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The structure was built in the early 1400s during the Ming Dynasty; it lasted into the Qing Dynasty. It offers a glimpse at gorgeous, ancient Chinese architecture. The palace is so impressive that it was named a World Heritage Site in 1987; it has contributed greatly to architecture and history. The palace, with its immense size, includes nearly 10,000 rooms, a moat, and a protective wall. Today, these features can be viewed; the location also houses the Palace Museum.

The palace was a major undertaking, involving fifteen years of construction and over one million workers. Precious trees and special bricks were used in the construction of the palace, which was the home of the Ming Emperor. The palace was the home of 24 Chinese emperors until the last emperor, Puyi, abdicated.

There is some controversy in recent years, as modernization and commercialization enter the Forbidden City. Commercial entities are setting up shop; some say it undermines the historical significance of the palace. In either case, the palace is a place that one should not miss while visiting the busy Chinese capital of Beijing.

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The square covers an area that is over 100 acres; it is this size that makes it the biggest urban square on the planet. This site has both ancient and modern significance; the gate was built in the 1400s during the Ming Dynasty. The original beginning of the square was in the mid-1600s. Finally, it was modernized and cemented in the late 1950s.

Tiananmen Square holds modern historic significance because of several events that occurred in the 20th Century. The allied army held a victory march after occupying Beijing at the start of the 20th century, while other notable events include the May Fourth Movement and the December 9th Movement. Mao Zedong announced the formation of the People’s Republic of China here in October of 1949. Another event, a massacre of protesters occurred in the square in 1989, which received world-wide attention.

Today, if one visits, you can see the National Museum of China, which sits along the east side of the square. A monument to the People’s Heroes can be seen as well; one other notable feature today is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. For world history like no other, visit Beijing and see Tiananmen Square.

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The original layout of the city had the Forbidden City in the center of Beijing surrounded by the Inner and Outer cities. The higher your social class, the closer you lived to the center. To the north and south of the Forbidden City, poorer people lived and it is there that the narrow Hutongs were formed.

The number of existing Hutongs has been decreased since the inception of the People’s Republic of China; modernization has given way to high rise apartments. Many Hutong areas were demolished for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as well. In some areas, though, you can still see the quaint Hutong neighborhoods of old.

If you visit Beijing, you will surely be enthralled by the rich temples, enormous palaces, and lovely imperial parks, but if you wish to see real Beijing, look no further than the Hutongs. The Hutongs are like no other part of Beijing; they have their own cultural identity; see so for yourself on a vacation in Beijing.

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The area’s rebirth as an artistic haven began when Avant-garde artists, evicted from their homes, set up shop near the area. When the city of Beijing’s Central Academy for Fine Arts needed workshop space, they too set up shop in the area; they chose the then abandoned Factory 706. More artists started flocking to the area and before you knew it, 798 Art Zone was born.

Due to gentrification and high rent prices, it is extremely expensive to live and work in the area now. In addition, urban sprawl has led to a possibility that the area will be destroyed, so see it while you have the chance. If you do get the chance to see the area, stop by the galleries and see the exhibitions; many notable exhibitions occur in the 798 Art Zone, so you never know what you’ll get to see.

The 798 Art Zone is a marvelous place to stop if you are an art buff or fan. The striking balance of old factories and modern art is somehow perfect. To be wowed, make sure it is on your list of things to do in Beijing.

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Famous for its nightly market, western visitors will want to take a stroll through Snack Street. Here, you can find delicacies from all over China. Other interesting fare, not usually eaten by Western people, is also available for exploration by brave visitors. If that does not seem like the thing for you, try the plentiful array of different shops; shopping ‘til you drop is a possibility here. This district has been compared with the famous shopping areas of Western cities, such as Paris and New York, so expect it to be great.

The site is not just a drab shopping zone, either; it is dotted with décor. Sculptures, fountains, plazas, and traditional Chinese architecture dot the premises. Gorgeous ornamental columns and pretty flowers also make up the décor of the area. One particularly nice part is the Oriental Plaza, which has world class shopping, culinary treats, and recreation galore. It has a cinema, a gym, cultural center, and even an ice skating rink; visitors will not run out of things to do at Wangfujing.

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A gorgeous public park, Fragrant Hills Park, rests at the foot of the Western Mountains. A pine/cypress forest, dotted with maple, persimmon, and smoke trees, Chinese cultural structures, and landscaped regions make up the park. It has a long history and was built in 1186 during the Jin Dynasty. Another lovely place to visit in Haidian district is Beijing Botanical Garden, located in the Western Hills, not too far from Fragrant Hills. The garden houses more than 6,000 types of plant; there are: trees and shrubs, many varieties of tropical plants, fruit trees, and flowers. In addition, there is the Peony Garden, which is the home of rare and endangered plants.

