiananmen Square, the world's biggest square that can contain up to a million people. It is traditionally used for military parades and major festivals, but is best-known as the site of the 1989 Massacre, in which hundreds of protesters were killed by soldiers. The Great Hall of the People, China's legislature, is located in the square, alongside the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the Museum of Chinese History, Monument to the People's Martyrs, and Mao Mausoleum, the resting place of Mao Zedong, the father of Chinese Revolution.
South of Tiananmen Square is the 15th-century Temple of Heaven, one of China's most sacred sites for Taoist worship. It has become Beijing's symbol as locals troop here to sip tea or to practice tai chi. Another temple, Yonghegong or Lama Temple, is one of the biggest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries on the planet. It contains China's biggest wooden Buddha.
Other highlights
Fronting the square is Qianmen Gate, which separates it from the Forbidden City, a 15th-century palace complex recognized as a World Heritage Site for being the home of the emperors for 500 years and for having the world's biggest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures.
In Chaoyang District lies the National Stadium or Bird's Nest, the planet's biggest steel structure and home to the 2008 Olympics.
Just outside the city is Badaling, the most visited and most photographed slab of the Great Wall.
Beijing Landmarks:
Beijing Traveler Advice
Beijing photography
Some art from the 798 art factory in Beijing by Communitriper
Beijing Theater by Communitriper
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See AllIn our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
