One of the most splendid and well-known of all of China’s attractions is Beijing’s Forbidden City. Known to the Chinese as Gugong, which means “former palace,” this site is always at the top of any visitors’ list when visiting the city. The site is quite large, at over 720,000 sq meters (7.8 million square feet). With nearly 1000 buildings in the structure, no end to amazement shall be found.

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.

Tags: >Attractions, Forbidden City

Visiting the metropolis that is Beijing enables visitors to witness some spectacular sights. One can see thousand-year-old temples and grand, ancient palaces; along with these sites, visitors can see historic locations that have a more modern significance. One place that is a must-see on any Beijing itinerary is Tiananmen Square, located in the center of the bustling city.

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.

Tags: Tiananmen Square