Vacation in Beijing China with Asian Vacations, Inc.

BEIJING ATTRACTIONS

The Great Wall: Click here for additional information on the Great Wall of China.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Chairman Mao Zedong said: Only if you have climbed the Great Wall will you become a real man. No matter how much the first time visitor to the wall has read, or how many photographs have been seen, nothing can compare to seeing the real thing. Absolutely amazing. he wall runs approximately 4,000 miles across China from the sea in the east to the far provinces in the west. The Great Wall construction was begun during the Warring States Period of the 5th Century as three separate walls each as a defense from northern nomadic tribes and each other. In the 3rd Century BC Qin Shi Huang unified China and he had the walls linked and extended. He is considered the First Emperor of China. Since then, and through the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the wall was strengthened and extended. From the 17th Century on the wall was left to deteriorate. Peasants in remote provinces stole bricks for building materials The Manchus, invaders from the north, now ruled China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). There are several restored Great Wall sites within easy driving from the city: Badaling in Yanqing County, Mutianyu in Huairou County and Simatai in Miyun County. Badaling is by far the most crowded and touristy. There is a cable car to assist visitors in their climb. Simatai has no cable car and thus requires more physical stamina to climb to the heights. It has fewer visitors. Not all of the accessible area has been restored, thus could be a problem for older visitors. Mutianyu has a cable car and is more accessible to climbers. This site is preferred by individual travelers. Lots of shops and peddlers abound at all restored wall sections. It is a fact of life. Recently other restored areas have opened as well. Many combine a trip to the Great Wall with the Ming Tombs tour. All the sites are heavily visited by Chinese citizens and visitors as it is so revered in China's turbulent history.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Forbidden City:

Forbidden City The Forbidden City is nearly 600 years old and was originally planned and constructed from 1407 to 1420. The principles of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese system of geomancy governed the process. In 1987 the Forbidden City was named a World Heritage Site. Over 100,000 craftsmen and one million laborers were involved in the construction of the 9,999 rooms and halls. The walls surrounding the complex are eleven feet thick and thirty three feet high and it is surrounded by a 164 ft wide moat. At each corner there are watchtowers for protection from possible invaders. The entire complex covers 250 acres. Emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) held court and lived within the walls of the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum. Some treasures remain from the Japanese invasion, and from the Nationalist Chinese taking the most valuable ones to Taiwan in 1949. Those are now on display in the National Museum of Taiwan. The last emperor, Puyi, remained living here for many years after the 1911 Revolution. If you visit without a guide be sure to rent the audio tape available at the entrance. Not only will it give you much information, it will also muffle the sounds of other visitors so your imagination can return to the days of emperors, empresses, intrigues of the court, concubines and eunuchs. Entrance is under Mao Zedong's large portrait in Tian'anmen Square, south gate, and you exit through the Imperial Gardens right before the north gate. Jingshan Park is directly across the street from the north gate. Emperors, the Sons of Heaven, rarely left the complex except for their yearly pilgrimage to the Temple of Heaven to pray for good harvests. Ordinary Chinese men were not allowed inside, all male workers were castrated. The palace eunuchs were usually at the center of court intrigue. In 1998 Puccini's opera, "Turandot", was performed on the grounds of the Forbidden City which was the original setting of the opera. Over 1,000 performers participated and China's famous film director, Zhang Yimou, directed. There were many performances during the week in September, 1998. It was filmed and shown on PBS in the United States.

The Summer Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Summer Palace, Yiheyhun, is located in the northwest area of the city, and during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) was the summer retreat from Beijing's heat for the imperial family and court. Originally created as an imperial garden by Emperor Qianlong, it was destroyed and plundered during the Second Opium War in 1860. In 1888 the notorious Empress Cixi used the money intended for the Chinese Navy to build this opulent summer retreat for herself. In 1900 the Summer Palace was damaged extensively once again during the Boxer Rebellion, but was rebuilt shortly after. Kumming Lake, which is man-made, is available for boat rides during much of the year, but ice skates can be rented during the frozen winter months. Also in the lake is Empress Cixi's famous Marble Boat, China's Navy during that time. The Long Corridor is 795 yards long and parallels the lake. Don't miss the fabulous paintings of Chinese history and legend inside the corridor which have been recently restored. Other highlights are the many pavilions, palaces and halls in this twelve square mile complex, once the playground of the royal court. The grounds with their extraordinary gardens are a favorite destination of Beijingers and travelers and can be very crowded on weekends.

