Tag Archives: Beijing Attractions

National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) – The Legacy of Beijing Olympics

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One of the largest and most populous cities in the world, Beijing is a city which awes the visitor. As the capital of China it is the political, cultural and commercial hub of the country.  This is a metropolis with a long history of being the political centre of China for centuries. When in Beijing you can’t miss the majestic palaces, temples and shrines, and huge stone walls and gates that exhibit the proud history and traditions of the Chinese people. The Forbidden City in Beijing where the emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties resided is a fine example of the majestic heritage that belongs to the city.

National Stadium also known as the Bird’s Nest is a must see when in the Chinese capital. This remarkable stadium was built for the 2008 Olympic Games held in the city. The imaginative Bird’s Nest is the creation of three architects, two from Switzerland and one from China. The stadium has been designed in such a way so as to give the feeling that it is a protective nest where hopes of future athletes are moulded and embraced. This was used as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, and track and field events in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Today the Bird’s Nest is mainly used to hold world class football games. This is a spectacular sight to see and you will be awed by the admirable capabilities of the people of China.

The Chinese capital is a city where you will find the best and the most variety of Chinese cuisine. There are streets full of carts selling all sorts of street food including rice, noodles and a myriad of meats. You might want to try the Beijing roast duck, a speciality found in restaurants in the city. Most of the hotels offer international cuisine in their restaurants as well.

A Beijing hotel will take care of all your needs and help you to relax in oriental luxury. Close to the Forbidden City hotels can be found to suit your requirements and budget. The Peninsula Beijing is one such option where you can dine in elegant restaurants and relax at a comforting spa.

Ming Tombs – An Intriguing Aspect of China’s History

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Beijing, situated in northern China, is one of the oldest capitals in the world. It is a global hub for culture, commerce and tourism. Hosting many of the country’s most renowned landmarks, the city is the perfect gateway into China. The city has a dizzying number of tourist attractions and tourists strapped for time may have some difficulty in deciding which places to visit. Those who want to learn more about the city’s culture can try visiting one of the local temples such as the Temple of the Sun or the Temple of Heaven. Those who want to witness China’s modern triumphs can visit the National Stadium, which has been affectionately nicknamed the ‘Bird’s Nest’. Those who want a glimpse of the city’s colourful past can visit places like the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China or the Ming Tombs.

The Ming Dynasty Tombs, usually referred to as the Ming Tombs, is the name of the burial chambers that houses thirteen emperors belonging to the Ming Dynasty. The tombs are situated roughly fifty kilometres northwest of Beijing City. The mausoleums have been well preserved and have become a site of immense cultural and historical significance. The original tomb, the Changling Tomb, was built for Emperor Zhu Di and his wives with the twelve emperors who succeeded him building their tombs around his. However, the Changling Tomb remains the grandest of them all.

Only the Sacred Way (a path in front of the necropolis), the Changling Tomb, the Zhaoling Tomb, and the Dingling Tomb are open to the public. While the Changling Tomb is located aboveground, the Dingling Tomb is situated nearly thirty metres underground. This mausoleum belongs to the thirteenth emperor, Zhu Yijun, and his empresses. There is a separate fee to enter each tomb, and while they all open by 8.30 am the Dingling Tomb closes at 6 pm, half an hour later than the other two.

Tourists staying at Forbidden City hotels like the Peninsula Beijing can save a lot of time when it comes to travel. The Beijing hotel is only a short distance from the Forbidden City and other attractions such as Tiananmen Square, Qianmen and the Great Hall of the People.