A trip to Beijing requires a visitor to decide what to do: which districts you should visit, which sites to see, what foods to eat or not eat. While in Beijing, visiting the Haidian district will allow you a glimpse into Chinese University life, gorgeous architecture, and spectacular scenery. If one wishes to have a glimpse at a rare flower, Haidian is the district for you.

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Many large corporations run businesses within the Chaoyang district, but that is not what the visitors come for. Some of the most beloved Chinese attractions can be found within the borders of this large, diverse district. Silk Street, a shopping area with more than 1700 shops, is famous for the many knock-offs found there, so be wary of what you buy. Nowadays, after pressure from the government, fewer knock-offs are sold and more Chinese crafts, such as calligraphy, carpets, and antiques are being sold.

Visit the Worker’s Stadium in the Chaoyang, which is also called the Gongti, which is a football stadium. Catch a game or take in the atmosphere of any exciting event. Keep in mind that some of the 2008 Olympic events were held here, so there is something for visitors in that. Another place to visit is the Rittan Park, which has the Altar of the Sun. It is a peaceful location for reflection.

Vacationing in Beijing will offer you opportunities you can find nowhere else in the world. For amazing sites and vast shopping excursions, visit the Chaoyang district. Silk, antiques, sports, and history can all be yours on a vacation in Beijing.

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The district happens to be one of the smaller districts, at only sixteen and a half square kilometers. In that space, there are a wide variety of activities and amusements that will allow a visitor to experience the realness that China has to offer. While in Chongwen, visiting these sites will offer you a glimpse of China you can only see in the Chongwen district. One such site is the Beijing Museum of Natural History, which traces the history and evolution processes of the last 400 million years. For one-of-a-kind historical sites, Beijing is number one.

One of the more interesting aspects of visiting China is the plethora of ancient temples in the city. One notable temple in Chongwen is the Temple of Heaven. This temple is in the Taoist tradition; construction began in 1406 and lasted until 1420. This was the site where Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors came to pray to Heaven for a good harvest. This gorgeous temple is a must-see while you visit the Chongwen district of Beijing.

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As one of the older districts in the city, this district has a wide array of historically and culturally significant venues for visitor exploration. The oldest street in Beijing is located within Xuanwu district; it is called SanMiaoJie or ‘Three Temple Street.’ At over 900 years old, this is one ancient street! If history is your thing, stop by theTianNing Temple Pagoda, which is the oldest standing building in the city; parts date all the way back to the 4th century AD. Beijing’s hutong lanes are located here and can be viewed by visitors as well.

While in Xuanwu district, don’t forget to stop by Liu Lichang Culture street, which is a shopping street that was returned to its Ming Dynasty imperial style. Many varied and authentic Chinese wares can be found in the myriad shops and stores on Liu Lichang Culture Street. For another historic shopping trip, visit Dashilan Shopping Street. Many more authentic Chinese shops can be found here.

While you visit Beijing, choosing which districts and sites to visit will depend on what you want to see and what you know about each district. Learn more and plan carefully so that you make the most of your trip. Make sure a stop in Xuanwu district is on your list.

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Happy New Year of the Ox

Just a quick message.  Happy Chinese New Year! May the year of the Ox bring good health, peace and prosperity to everyone.  Thanks for reading!

*囧-WQ-囧 on Flickr kindly agreed to let me use his photos so I will be adding some news pics to the gallery and also using some of his photos in upcoming posts. check out his photo stream on flickr. His photos are excellent, they really stood out from other photos when I was looking through Beijing related pics on Flickr.

囧-WQ-囧’s photostream

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Beihai Park, the city’s loveliest park is found within the Xicheng district. This was the former “pleasure-park” of the imperial family; today it is open to the public. It is also home to Jade Island and the Yong An Temple; the site also happens to be a World Heritage Site. Another wonderful place to stop while visiting the Xicheng district, De Sheng Men is a large section of the city’s ancient city walls. Inside is the Beijing East Modern Art Gallery. Art buffs will certainly appreciate a stop at the gallery and wall.

For more cultural pursuits while in Xicheng, stop by the National Theater Dome, which houses performances of both Chinese and Western music. Stop by the one of the great lakes of Beijing; one such lake is Hou Hai Lake, which offers visitors tranquility and scenic splendor. The famous Beijing Zoo, home to pandas, is also located within the Xicheng district. Though the Giant Panda exhibit is by far the most popular, the zoo offers a plethora of species, including zebras, kangaroos, and yaks. No trip to Beijing is complete without a stop at the Beijing zoo.