The Temple of Heaven

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Temple of Heaven is located in southeast Beijing and was completed in 1420, but has been expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) Emperors. Qinian Hall, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with the three blue tiled cone shaped roofs, has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing. It was hit by lightning in 1889 and completely restored. No nails or pegs were used in the original construction nor in the restoration. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and Qing Emperors traveled each year from the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven on the winter solstice and in the first month of the lunar calendar to worship, offer sacrifices to heaven, and to pray for good harvests. The Temple of Heaven area is larger than the Forbidden City. Not to be missed. Begin your visit early to the area of the parks surrounding the buildings to watch people doing their early morning Tai Chi exercises, also known as shadow boxing, or watch the many couples ballroom dancing. If you are lucky you may stumble on older gentlemen entertaining their friends with Peking Opera selections, or you might see an owner taking his songbird in cage to the park to greet the morning with his song.

Tian'anmen Square
Every visitor to Beijing gravitates to this Square which has become the pulse of this exciting city of contrasts. It has been said that it can accommodate over one million people in the 122 acres, and is the largest Square in the world. This area has attracted Beijing citizens and visitors since the mid 17th Century, but only in the late 1950's was it formally laid out. Since then many changes have been made to the original concept. In late 1998 and for nearly half of 1999, the Square was closed for a complete refurbishing in anticipation of the October 1, 1999 50th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China (1949 to date). The Square has been the site of many momentous events such as the declaration of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the rallies launching the Cultural Revolution in 1966, the deaths of Mao Zedong and Zhou En-lai in 1976 when millions of mourners packed the Square, and 1989 when student protestors occupied the Square for nearly two months while the world watched the events unfold on TV's in their living rooms. In June, 1989 government troops and tanks brought the event to a violent conclusion. On each 5th year anniversary the government hosts huge military parades highlighting their military might and capabilities. The largest of these events occurred on October 1, 1999 when the 50th anniversary was celebrated. Surrounding the Square are the Great Hall of the People, Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of Chinese Revolution, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, and the Qianmen Gate. On the north end is the Gate of Heavenly Peace which is the entrance to the Forbidden City, or Palace Museum as it is sometime called. The Gate Tower has a large portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong displayed over the entrance. At the center of the Square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes. Visitors may want to visit the Square at sunrise when the national flag is raised each day in a grand ceremony. A similar ceremony is repeated at sunset when the flag is lowered. Bicycles and kite flyers are usually in evidence in the Square as well as hundreds if not thousands of visitors. They are all but specks in this tremendous expanse.

The Lama Temple
The Lama Temple, Yanghegong, has a long and varied history, but is now a typical Tibetan Monastery. Having been closed for many years during the Cultural Revolution it was refurbished and reopened in 1980. Zhou En-lai is said to have saved it from destruction during that time. It is now a working monastery with Mongolian Monks. The temple was originally built in 1694 as the residence of the son of the Qing Emperor, Kangxi. When the son became emperor in 1723 he moved to the Forbidden City and his home was converted into a lamasery, a monastery for Mongolian and Buddhist Monks as it remains today. Lama Temple is extremely popular with residents and visitors who come to worship. As one strolls the ground fragrant incense permeates the air. The temple is laid out on the north-south axis and is composed of five halls and three gates as well as several courtyards. Each hall has a Buddha more spectacular than the last. In the fifth hall the Buddha is seventy five feet high and was carved from one piece of Tibetan sandalwood. While at the temple refrain from photographing any of the monks without their permission. There is no photography allowed of the interiors of the halls.

