If you are traveling in China, you will want to take some time to visit Beijing, the sprawling capital. There are several flights to Beijing from Cathay Pacific available. This city has a long history and is famous for its modern architecture. The city’s highlights include the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also home to the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the National Museum of China.
Tiananmen Square
Tianmen Square is the city square of Beijing, China. Its name comes from Tiananmen Mountain that lies to the north of the square and separates it from the Forbidden City. It has a rich history and is a must-see for any visitor to the capital city.
The protests in Beijing marked a turning point in the history of democracy in China. In the streets, there was chaos, as angry crowds smashed army vehicles near the Zhongnanhai and stoned the Great Hall of the People. In the midst of the chaos, young soldiers clutching submachine guns tried to push through the throngs of demonstrators near the train station. Police beat people severely and fired tear gas.
The center of the square is home to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Monument to the People’s Heroes. These structures are nearly 40 meters high and are the sites of the National People’s Congress. The front gate of the square was built during the time of the Yongle emperor.
Activists are increasingly under pressure since the Chinese party leadership has shifted its focus from opening up the economy to opening up civil society. However, there has been an increase in censorship and restrictions for activists since 2012. The crackdown on Tiananmen Square has become a minor part of China’s history, and many activists have been moved away from their hometowns and cities to avoid being repressed.
On the day of the protests, thousands of students and residents of Beijing marched to Tiananmen Square. Their banners demanded greater freedom and democracy. The party leadership was split between conservatives and reformers. Zhao Ziyang was more liberal, giving the reformers the upper hand. The students regarded education as their most important right, and they considered themselves children.
The Forbidden City
Beijing’s Forbidden City is steeped in history and culture. With imposing architecture and intricate artwork, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see for visitors to China. Sarah is a writer and social media specialist with a bucket list as long as her arm.
Construction began in 1406 and lasted 14 years, during which more than one million workers were needed to build the complex. The Forbidden City was home to 24 successive emperors and is still largely intact today. The palace was also home to 24 emperors. Between 1420 and 1911, the Qing dynasty held the center of power. During the Manchu period, the emperor Puyi lived in the inner court until the Qing dynasty fell, but he was unable to reclaim it until the 1920s. Afterward, the palace was turned into a museum for the public to view, and the public is now allowed to visit it by entering through the Meridian Gate or the Gate of Spiritual Valor.
The Forbidden City’s architecture is based on the ancient Chinese geomantic practice of feng shui. The outer court is aligned on a north-south meridian, while the inner court contains smaller buildings. The outer court has vast ceremonial halls, while the inner court is home to more intimate structures that served as living quarters for the imperial family.
The Forbidden City is open to the public at 8:30 am every day, but the best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid tour buses. Tickets for the Forbidden City close at four in the afternoon in the winter and 4:00 in the afternoon during the summer. It’s essential to book tickets in advance to avoid crowds and crowded conditions.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the city’s most iconic travel attractions. Its section in the Badaling district is less than an hour’s drive from Beijing. You can take a cable car or walk part of the way to the top, which isn’t too strenuous. The Wall’s museum is an interesting place to learn more about the history of the Wall.
To experience the wall, the most recommended way to visit it is with a professional guide. They will explain the history of the Wall to you and point out the best photo spots. A tour guide will ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. If you are a foreigner, consider the difficulty level and wear suitable clothing. You will also need a good supply of water.
The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago to defend China from barbarians in the north. Unfortunately, it didn’t last as long as it was intended to, and eventually was destroyed by the Mongols and Manchus. While it’s no longer safe to visit, you can visit parts of the wall that are still intact. Some of the sections are accessible from central Beijing, while others require a bit of patience.
The Great Wall is a popular travel attraction for Chinese tourists and travelers, and is an incredible historical and cultural landmark. Beijing offers many ways to experience it, including taking a bus to Gubeikou. A bus from Miyun station can take you there in under an hour.
There are many sections of the Great Wall, and each section has a different charm and style. The Simatai section, 120 kilometers from Beijing, is a beautiful spot that blends ancient walls and beautiful lake scenery. Huanghuacheng is another section, 75 kilometers and a one-half-hour drive from Beijing.
The Water Cube
The Water Cube, also known colloquially as the Ice Cube, is an aquatics center located on the Olympic Green in Beijing. It is home to the world’s largest indoor swimming pool and is a popular attraction in the area. It is located within the National Aquatics Centre.
The Water Cube’s facade is illuminated with a fluid LED light display that changes day-to-day to match the mood of Chinese citizens expressed via social networks. The lights are controlled by state-of-the-art computer programs that analyze emotional data shared by Chinese microblogging sites. The computer algorithms create a picture that is a unique expression of the day.
The Water Cube’s structure consists of an internal and an external steel frame. The steel frame forms the roof, ceiling, and walls of the building. The ETFE material, which has no flammable properties, has a self-cleaning ability and does not attract dust. It also recycles rainwater, which is collected on the building’s roof and stored in a central pool.
The Water Cube is a multipurpose leisure building that has swimming pools, ice-skating rink, a cinema, and other entertainment features. During the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, the Water Cube Aquatics Center was home to many swimming events. During the Games, 25 world records were broken here. In the summer of 2009, the Water Cube hosted several sound and light shows, and it was even transformed into a ballet theater for Swan Lake.
The Water Cube will be used for curling during the 2022 Winter Olympics. It will also host swimming and curling tournaments. During the Olympics, the venue will also serve as a base for the Olympic ice rink. After the games, the venue will serve as a public water park.