Beijing, Beyond the Olympics
When the dust settles from the Beijing Olympic Games, the world will know more about this ancient capital city of China. Although the city modernized itself to welcome athletes, media and tourists, the city remains rich in historical landmarks. There's more to Beijing than the Olympics so here are the city's top tourist attractions to explore when the Games are over.
Beijing was the seat of power for various Chinese dynasties throughout history. During the Ming dynasty, the Yongle Emperor built the Forbidden City, a compound surrounded by a moat and walls to enclose some 980 buildings and the palace. It was the home for many emperors and some of their treasures survive to this day and can be seen in the Palace Museum. Due to its significance in Chinese architecture and culture, it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Beijing also boasts another World Heritage Site in the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is an estate 294 hectares in size renowned for its landscape of gardens, lakes, pavilions and bridges. It was the refuge of peace for many Chinese royals throughout the years.
Another notable Beijing landmark that was the location of a modern day tragedy is Tiananmen Square. Situated just south of the Forbidden City, this immense square measuring 40.5 hectares, many notable events in Chinese history took place. Chief amongst them was the Tiananmen Square protest of 1989 where students and intellectuals made protests against the Chinese government. As a result, and depending on the propaganda source, 200 to 3000 protesters died between April 15 and June 4, 1989. To this day, the square remains a gathering place with other notable landmarks such as the Tiananmen Gate to the north, the national legislature known as the Great Hall of the People to the west, the National Museum of China to the east, the Monument to the People's Heroes to the south, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong in the middle.
But perhaps the most famous landmark of them all is the Great Wall of China. Yes, this too is a World Heritage Site. The Great Wall measures 6,700 km in length and construction first started in 220 BC. Throughout the centuries, it has been built and rebuilt and sections of the Wall are on the outskirts of the Beijing.
The Chinese capital of Beijing truly holds a wealth of history with many more tourist attractions of temples, tombs and gardens. As the Beijing Olympic Games rolls around it will certainly add more luster to its history as well as inheriting world class modern buildings built for the Olympics. What a great blend of the old and the new. This is what makes Beijing such a great place to visit.
Related Tags: great wall of china, forbidden city, beijing olympics, beijing china, tianamen square
Mariam Ma is a freelance writer for Olympic Blvd. Buy your Beijing Olympic souvenirs at discount prices including FUWA mascots plush dolls
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Snowdonia And The Arts: Ten Snowdonia Theatres And Galleries
The landscape of Snowdonia has long inspired the works of artists and craftspeople, and it's easy to - Rome: The 7 Hills That Was
Forming the geographical center of Rome within the walls of the ancient metropolitan is 7 Hills of R - Sonoran Sky - Rocky Point's Vacation Hotspot
The Sonoran Sky Hotel is the fourth member of the Sonoran family, which is a chain of hotels and res - Popular Buddhist Pilgrimage Spots In India And Nepal
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions in the world and was originated in India. Therefore, B - Five European Flight Destinations Worth Checking Out
It is easier than ever to travel throughout Europe nowadays, with cheap flights available from regio - A Short Guide To Menorca And Majorca
Are you tired of the everyday grind? If so, you may be thinking about taking a winter holiday break - Golfing Attractions When Visiting Edinburgh
Scotland is synonymous with golfing. Even if you've never played a game - never even picked up a gol - The Hidden Treasures Of Sardinia
Apart from the standard celebrated, active and sophisticated metropolitan areas and historic environ - Hyderabad Hotels - The Best Places To Sojourn
The heritage city of Hyderabad is flooded by tourists all through the year. Attracting people from a - Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations
Whale watching is one of those awe-inspiring experiences you don't soon forget, but with so many dif
Most viewed articles in this category:
- St Thomas Villas For Rent
Choosing St Thomas villas is a tough decision to make. There is a lot to consider when making this v - Soothing Aromatherapy At Your Favorite Marrakech Riad
While it is true that the real adventurers never lose enthusiasm towards going places, we can not de - Tenerife, The Canary Islands
Tenerife, in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, although belonging to Spain is a popular de - Oahu Hawaii, The Birthplace Of Surfing, Still Shreds
Hawaii, especially the island of Oahu, has long been considered the birthplace of surfing. The first - Why Not Take A Holiday In Vancouver - Despite The Weather?
'YOU'VE BROUGHT THE WEATHER with you, I see,' the driver joked as we wafted through the drizzle towa - Tenerife's Golf Course Information
Tenerife's mild and sunny year-round climate makes it a golfer's dream destination and the island is - Areas Of Tenerife
A look at what the different resorts of Tenerife, Canary Islands have to offer. Tenerife has many va - The sunshine state of Australia
Blessed with nature’s most remarkable gifts, Queensland is Australia's second largest state; i - Australia - A Land of Natural Wonders
The huge monolith known as Uluru – formerly Ayer’s Rock – remains one of Australia - Top Things To See During A Holiday In Hong Kong
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to en