The Panda House at The Beijing Zoo
The busiest area of the Beijing Zoo is the famous Panda House, home to giant and lesser pandas of China. It is located in the northwest area of Beijing. Don't miss the small Red Pandas in the trees as you exit. Lakes and gardens abound in the zoo complex which is a weekend destination for families. During the week for school groups make the zoo a very busy place. If you have never seen a Panda don't miss the opportunity.

The Chinese Military Museum

The Chinese Military Museum is located in western Beijing just south of the beautiful Yuyuantan Park. The exhibits cover 5,000 years of Chinese Military history. The permanent exhibits include: Hall of the Northern Expedition and Agrarian War, Hall of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Hall of the National Liberation Wars, Hall of Weapons, Hall of Ancient Wars, Hall of Modern Wars. The museum also hosts special exhibitions on national defense, science and technology, and Chinese culture and arts.

The Museum of the Chinese Revolution
A visit to this excellent museum gives an introduction to modern Chinese history from the Opium War to the founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949. The Museum is located on the east side of Tian'anmen Square and shares the building with the Museum of Chinese History. Exhibits highlight the Opium Wars, the 1911 revolution, founding of the Communist Party in 1921, the Japanese invasion in 1937, and Mao Zedong's declaration of independence in 1949. English translations are available for all exhibits. Large Digital Clocks in front of the building counted down the days, hours, and seconds to the return of Hong Kong in 1997, and Macau in 1999.

The Museum of Chinese History
Located on the east side of Tian'anmen Square in the same building as the Museum of the Chinese Revolution. Besides the permanent exhibits, special exhibitions are held here. None of the exhibits have English translations.

The Capital Museum

The Capital Museum houses nearly 200,000 valuable artifacts unearthed in the Beijing area. Among the treasures are ancient coins, stoneware, bonzes, steles, jade, calligraphy and paintings. At the core of the collections are 800 historical relics which outline the history of the Beijing area. The museum has also welcomed important exhibitions from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States. The Capital Museum, located in the Confusius Temple on Guozijian Street, Dongcheng District, is where emperors of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) worshipped Confucius, the noted Chinese philosopher. In the Confucius Temple musical instruments, once used in the ceremonies, are displayed, as well as ancient steles and stone tablets with the "Thirteen Classical Works".

Beijing Museum of Ancient Architectures

If you would like to see a large model of the ancient city of Beijing, do not miss the Beijing Museum of Ancient Architectures which is located on the old site of the Xiannong Altar. This is China's first museum specializing in the collection, study and display of China's ancient architectural technology, art, history and development. The Xiannong Altar was built in 1420 and was the site visited by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and Qing Emperors to offer acrifices to famous gods and to hold tilling ceremonies.

Tongzhou Museum
The Tongzhou Museum features 164 cultural antiquities of the past 2,200 years of the suburban Beijing district of Tongzhou. The museum is housed in a well restored Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) compound with houses around a square courtyard. There are colorful paintings in the rooms of the houses. In the spring a fragrant lilac tree blooms in the center of the courtyard's flower bed. A relief dragon sculpture surrounds the lilac tree.

Lu Xun Museum

Lu Xun is a noted modern Chinese writer. Most of his stories described the sufferings of the Chinese people for the 25 years following the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). The museum houses some of his manuscripts, correspondence and diaries as well as drawings with revolutionary themes. The museum is located in the Xicheng District and is next to the compound which was his home at one time. "The True Story of Ah Q" is one of his most famous stories.

Beijing Art Museum of Stone Carvings

The site of the Wuta (Five Pagoda) Temple is home to this open air museum which is the first museum in China specializing in the collection and exhibition of stone carvings. 600 stone carvings are on display from the permanent collection of over 1,200. These date from the Han to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). Explanation texts are all in Chinese, but at times English speaking guides are available. With permission, rubbings of the stone-carved steles can be made. The museum is located at 24 Wutasicun, Haidian District.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Peiking Man Site & Museum
Near the village of Zhoukoudian, about 37 miles southwest of Beijing, 1920's and 30's excavations unearthed evidence of palaeolithic Man-Homo erectus Pekinensis-which dates to 500,000 to 300,000 years ago. There is now a museum near the original excavations, which hosts visitors. The 'Peking Man' skull disappeared during World War II, but many other artifacts remain and are exhibited.

