Beijing is one of China’s seven ancient capitals (Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Anyang), is also the world-famous capital under the well-preserved protection. Noted for the rich heritage of oriental history and culture, Beijing has a record history dated back 3,000 years ago when a primitive tribal community started to take shape here. Beijing, serving as the nationwide political center, has more than 700 years of history. From 900 A.D. onward, Beijing served first as the secondary capital of the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and then capitals of the Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1919) Dynasties successively. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, Beijing was made the national capital. The new millennium is known as a turning point on its way of development and especially after the 2008 Olympic Games; Beijing becomes more internationalized and welcomed.
Historical Attractions
Beijing, the heart of China, is always the first choice of travelers who are willing to know a time-honored and developed city of China. It has been the political, economic and cultural center of China for over 800 years from the Yuan Dynasty. The numerous royal buildings with long history endow Beijing with incomparable charm, not only the 'Nation's Best' but also the 'World's Best'. On the other hand, as the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, this oriental ancient city presented her best fashion fascination to the world.
To see the top five historical attractions in Beijing >> Click here
Splendid Culture
Food
Beijing cuisine boasts a reputation for its combination of various Chinese cuisine branches. You can taste most of the major branches of Chinese cuisine, namely, Shandong, Sichuan, Jiangzhe and Guangdong etc. Also, numerous specialties from Beijing, Hunan, Shanxi and Henan style will not only satisfy the most captious stomach but also give you a visual feast. Not mention about numerous local flavors and snacks. Beijing roast duck provides a special enjoyment to thousands of customers, both Chinese and foreigners. The top restaurants serving Beijing roast duck are Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant at Hepingmen and its branch at Qianmen and Bianyifang Roast Duck Restaurants. Sticking to the traditional roasting method which lay a stress on the color and texture ensures its original flavor successively. You will find the duck with dark brown color, crispy skin, and tender and tasty meat lightening the enjoyment of the guests. Your visit to Beijing is incomplete without a try at the Beijing roast duck.
Opera
Peking Opera is one of Operas forming in Beijing. Having developed for more than 200 years it was originated from Hui and Han opera, and formed in the gradual evolution with absorption the advantages and strong points of the Kun Opera, Qin Opera and some other Chinese operas. Peking opera is specialized in the performance of the historical themes of political and military struggle. Most of the stories are from the Historical Romance and fiction. Peking Opera singing gently, actors looking handsome, costumes gorgeous, makeup refined exaggerate, all of these make opera as China's cultural legacy undoubtedly. The singing of Peking opera is in great difference with western opera, some foreigners even find it annoying, but the cultural heritage is definitely a must you do not want to miss.
Courtyard and the Alley
Alley is a unique ancient city lane in Beijing and there are tens of thousands of lanes. Mostly built in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasty, these characterized lanes are around the Forbidden City and the surroundings. The pattern of Beijing Hutong is neat and broad as well as smooth, vertical and horizontal. The layout of these lanes makes Beijing like a big chess board. Hutong is the urban context, traffic channels and people’s living dependence. Creating the world outside and living and working in peace and contentment inside Display the imprints of life of Beijingers.
If you want to get a better understand of Beijing alley, you should pass through alleys and approach an antique courtyard. It is the Main Building surrounding with alleys. The old Beijing, in addition to the Royal enclosed grounds for Emperors' amusement, temples, altars and Palaces, large numbers of people's housing residences are innumerable courtyards. Surrounding houses get together to supply a "mouth" shape. Usually, it is not easy to get away from this bustling world anymore while you can totally enjoy the tranquil leisure and the close harmony with people in these stylish yards.
Learn more about Chinese culture and get some useful tips of Chinese Etiquettes by >> click here
