Tiananmen Tower China – An Iconic Landmark of Modern Day China!

The Gate of Heavenly Peace or the Tiananmen Tower as it is more commonly known is a very important symbol in China and is a must see if one is visiting Beijing, China.

Location

The Tiananmen Tower is located at the northern end of the Tiananmen Square and faces the chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and the People’s hero’s monuments.

History

The tower was originally named Chen Tian Men, the gate of heavenly succession and was built in the year 1417 during the Ming Dynasty. While the tower has incurred damage and has been rebuilt several times during the ensuing years, Emperor Shaun Zhi of the Qing Dynasty ordered its reconstruction on a much grander scale along with its current name.

Architecture

The grand structure stands at 113.8 feet high and is in the color vermilion. Covered in yellow tiles the building contains 9 rooms from east to west, with 5 rooms built along the south to the north side.

Things to Do

While there is a heavy security presence around the tower and the square, the area is a very pleasant place to take a stroll and pose for photos. The Tiananmen Tower can be reached on all the major bus routes and three subway stations. It is also easily accessible from many kinds of accommodation provided by entities such as Park Hotel Group, one of many chains of hotels in the Asia Pacific region.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Bright Filial Piety Temple – The temple with the longest history in Goat City

Temple Guangxiao also known as Bright Filial Piety Temple is a place not to be missed. This key National Cultural Preservation Site was once the residence of Zhao Jiande, the Nanyue King in the Western Han Dynasty and during the period of the Three Kingdoms, was used to deliver lectures by the Lord Yu Fan and was later converted into a Buddhist Temple.

A stay in a Service Apartment in Guangzhou such as Ascott IFC Guangzhou would be an ideal option to visit Bright Filial Piety Temple and have a great time while listening to the soothing sounds of monks and nuns chanting.

Located on the northern end of the Guangxiao Road, the Temple has a long history of more than 1700 years and occupies the largest scale in Lingnan area. Interesting stories behind this temple is ideal to be heard from a villager himself. Breathtaking architecture and the three fine statues of Lord Buddha inside the temple are symbols of true Buddhist Chinese Culture.

The main buildings include Mahavira Hall, Sixth Ancestor Hall, Samgharama Hall, Heavenly King Hall, the East and West Iron Towers, and the Mahakaruna Dharani Sutra Pillar. Mahavira Hall is considered to be the most magnificent in South Asia and the East and West Iron Towers are the oldest Iron Towers in China. The Sixth Ancestor Hall was built in memory of Hui Neng, the most influential monk in the history of Chinese Buddhism- Sixth master of the Zen Sect of Buddhism. He had his hair cut and was initiated into monkhood there.

Bright Filial Piety Temple is a much valued symbol of Chinese Buddhism and is very popular among both Chinese and Foreigners. Thereby, this is a must visit for anyone who is interested in admiring the beauty of true Chinese Buddhist Culture and Values.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Let the Journey Begin – Travel Tips – A Guide to Beijing

Beijing is a huge city with a population of nearly 18 million spread out over 18 districts. The majority of the historic attractions, cultural destinations and accommodation lie in central Beijing within the second and third ring roads. Chaoyang district to the north east of Beijing is home to many of Beijing’s new developments such as its CBD, the Olympic venues, art galleries, restaurants shopping and entertainment places, iconic buildings such as the CCTV building and World Trade Centre Tower III, the Beijing Zoo, museums and accommodation. Haidian district to the north west of Beijing is where Tsinghua University and the Beijing Botanic Gardens are located. Tongzhou district, the northern suburbs, western and southern suburbs and Rural Beijing form the periphery of the great city. Getting to the attractions in central Beijing and the suburbs involve great distances due to the vastness of the city. As Beijing is the political and cultural centre of China the country’s administrative apparatus is found here as well as embassies and related institutions.

Beijing international airport is the main way into the city. The three terminals here offer all facilities to make arrivals and departures as smooth as possible. Taxis, the airport express train and airport shuttle buses offer the best ways to get in and out of the airport. The cheapest way to central Beijing from the airport is by public bus. Other ways of getting into Beijing is by train, long distance public buses and by car. Once in the city many get around by taxi. However the subway is easy, fast and cheap. Getting around the city by public bus is also an option. Other travel options include bicycles, minibuses and private cars.

The city’s historic and cultural attractions include Tiananmen Square the world’s largest public space, the Forbidden City the vast palace complex of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, ancient temples, gardens, the Beijing Zoo and Botanic Garden and museums and art galleries. Evenings can be enlivened with acrobatic shows, traditional opera performances, plays, Kung Fu shows and classical music concerts. For relaxation there are foot massages, yoga classes, spa treatments and best of all retail therapy. Shopping choices range from markets selling everything from pearls to cheap clothing and antiques to several kilometers of chic shops in pedestrianised retail areas. For foodies the city is awash with restaurants serving up every kind of food from around the world. All travelers, whether budget or high end is catered for and there is no shortage of accommodation. Communication wise, internet access is highly restricted although free Wi-Fi is offered in most hostels, hotels and restaurants.

Summertime is one of the worst times to visit the city although tourism is at its height during this time. Hot humid summers are made worse by pollution and bad air quality. The winters are cold and dry with infrequent snowfall. Spring is warm and dry with dust storms. The best time to visit is in between September and October when it is cool and the air quality is very much better.

Have everything at your fingertips while on holiday or business at Somerset Zhong Guan Cun Beijing. As a well designed, fully equipped serviced apartment in Beijing, guests have a choice of one and two bedroom residences that provide comfort and a relaxed ambience. Experience the convenience of an excellent location, easy access to transport links and all modern conveniences and facilities so necessary for modern lifestyles, at these service apartments Beijing.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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