Song Qing-Ling Museum

Madam Song Qing-Ling was the wife of Dr. Sun-yat Sen who many Chinese consider the founder of modern China. The museum is housed in her large Qing mansion and contains many personal items as well as pictures of her life with her husband. She lived at the house from 1963 until her death in 1981. When visiting do not miss a stroll in the lovely gardens of the home.

Beijing Postal Museum

Any philatelist will certainly enjoy a visit to this small but unique museum in Xiao Baofang Hutong, Chongnei Dajie. There is as much history in the building as in the collections exhibited. It was the General Post Office of Beijing from 1905-07 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD), and remained part of the postal system until it became a private residence in 1959. The museum was established in 1996 and was restored to the original condition with carved beams and painted rafters. The exhibits include postal collections and historical photos celebrating the one hundred year old Beijing Post. Presently it serves as a functioning post office for the old Hutong neighborhood. Philatelic services are available as well.

The National Geological Museum of China
Originally established around 1916 by the Beijing Geological Survey, it has grown from small beginnings specializing in geology and mineral resources, into the largest geological museum in Asia. It is visited by over 100,000 people each year and is located at Xisi Hutong. The museum has been in its present location since 1958. Displays of the over 120,000 items are divided into four main halls: Hall of Geological Resources, Hall of the Earth History, Hall of Minerals and Rocks and Hall of Gems and Jades. Don't miss the huge dinosaurs and the primitive bird fossils.

Beijing Natural History Museum

This natural history museum is the largest of its kind in China, and is located in southern Beijing on the western edge of the Temple of Heaven. The first floor is primarily devoted to zoology and could be considered somewhat dull, but the second floor displays of cross sections of human cadavers and pickled organs most certainly isn't.

Palace Museum
The Forbidden City is also known as the Palace Museum and what treasures there are within this architectural marvel. Even though the Nationalist Chinese Army took thousands of the treasures to Taiwan in 1949, and the Red Guards, during the Cultural Revolution destroyed thousands of others, over 900,000 treasures remain. The Palace Museum is the largest and the most important museum in China and the treasures span thousands of years with some from the bronze age during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1027 or 1766-1122 BC). Included in the collection are bronzes, painting and calligraphy, ceramics, minor arts (lacquer, silverwork, jade and cloisonne') as well as textiles (embroidery and silk tapestries).

Clock Museum

Tucked away towards the rear of the Forbidden City is a marvelous treat, the Clock Museum. Most of the clocks are from the 17th and 18th Century and were made by English and French craftsmen for several Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) Emperors.

Chinese Military Museum

This museum is dedicated to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and is filled with large and small weaponry as well as paintings and photographs of Mao Zedong from his appearance in Chinese history. It is located at 9 Fuxing Lu, Haidian District.

Xu Bei-hong Museum

Xu Beihong (1895-1953) is not a well known artist in the west, but is famous in China for his realistic paintings of galloping horses on canvas. In China the horse is an emblem of speed and perserverance. Xu studied art in France and when he returned to China became an educator and instructor of art. He is considered the father of modern Chinese painting. All of his paintings are considered national treasures. When Xu died his wife donated 1200 of his works and his life's collection of paintings by ancient and modern artists as well as over 10,000 books and picture albums. A small shop on site sells reproductions of his work. His life as an educator continues as students from China and abroad come here to the museum to learn from professors from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. It is located at 53 Xinjiekoubri, Xicheng District.

Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology
The Sackler Museum opened in 1993 on the grounds of Beijing University. It occupies a building specifically designed and constructed for this purpose and is close to the West Gate of the university. It was designed to conform to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) style structures, around a courtyard, and to compliment the existing buildings on the university grounds. For over seventy years these precious artifacts were stored in the archaeology department of the university gathering dust. The well displayed items cover over 280,000 years from the Paleolithic Period to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD), and include archaeological relics as well as early Chinese art. To the west of the site which had been a part of the Old Summer Palace which was destroyed in 1860, the gardens have been beautifully restored and are the future site of the Jillian Sackler Sculpture Garden.

