Beijing, vast and diverse, is one of the oldest capital cities in the world. Its ancient history, spanning over 3,000 years, is marked by periods of destruction, fires, conquests, and rebuilding, yet the city has retained its grandeur and power.
Officially, its name is “Beijing,” which translates as “Northern Capital.” Today, Beijing is an important cultural, political, and educational center of China, although the country’s economic activity is concentrated in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Beijing Attractions and Entertainment
Beijing’s main attraction is the Forbidden City, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and the largest palace complex in the world. From the 15th century until the beginning of the last century, it served as the main residence of Chinese emperors. The city is surrounded by a high wall with corner towers and a wide moat. Entry to the Forbidden City was once prohibited under penalty of death, but today it houses the Imperial Museum, with numerous pavilions displaying priceless exhibits.
In the heart of Beijing lies the vast Tiananmen Square, where thousands of spectators gather every morning to watch the national flag-raising ceremony. It is also home to the most important national monuments: the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the People’s Congress, the Museum of the Revolution, the China History Museum, and the modern Opera House. The center of the square is a gigantic monument dedicated to the People’s Heroes of the Republic of China.
Another symbol of the city is the Temple of Heaven, built by order of the ruling Ming Dynasty in 1420. Every detail of its architecture has a special meaning: the three-tiered roof, painted blue, is supported by 28 pillars, four of which symbolize the seasons, 12 the months of the year, and 12 the hours of the day. The temple’s unique altar is made of marble slabs, each a multiple of nine, considered the number of supreme power in Chinese mythology.
The Summer Palace is a beautiful palace and park complex, also known as the “Garden of Peace and Harmony.” Most of its grounds are occupied by the picturesque Kunming Lake.
