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BEIJING
Beijing
Understand
History
Beijing literally means "northern capital", a role it has played many times in China's long history.
While various small towns and warlord capitals have been traced back as far as the 1st millennium BCE, Beijing first served as the capital of a (more or less) united China in 1264 when Kublai Khan's victorious Mongol forces set up the city of Dadu (大都, "Great Capital") to rule their new empire, from a northern location closer to the Mongol homelands.
After the fall of the Mongol Yuan dynasty in 1368, the capital was moved back to Nanjing ("southern capital"), but in 1403, the 3rd Ming emperor Zhu Di moved it to Beijing again and also gave the city its present name. This was Beijing's golden era: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and many other Beijing landmarks were built at this time. Beijing remained the capital into the Qing era and into the revolutionary ferment of the early 1900s, but in the chaos following the abdication of the last Emperor, Beijing was beset by fighting warlords. The Kuomintang thus moved the capital to Nanjing again in 1928, renaming Beijing as Beiping (北平, "Northern Peace") to emphasize that it was no longer a capital. However, the Kuomintang was eventually defeated by the Communists, who in 1949 proclaimed the People's Republic of China with its capital at Beijing.
Eat
The best way to eat good and cheap in Beijing is to enter one of the ubiquitous restaurants where the locals are eating and pick a few different dishes from the menu. Truth be told, anyone familiar with Western currency and prices will find Beijing a very inexpensive city for food, especially considering that tipping is not practiced in China.
Some of the cheapest and delicious meals can be had on the streets. Jiānbĭng guŏzi (煎饼果子) is one of the most popular street snacks, eaten from morning till night. This delicious pancake is cooked with an egg on a griddle, a fried dough crisp is added, and the whole thing is drizzled in scallions and a savory sauce. Hot sauce is optional. Diehard fans often go on a quest for the "best" jiānbĭng cart in the city. This ubiquitous treat only costs ¥2, with an extra egg ¥2.50.
Lamb kebabs (羊肉串 yángròu chuàn ) and other kebabs are grilled on makeshift stands all around Beijing, from the late afternoon to late at night. Often, the worst looking grills offer the best taste, so be brave and try them all. Wangfujing has a "snack street" selling such mundane fare like lamb, chicken, and beef, but the brave can also sample silkworm, scorpion, and various organs all skewered on a stick and grilled to order.
A winter specialty, candied haw berries (冰糖葫芦 bīngtáng húlu) are dipped in sugar and sold on a stick. You can also find variations with oranges, grapes, strawberries, and bananas, or dipped in crumbled peanuts as well as sugar. This sweet snack can also sometimes be found in the spring and the summer,...
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Hotels in Beijing
 | Hua Thai Hotel  |
Score 5.675 from 3 reviews | | East End of Jinsong, Chaoyang District |  |
| Offering a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, the restaurant serves fine cuisine from many selected regions of China for up to 350 people for dinner. ... more | | |
 | Inlodge Beijing  |
Score 6.775 from 14 reviews | | NO.8 Qingniangou Dong Road | |
| Whether you are traveling to Beijing on business or pleasure, The Inlodge Hotel is 4-star limited service hotel, it is your first Choice. Our building is fully equipped with modern technologies and advanced facilities. All rooms and suites have been created as the ultimate in elegant comfort with splendid design. We are close to the China International Exhibition Center and 2008 Olympic Games Competition Venues District in Beijing. ... more | | |
 | Beijing Xiao Yuan Hostelry  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | No.12 Lishi Hutong, Chaoyangmen South Street,Dongcheng District | |
| Beijing Xiao Yuan Hostel is located in the city of Beijing. Traditional Chinese courtyard style and the view of historical Beijing Hutong are both the attractive feature of the hotel. From the hotel it is very easy to access Longfu Temple, Dongsi Street, Wangfujing and other historical Beijing commercial streets. Traditional Chinese room style, courtyard waterfall, ponds and delicate corridors and bridges bring guests the unique comfort and relaxation in Beijing. Together with traditional Chinese food and drink, guests will be able to have an outstanding accommodation experience. ... more | | |
 | Hutongren Creative Culture Hotel |
Score 7.275 from 12 reviews | | No.71 Xiao Ju'er Hutong, Nanluogu Lane | |
| By Air:
Taxis are available at Beijing Capital International Airport and take about 40 minutes to reach the hotel. ... more | | |
 | Beijing Marriott Hotel West  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | No. 98 Xi San Huan North Road, Haidian District | |
| Beijing Marriot Hotel West enjoys privileged position near exhibition centre and Summer Palace, offering exclusive Jacuzzi bathtub in the guest rooms.