Beijing Art Museum

The Beijing Art Museum was founded in 1985 and is located in the Wanshou Temple, the Temple of Longevity, in western Beijing. The permanent collection includes bronze and jade from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1027 or 1766-1122 BC) and Zhou Dynasty (1027 or 1022 - 221 BC) ceramics, enamels, carved lacquerware, ivory, weavings and embroideries of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). Ancient coins from China and Japan compliment the other collections. There are over 50,000 items from the Neolithic Period to modern times. The Wanshou Temple was erected during the reign of the Ming Dynasty Emperor, Wanli, to store Buddhist scriptures in Chinese. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties birthday celebrations for the imperial family were celebrated there.

Great Bell Temple
The Great Bell Temple is actually a museum of hundreds of bells, and features the Yongle Bell which is the larges bell in China. It is located in a Buddhist Temple, Haidian District, on the Third Ring Road. The Yongle bell weighs 46.5 tons and was cast during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). English explanations of the casting of bronze bells in China are available. When the bell is rung it can be heard 25 miles away. Recordings of the Great Bell Orchestra are for sale on site.

Museum of the Chinese Nationalities
The Museum of the Chinese Nationalities celebrates the architecture, folk customs, food, arts and crafts of China's minority nationalities. Approximately 94% of China's population are Han Chinese. The other 6% of the population are made up of over 50 minorities, or ethnic groups. This large museum is located southwest of the Beijing Asian Games Village next to the China National Olympic Center and it contains over 60,000 items of ethnic cultural relics. Ethnic song and dance performances, art works, sports and festival activities can be enjoyed by visitors.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Ming Tombs

Ming Tomb Sacred Way In Changping County, northwest of Beijing, lie the tombs of thirteen Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) Emperors who ruled China from 1368 to 1644. As one approaches the area via the Spirit Way, or Avenue of the Animals, 24 wonderful Ming Dynasty sculptures of animals appear, each carved out of a single large piece of stone. There are 12 pairs of animals. Beyond the animals are 12 stone carvings of 4 fierce looking soldiers. 4 civil officials, and 4 scholars. Coffins of emperors were carried to their final resting place in their tomb along this avenue.. When a Ming Emperor died all of his concubines were buried alive to serve him in the next world. Emperor Yongle was buried in Changping in 1424 at the end of Spirit Way. A model, with explanations in English, of the entire site is displayed in the Palace of Sacrificing. This is the best preserved of all the tombs. One of the three tombs open to the public is the mausoleum of Ming Dynasty Emperor Wanli. Jewelry, garments, porcelain, curios, and religious artifacts are on display in the museum. A visit to a Great Wall site can easily be combined with a tour of the Ming Tombs.

The Great Hall of The People
The Great Hall of the People, on the west side of Tian'anmen Square was built in Soviet style during the late 1950's. China's People's Congress meets infrequently and at that time the building is closed to the public, otherwise it is open for tours. From the outside the building looks large, but its size cannot be fully appreciated without taking a look for one's self. The banquet hall seats 5,000 for special event dining, and the assembly hall seats just under 10,000. There are 30 reception rooms each named for a region or a city. The decor of each room compliments the style or history of each area. Large murals of Chinese landscape are featured throughout this otherwise somber building.

The Monument to the People's Heroes
In the center of Tian'anmen Square is a 121 foot high obelisk, the Monument To The People's Heroes which was formally dedicated in 1958 to those who died for their country. The foundation was actually laid the evening prior to the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949. The bas relief on the pedestal portrays the struggle of the people from the First Opium War in 1840 to 1949. To see it chronologically begin on the east side and move clockwise. The monument has been the original site of many anti-government riots and demonstrations. It is now closed off to the public and guarded, but one may still get close enough to study the bas relief.