Gongwang Fu, also known as Prince Gong’s Mansion, is another popular stop for the people who visit the city of Beijing. Perhaps a stop at Miayong Temple will round out your itinerary; this temple has been around since the Liao Dynasty, which ended in 1125. Another temple to stop at is the Temple of Great Charity, which is across from the Geological Museum of China, another cultural pursuit you could try. You can find endless things to do on your trip to Xicheng district.

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Dongcheng district has quite a bit to offer culturally. The Forbidden City is located in the district; it is the former home of the Chinese Emperor. It was built from 1406 to1420 and consists of nearly 1000 rooms. The Temple of Confucius, the second largest Confucian temple in the country, is also found within the borders of the Dongcheng district. Tiananmen Square, the site where Moa Zedong announced the formation of the People’s Republic of China, is another spot that is a must-see when you visit the Dongcheng District.

Another popular destination within the Dongcheng district is the National Museum of China, which houses collections on the art and history of China. The Yuanmou Man remnants, which are dated as far back as 1.7 million years ago, are housed at the museum. Many famous temples besides the Temple of Confucius can be located here as well, including the Lama Temple, Temple of the Earth, and Zhihua Si Temple.

Anyone who visits Beijing will need to stop in Dongcheng District; it has too many attractions to miss! It encompasses some modern Chinese sites, such as Tiananmen Square and ancient sites such as the Forbidden City. No matter what kind of trip you are looking to have, there is something for you in Dongcheng District.

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Such rapid change has brought prosperity and hope to the people of Beijing. But amongst its shiny new high-rise office blocks and shopping centers remains a part of Beijing that gives Beijing its distinct and very special character – Old Beijing. Beijing is a city steeped in history and parts of the original Ming-dynasty conception of the city can still be found today. From the breath-taking buildings of the Forbidden Palace to the charm of the old Hutongs, it is imperative that any visit to Beijing includes Old Beijing as part of the trip.

The contrast between old Beijing and new Beijing is really what makes Beijing a fantastic place to visit. It is a capital city like no other and very few places can match its credentials as a place for shopping, food, history and culture.

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It was during the Warring States Period, around the 5th century B.C. to 221 B.C., states, including Qi, Yan, and Zhao built massive fortifications to protect their borders; these were mostly made of compressed earth. In 221 B.C., Qin Shi Huang conquered all the states and destroyed the barriers that separated his lands. He also ordered new walls to be built to connect to the remaining fortifications to protect against outside invaders. Since builder used mostly local materials, many areas contained earth while others contained stones from surrounding mountains. Most of the original wall eroded over time; very few sections are still standing today.

Later, during the Mind Dynasty, more walls were added, this time, made of brick, to keep nomadic attackers out. The Ming Dynasty expended a lot to keep the walls fortified; they also repaired and restored older sections of the original walls. This was also done when Mongols were raiding; they took particular care to guard the capital of Beijing. The construction on the Great Wall ended when the Manchus took over and formed the Qing Dynasty, which also included Mongolia.

Depending on what attracts you, you may be drawn to different sections of the Great Wall. If your interest includes seeing a relatively non-commercialized part of the Great Wall, you should visit Simiatai. This area is about 110 km or about seventy miles from Beijing; here the Wall remains in its original state mostly due to its more remote location.

For visitors, knowing where to go is an important part of seeing the Great Wall of China. If you plan on being near Beijing, there are many popular sections to visit. The most notable include: Badaling, which is often a tourist hotspot, Mutianyu, which is known for gorgeous vistas in the fall and winter, and Jinshanling, which is more remote, with less crowds, and is known for being undeveloped.

The Great Wall is an amazing place to visit; It was voted one of the new 7 wonders of the world by over 100 million people worldwide on 07/07/07. Incredible history fused with spectacular scenery amidst the exotic atmosphere that is China is what one can expect from a Great Wall visit. For incredible memories, plan your visit today!

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There are so many very different types of attractions that limiting oneself can be extraordinarily difficult. Avoid this with early and thorough planning. The following is a list of the top ten must visit attractions in Beijing. Put them at the top of your to do list while in Beijing.