All spacious rooms of Marriot Hotel Beijing West overlook magnificent city views, featuring flat-screen TV, mini bar, high speed internet and work desk.
Guest may enjoy International delights in Marriott Cafe. Lobby Lounge is the ideal place to relax and enjoy classic cocktails. The hotel also provides 24 hour room service.
Marriot Hotel West offers extensive facilities and excellent services. You may workout in the gym and then take a dip in the indoor swimming pool. Business Centre and Foreign exchange service will ensure you a comfortable stay. ... more | | |
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Tiananmen Square
Most people can probably recall the peaceful demonstrations for democracy on this square in 1989 that resulted in the killing of an unknown number of students (figures range from 300 to 3,000 victims). The square, where Mao announced the founding of the People's Republic of China, got its name from the Tiananmen, or "Gate of Heavenly Peace," on the southern part that lead up to the Forbidden City. Several impressive gates, such as the Tuenanmen Gate, the Qianmen Gate and the Xuanwumen Gate, mark the square. This is also the place where you can visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Mao's Mausoleum) and the Great Hall of the People. If you go to the Mausoleum, check your bags in at the check stand next to the art museum just west of the mausoleum. They don't allow any bags, cameras, etc. in the museum. Don't forget to have a look at the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a tribute to those who have died fighting for working class Chinese in the Boxer Rebellion and the revolution.
| Great Wall at Mutianyu and Beijing Cloisonne Factory |
6 hours |
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The great Wall from a different view! This is a great tour to compare the Mutianyu section of the great wall to the Badaling section featured in most other Great Wall tours.
This portion of China's ancient engineering marvel features an optional cable car ride, or an opportunity to climb more than 1,400 steps to the top.
Mutianyu Great Wall is much steeper than Badaling Great Wall, and a more challenging climb. This section is older than Badaling, and features outer and inner parapets and three watch towers.
A visit to a nearby Cloisonne Factory is also included in this half day tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Mutianyu Great Wall
- Beijing Cloisonne Factory
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Historic Beijing I - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple Of Heaven |
7 hours |
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Beijing is an enormous city of nearly 15 million people, with one of the oldest cultures on Earth. So it's no wonder this Beijing operator has divided the city's vast history into two tours.
This tour is the Historic Beijing I (Tour One)
Tour One begins at Tiananmen Square and the more recent page from China's history book, Tiananmen Square and the cultural revolution of Chairman Mao Zedong. Tour the grounds and see Tiananmen Tower, monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, and Mao's monument. Then it's on to the legendary Forbidden City, now known as the Imperial Palace Museum.
The history of every dynasty is represented here throughout four palatial halls. Many of the tours see the highlights here, but this gives you the most in-depth visit.
After a substantial lunch, your final destination is the aptly named Temple Of Heaven, dating from the 15th century. Built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Temple Of Heaven was the center of prayer, traditional ceremonies and sacrificial rites.
It's a busy day, but will also include a visit to the Jiangan Silk Factory for a shopping experience not to be missed.
Historic Beijing I Tour Highlights:
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City
- Lunch
- Jiangan Silk Factory
- Temple Of Heaven
If you wish to take the second part of this tour (Historic Beijing II), it will be held on the following day for your convenience. Each is a complete tour and can be taken separately. Please make a separate booking for the Historic Beijing II (Product Code: 2042SIC_06)
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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The Great Wall
The Great Wall is considered to be one of the most impressive structures in the world. It winds it way for endless (alright then, approximately 6,350) kilometers through Chinese valleys, desert areas and over mountains. The defensive wall dates back from the 5th century B.C. and was enlarged and lengthened in the following centuries by successive dynasties.
The Great Wall is mostly visited at three spots. Badaling is the most easily accessible, and consequently most crowded, spot that is located at a two hours’ drive from Beijing (by train it might take more hours). The Mutianyu section lies further away from Beijing and can be reached by cable car. Simatai is quite difficult to reach by public transport but unmistakably worth the extra effort.
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