Gongwanfu Tea House
Gongwangfu Tea House is located in northwestern Beijing, north of Beihai Park, off of Luiyan Street (Willow Shadow). The tea house once was the palace of a prince of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). A great place to visit while touring the Hutongs in that area. Beautiful and peaceful gardens surround the charming tea house. Stop in and order tea served in the traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony style. Traditional Qing Dynasty silk robes as well as emperor and empress headdresses are available for picture taking.

The Imperial Garden
When visiting the Forbidden City make certain enough time is allowed to spend some quality time in the last area, the Imperial Garden, a classic Chinese garden. There are four gardens but this is clearly the most beautiful and interesting. The garden was originally laid out and planted during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). There are wonderful cypress and pine trees which are hundreds of years old. Being perfectly maintained allows them to live way beyond their years, and many limbs have been carefully braced. Stands of bamboo, small temples, rare plants, small ponds, the classic rocks used in Chinese gardens combine to provide a most refreshing respite after a long walk. Take the time to relax on one of the jade benches as emperors, their families and other court members once did. Refreshments are available in the area.

Marco Polo Bridge
Debates continues as to whether Marco Polo ever actually saw the bridge that bears his name in western references. The Chinese name is Lugouqiao. The bridge is located in Wanping, Fengtai District, southwest of the city. Originally built in 1192 during the Jin Dynasty, Marco Polo is supposed to have visited in 1290 praising it. When the Yongding River flooded in the late 17th Century it was badly damaged, but was rebuilt soon after. In the 18th Emperor Qianlong added a stele with a calligraphic inscription. One hundred forty stone carved lions, none alike, adorn this impressive structure. In July, 1937 Chinese and Japanese clashed on the bridge and triggered Japan's invasion into China and the start of World War II in Asia. At the end of the bridge there is a very small museum which explains both the history of the town and the bridge. It has been many years since the river ran under the bridge and anything but bicycles and pedestrians crossed it.

Ancient Observatory
Another place to explore the sights of this sprawling city is from the roof of the building of the Ancient Observatory which was originally built in 1442. It is as much as museum as it is an observatory. The Great Khan (Kublai Khan) had founded an observatory close to this sight in the 13th Century. Studies of the heavens had begun thousands of years prior in China. During the imperial years Islamic scientists and Jesuit missionaries were in charge of the facility. There are many original instruments which were originally installed by the Jesuits. On the ground level an English explanation of the main exhibits is available. There is a mixture of original and reproduction instruments throughout but are so noted. It is located at the southeast corner of Second Ring Road and Jian Guo Men Wai Street.

