Beihai Park
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Introduction:
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Located in central Beijing, with the Forbidden City just to its East, Beihai Park is one of the oldest, largest, and most authentically preserved ancient imperial gardens in China. Originally built in the 10th century during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), the park has existed through the Jin, Yuan, |
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Forbidden City
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Introduction:
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In the center of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, one of the most dazzling architectural masterpieces in the world. It was once home to 24 emperors during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties and is now a public museum and World Heritage site. |
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Great Wall
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Introduction:
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The focal point of the any trip to Beijing and one of the wonders of the world is undoubtedly the Great Wall of China. Like a dragon snaking its way 4000 miles across China's ever-changing landscapes, the Great Wall stands today as a bastion of culture in the hearts and minds of the Chinese peopl |
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Hutong
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Introduction:
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Outside the hustle and bustle of the city, Beijing Hutongs offer visitors a glimpse back into way of life in old Beijing. Hutongs are narrow streets or alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences. |
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The Legend of Kung Fu
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Introduction:
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“The Legend of Kung Fu”, presented by the China Heaven Creation Performance Arts Company, breaks the mold of traditional kung fu shows. More than just technical skill displays, the show incorporates a powerful storyline with modern dance, acrobatics, and original music to celebrate th |
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Summer Palace
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Introduction:
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Once used as a summer residence for emperors, the Summer Palace is the largest park on the outskirts of Beijing. It is known for its archetypal Chinese landscaping and was designated in 1988 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
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Temple of Heaven
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Introduction:
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Located in the southern part of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is China’s largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. It was built in 1420 and was visited by the Ming and Qing emperors for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. |
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Tianjin City
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Introduction:
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The name Tianjin, meaning “a port for the emperor” came into existence during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In 1860, it was opened as a trading port and in the 1930s it became the largest commercial and industrial financial center in northern China. |
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Xiushui Market
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Introduction:
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Xiu Shui Market, or “Silk Street”, has become Beijing’s one stop shopping paradise. Newly reopened in 2005, the gleaming seven-story building replaced the infamous outdoor Xiu Shui market. The 35,000 square-meter complex now houses 1700 retail vendors who continue to sell a vari |
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Zhoukoudian Museum
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Introduction:
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The Zhoukoudian Relics Museum of palaeoanthropology explores the life and environment of the Peking man, who existed over 600,000 years ago. In December of 1929, a Chinese palaeoanthropologist named Pei Wenzhong made a discovery that shook the world. |
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Olympic National Stadium (the Bird's Nest)
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Introduction:
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The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest” is a stunning landmark created for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the Paralympics. The $423m stadium resembles a nest from the outside, symbolizing a cradle which holds the “ |
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Houhai Bar Street
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Introduction:
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The Houhai area north of Tiananmen Square is definitely one not to be missed on a trip to Beijing. Surrounding the Houhai Lake, this tree-lined district is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. Known as the capital’s coolest neighborhood, it’s a place where old Beijing meets the< |
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Old Summer Palace (Ruins of Yuanmingyuan)
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Introduction:
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Yuanmingyuan, originally called the Imperial Gardens, was a large complex of palaces and gardens located northwest of Beijing and east of the Summer Palace. Built in the late 17th century, it was completely destroyed by fire in 1860 by British and French troops during the Second Opium War (1856-6 |
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Qianmen Street
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Introduction:
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Over 500 years ago, Qianmen Street was a commercial and entertainment hub due to its convenient location, connecting the Imperial Palace with other communities in Beijing. In the run-up to the 2008 Olympics, the street underwent a rejuvenation to restore the streetscape to that of the early 20th |
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Sacred Way
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Introduction:
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In front of imperial mausoleums throughout China, there is usually a Sacred Way or “divine road” leading to the tombs. Of all the Sacred Ways, the one leading to the Ming Tombs is the best-preserved and most skillfully carved of their kind. |
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Olympic National Aquatics Center (the Water Cube)
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Introduction:
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The National Aquatics Center, also known as the “Water Cube”, is one of the most dazzling and exciting venues built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Created for the swimming competitions, it took center spotlight as 25 world swimming records were shattered over the course of the |
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Tiananmen Square
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Introduction:
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A visit to Beijing would not be complete without visiting the world-famous and historic Tiananmen Square, or “Gate of Heavenly Peace”. Located in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square was once the main gate to the Imperial Palace during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynas |
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Lama Temple
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Introduction:
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The Lama Temple, situated to the northeast of Beijing, is one of the largest and best-preserved monasteries in city. It was built in 1964 during the Qing dynasty as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng, but in 1744, was converted into a monastery for Tibetan Buddhist monks. |
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