1.      The Great Wall of China (万里长城)- The Great Wall of China is the most famous attraction in all of China. Many different sections are located within and around the city of Beijing. Badaling is a more commercialized section of the wall, while Simiatai is known for being more remote and less developed. Another notable section to visit is Mutianyu, which is famous for amazing views in summertime and autumn. A Beijing vacation is not complete without a visit to the Great Wall.

2.      The Forbidden City and Palace Museum (故宫 & 故宫博物院)- This palace was the home of the emperors of China from the Ming to the Qing Dynasties. It was built between 1416 and 1420; the complex contains nearly 1,000 buildings and over 8,700 rooms. The structure is huge, encompassing over seven million square feet. The Forbidden City is also a World Heritage Site. The museum houses imperial collections from both the Ming and Qing dynasties, which make it an unbelievable place to visit for Chinese history and culture.

3.      The Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiantan)- The Temple of Heaven was built in the 1400s; it covers over 270 acres of land. It is a revered religious site; it is actually the largest religion-based building in all of China. It has a connected park for recreation. Visitors remember it for its architecture and splendid use of color.

4.      The Summer Palace (颐和园, Yiheyuan)- Once the summer palace of the emperors of China, this 290-acre location houses ancient pavilions, mansions,  and temples, it also features a picturesque lake. It features gardens and a bike trail. For peaceful historic tourism, there is no better or more beautiful.

5.      Tiananmen Square (天安门)- This site, located in the center of Beijing, this square is where Mao Zedong announced the formation of the People’s Republic of China; this is the largest open-air square in the world. It was also the site of the tragic massacre of Chinese protesters in 1989. Today, it is the site of major parades, events and celebrations.

6.      The Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market)- This famous market is known for the pearls for sale here, but there is a plethora of other merchandise available. If fancy pearls float your boat, such as Tahitians and South Sea pearls, you can find them here at amazing prices. Some other great jewels, such as coral and jade, are also found in the Pearl Market.

7.      The Beijing Opera- The performances housed in the unique building that is the Beijing Opera are traditional court performances from the 18th century. These were part of royal tradition, which were originally only performed by males. Here you can witness performers of all types, including mimes, dancers, and acrobats.

8.      The Beijing Zoo- The zoo is known worldwide for its panda population; it does offer more than the majestic panda for tourists’ amusement. The zoo is also home to flower gardens and more than 600 species of animal. Many of the residents of the zoo are rare specimens found only in China; these types of rare, native fauna make the Beijing Zoo a must visit attraction.

9.      Hutongs (胡同)- For a glimpse at ancient Chinese city life, a visit to Hutongs, a neighborhood of winding, narrow streets is necessary.  Popular activities include tours by pedicab, stops at Drum Tower, and visiting Prince Gong’s mansion.

10.     Lama Temple (雍和宮, Yonghe Gong)- This temple was built in the late 1600s  as an emperor’s home; later, it was turned into a lama temple. It is one of China’s most important monasteries; it is known for its magnificent architecture and structural adornment.

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http://us.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84248.htm

When you have decided you are going to apply for a China visa you have two options -  either apply in person or entrust a third party such as an visa/travel agency to apply on your behalf.  It will cost more to apply through an agency than if you applied for one yourself but some people may prefer to apply through an agency as it may be more convenient.  It may also not be practical for them to apply in person if for example they live for away from a Chinese embassy or consulate.

If you do choose to apply in person you will need to submit the following:

1. A completed Chinese visa application form signed by the applicant. Children’s application form can be signed by their parents or guardians.

2. A valid original passport. There must be spare blank visa pages in the passport. Pages for endorsements or amendments can not be used as a visa page. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

3. One recent color passport photograph attached to the visa application form.

4. Hotel Booking and Flight Booking reservation documents. (Prior to the Beijing Olympics in 2008 the rules were tightened so that visitors to china also needed to supply accommodation and flight reservation documents.  If you check on most Chinese embassy websites they will still tell you the same but when I applied for my visa on October 2008 I wasn’t asked to produce these documents. I suspect they have relaxed this rule somewhat after the Beijing Olympics but i would still recommend bringing such documents along with you just to be on the safe side)

Once you have submitted your application your Visa will be available for pick-up usually in about 3 days.  You will be charged a fee for your application, check your nearest embassy’s website for up to date prices. You can request an express service(2 days) for an extra fee. You will have 3 months from the date your visa is issued to travel to China.  Once you reach China your Visa will be valid for a certain period depending on your Visa type.  Currently, Visitors to china on a tourist(category L) Visa are typically granted 30 days stay.

for more information look up the following websites and the website of your nearest chinese embassy or consulate:

United States -  http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/
United Kingdom – http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/lsyw/chivisa

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