Parks

Many visitors to Beijing are surprised by the abundance of parks and by how much they are used by the citizens. The parks open at sunrise and are quickly filled with mostly older Beijingers practicing 'shadow boxing' or Tai Chi. What a wonderful, magical sight especially on a foggy morning, highly photographed as well. Middle age couples arrive with their portable tape or CD players and dance to western style music. Older gentleman arrive with their song birds to greet the day. Beijing homes are very small and can house many family members so parks become their recreation areas, and use them they do. The spring in Beijing is particularly surprising as there are literally thousands of flowering trees and shrubs all over the city bringing to life the mostly gray city. Many parks and in park areas around the major attractions have creative playgrounds for children, the little 'emperors' or 'empresses' of today's China. Beihai Park is very large and located northwest of the Forbidden City. It is half water and half land. The lake was actually excavated during the Jin Dynasty, (12th-13th Century). Now any visitor can rent Swan Paddle Boats to explore the lake and the environs. In the winter when the lake is frozen ice skates are available for rental. Kublai Khan is reputed to be the original creator of the park. An extraordinary decorated jade vase which was presented to him in 1265 is on exhibition in Round City just inside the southern entrance to the park. Emperor Qianlong is responsible for the fabulous classical Chinese gardens. The Buddhist shrine, White Dagoba, that towers nearly 120 feet over Jade Island was built for the Dalai Lama of Tibet's visit in 1651. The Fangshan Restaurant is famous for serving dishes created from imperial recipes that were once reserved for emperors is located in the park. Just north of the Lama Temple is Ditan Park, Temple of Earth. Built in 1530 it had a similar purpose to the Temple of Heaven. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) Emperors traveled here to make sacrifices each year on the summer solstice. Only after 1911 were ordinary citizens allowed on the grounds. Jingshan Park: Want an extraordinary view of the city of Beijing and of the Forbidden City? As Beijing is basically very flat, climbing to the top of the central pavilion presents an incredible opportunity to survey the landscape and orient yourself. On a clear day one should be able to see the western mountains as well as an all encompassing view of the gold and vermilion Forbidden City. Jingshan Park is directly opposite to the north gate. For over 700 years this park served the Ming and Qing Emperors. The origins of the man-made mounds in the park have several theories. One is that when the moat around the Forbidden City was being dug the removed earth was mounded in Jingsham Park to serve as an observation hill, another has the earth coming from Beihai Park to the west when the lake was excavated, also man-made. Another theory has an emperor storing coal under one of the hills. The park is also known as Coal Hill. Towards the end of the Qing Dynasty the park condition deteriorated. Recently it has been restored and replanted. In the northern end of the park a Children's Palace is located in a building erected under Emperor Qianlong's rule. Once known as the Hall of Imperial Longevity, the Children's Palace now provides after school activities for over 1,000 children each day. Instruction in dancing, singing, theatre, instrumental music, painting and sports are provided. In the center of the south embassy area, and north of the Friendship Store is Ritan Park, Temple of the Sun. The park originally was a 16th Century altar site where the emperor made sacrificial offerings were made to the sun god. Before strolling through Grand View Garden the visitor should read "A Dream of the Red Mansions", an 18th Century classic Chinese novel. The area was designed and built in the 1980's as the set where the most successful production was filmed. The Chinese name for the garden is Daguanyuan, and it is located south of the city, Xuanwu District. The area is a quiet getaway to walk through and relive the novel. There are many paths that lead you around the lake. Taoranting Park is truly an established old neighborhood park. When it was completely redesigned in 1952 excavations revealed that settlements existed as far back as the 3rd Century BC, and imperial records from the 10th thru 13th centuries indicate the existence of a park in the same area. Unlike other parks that were only for the use of the emperor and his family, this park was open to everyone. In the Qing Dynasty the Taoran pavilion became a popular meeting place for poets and other writers of the time. As the Qing Dynasty faded the park decayed as well. The 1952 redesign and renovation included dredging the lakes, building pavilions and forming small hills. Boat rentals are available on the lakes now, and there is also a swimming pool. Soon after sunrise, Tuanjiehu Park, located on Third Ring Road, opens each morning it is quickly filled with shadow boxers from the neighborhood and the office complexes surrounding it. Later in the day small children enjoy the delightful but small amusement park within the park's boundaries. The park is made up of three lakes, many with weeping willow trees gracefully lining the banks. Interesting paths and bridges allow the visitor to forget being in the center of a bustling metropolis. Fragrant Hills Park, the site of several Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and Qing Dynasty temples and villas, is located in northwest Beijing a little over an hour away from the city center. This is a popular destination for Beijingers and visitors offering spectacular views from the highest peak rising nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. The peak may be reached on foot or by a chair lift. Wear your walking shoes as this is a large park with lots to see. The botanical gardens, Temple of Brilliance and the Indian-styled Azure Clouds Temple are some of the sites worth visiting. Late fall when the leaves are turning red is a wonderful time to visit. From the 12th to the end of the 18th Century it was a favorite hunting retreat for the emperors. The Quin Dynasty emperor, Qianlong built a wall around it stocked it with exotic deer and turned it into a park. European armies in 1860 and 1900 as well as decay nearly destroyed the park, but it is gradually being restored. The northern boundary of Zhongsham Park borders the moat of the Forbidden City. During imperial times during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, the Altar of Earth and Grain were located here. Emperors made twice yearly visits offerings to the gods of the fields and agriculture twice a year. It became a public park in 1914 after the fall of the empire in 1911. In the late 1920's the park was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Sun-yat Sen, the founder of the Chinese Republic and the first president. Now there is also a wonderful children's play area which is shaded by ancient cypress trees and is extremely popular with families. West of the Beijing Zoo is Zizhuyuan Park, also knows as "Purple Bamboo Park. The park area contains three lakes, two islands and an abundance of bamboo stands. From 1952-1958 the park underwent major renovations building bridges, dredging lakes and the formation of hills. Flowers were planted and several pavilions were constructed. Bamboo and lotus flowers were the finishing touches which can still be seen in abundance at this well visited park.

