Visit and Discover.
Due to Beijing’s venerable history, there is no doubt that this historic city has always been a place worth visiting. Yet, at no other time has Beijing been as prepossessing to the rest of the world as it is today. Unfortunately, recent changes to their entry and exit policies have made visiting Beijing harder than ever.
Beijing’s recent popularity is likely due to, in large part, a combination of the country’s staggering economic development, and its role as host city of the 2008 Olympics. Given the globalized nature of the world today, it was certain that the 2008 Beijing Olympics were to be the most popular to date. As for the Chinese, they are betting big.
Forbidden City.
Located at the very center of Beijing, the Forbidden City (gu gong - 故宫) was for centuries also the center of power in imperial China. Built in the early 15th century by the third Ming emperor, Yongle, this palace complex covers an area...
City Feeling.
It’s a popular saying in Shanghai that “Shanghai is a city of blue, and Beijing a city of grey.” It’s all too easy for some to criticize China’s capital, and a favorite pastime of jealous residents of China’s Other City...
Temple of Heaven.
China is a land of architectural feats deeply imbued with tradition and meaning, and few places in Beijing stand as testament to this like the Temple of Heaven. First constructed in 1420, during the Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven...
Hutongs.
The term “hutong” describes the narrow alleyways or streets that are prevalent in the old city areas of Beijing which today are still home to a very unique way of life that still prevails. From first glance, hutong areas in Beijing...
Regions.
When traveling in Beijing it is absolutely essential to know the principal regions of the city, if for no other purpose than to avoid an outrageous cab fare. Every day, the city’s massive public transportation system moves millions of people...
Airport Beijing.
What an airport. Norman Foster has done it again. Can it be described as Asian? Is it a development on from Hong Kong? What it is, is space. And air. Vast open spaces and high, high roofing abound. Beautiful sweeping lines attract...
Spending.
After arriving in Beijing, your first emails home may be all about one thing – how cheap the city is. Record inflation and perhaps a little Olympic gouging haven’t managed to change the city’s phenomenal affordability, not yet at least...
