hr: traveller

Photo Credit: flibblesan
Beijing means “northern capital”. Really. Nanjing is literally the “southern capital”. Pretty straight-forward if you ask me. The 3rd Ming emperor Zhu Di moved the capital it to Beijing again in 1403, ushering in the city’s golden era when many of the city’s famous landmarks including the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven were built. It was once again proclaimed the capital of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

There are several interesting places to see in Beijing. First of which is the Forbidden City where you can get thrown back in time to experience the grandeur of Imperial China. It remains relatively untouched despite the changes in the city that surrounds it. You can find cafes and gift shops you might want to stop at while you’re at it.

Another area you might want to visit if the Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. It is surrounded by monuments reminiscent of the Soviet Union and government buildings where visitors can gawk and be amazed. There are four marble lions by the gate. You can also visit Mao’s mausoleum.

Interestingly named, the Temple of Heaven is a gorgeous sight, surrounded by a vast park where you can watch (or join) the locals practice tai chi and dancing. This is also the greenest place in the city, thank to the ancient trees that grow there. For peace and solitude, take a leisurely walk toward the West Gate.

There are more places in Beijing you may want to visit, most especially now, as it is the Official site of the Beijing Summer Olympic Games.

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