The Beijing Wildlife Park
The Beijing Wildlife Park is situated 35 miles from the city center by the side of the newly-built Beijing Kaifeng highway. It is so far the largest wildlife theme park in Beijing area. The park has a very impressive entrance. Small electric pull cart is available to take you to any part of the park at the cost of �5 each time. However, it is not a very long distance from the entrance to the first spot where you will see the animal show at scheduled times (available at the entrance). The animal show includes the elephants, golden monkeys, and various birds, like in most theme parks. After the show, it takes only 2 minutes to reach the bus for the 30 minutes trip around the parts where you will see all the dangerous animals in wild, including lions, wolves, African hunting dogs, tigers, bears, baboons, wild boars, connochaetes, Oryx gazella, etc. End of the trip, it takes 5 minutes to walk to the bird part, where you could take pictures with colorful parrots or marvel at how smart they are to take the big notes from your hand instead of the small ones. You will also be able to see many of the birds on display which are facing extinction. Special tropical bird exhibition is arranged in the middle part followed by the area where you could feed and even talk to birds everywhere around you. Next to the birds live the kangaroos and Chinese monal pheasant. It is a place you could take pictures with all those amiable animals. Be kind to them, or they will never be willing to pose with you for a picture. Panda garden will be available very soon when you may have the chance to cuddle the chubby and cute ones. A morning visit to the park would be mostly encouraged as when you will see most of the animals are eager to show off. We also strongly recommend you to drop in at some of the villages nearby to enjoy the simple life of local farmers. Cost: Adult �85; children and seniors �55.

The Poly Art Museum
The Poly Art Museum is near the Dongsi Shitiao Overpass in Beijing. Since its opening in December 1999, the museum has been active in its pursuit of precious cultural relics lost both domestically and abroad, following the principle of "pursuing neither quantity nor diversity, but rather exquisiteness, rarity and preciousness." In the spring of 2000, the museum retrieved and housed three treasures originating from the Yuan Ming Yuan (the Old Summer Palace) . The bronze heads of an ox, a tiger and a monkey, which have been acclaimed by all who have seen them. The museum is currently running two specialized exhibitions. One is the Exhibition of Selected Ancient Chinese Bronze Ware, which comprises 150 pieces (sets) of bronze ware from the 16th Century BC to AD 9th Century. These exhibits reflect the course of development of the ancient Chinese Bronze Age civilization. Among them are priceless rarities, such as a zun (a wine container) decorated with the animal-mask motif of three ox heads, and a set of Rongsheng chime bells. The second, the Exhibition of Selected Ancient Chinese Stone Carvings of Buddhist Images, focuses on Chinese Buddhist art at its zenith, and includes over 40 Buddhist stone carvings from the 5th to the 8th centuries. Among the exhibits are well preserved Buddhist sculptures, created from the 6th to 7th centuries in Qingzhou Prefecture, Shandong Province. This is the first time these artifacts have been shown to the public. These two exhibitions provide the public with fresh knowledge on ancient Chinese bronze art and Buddhist sculpture. Since May 2000, the Poly Art Museum has been cooperating with the relevant government departments in staging a mobile exhibition of Yuan Ming Yuan state treasures in 12 cities, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing. To date, the exhibition has received nearly 3 million visitors. The museum has commissioned 50 top specialists in cultural relics from the Chinese mainland as its advisors, thus creating a precedent within the sphere of Chinese museum circles.