Tag Archives: Beijing

Beijing Antique Market – For the love of all things old

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Locally known as Panjiayuan” the famous Beijing Antique Market is a vast area of fascinating things. The market covering an area of 48,500 square meters consists of nearly 10,000 dealers allowing the visitors much land to explore. One should certainly reserve one of the many serviced apartments in Beijing to rest one’s limbs at the end of a day and this should not be an issue since Ascott Raffles City Beijing offers delightful serviced apartments Beijing is quite proud of at the very heart of the city. The market is divided into several areas, each dedicated to statues, antique furniture, books and scrolls, Buddhist statues, paintings and the like making for hours and hours of delightful wandering. You never know what you will come across here as these merchants harbour many surprises, especially for those in love with the glorious days of the past.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

National Aquatics Centre – A Unique Architectural Spectacle

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Impeccable in style and fascinating in design, the National Aquatics Centre is one of the many architectural feats that can be seen in Beijing. The centre has been created on par with the best structures in the world and houses the famous 2008 Olympics Swimming facility. The building is located on the west of the Landscape Avenue in the Olympic Green and sits amongst other architectural giants.

The structure was completed on the first of January 2008 and since then has been a crowd puller. The overall design is quite fascinating and boasts the combination of modern technology along with other design styles that have been inspired by traditional Chinese values. The square earth and round heaven of the Chinese beliefs stand as the primary inspiration behind the design. The stadium covers an area of around 80,000 square metres that is spread across 4 different floors.

In the auditorium there are 6,000 seats and another 11,000 temporary seats. Its gigantic size attracts an array of large events of international standards. From the outside the centre looks like a huge blue box which has earned it the name; the “Water Cube”. In strong sunlight its surface reflects light and shines bright white giving it a look of a pearl in water.

From the inside the several pneumatic cushions that are found give it the appearance of sea bubbles. The technology behind the structure is truly astounding. Some of the methodologies and materials used in construction had never been used in that context before. Not only does it draw a huge audience it also attracts engineers and architects and all those who love the science of construction, to marvel at its impeccable design. It really comes as no surprise that the Popular Science magazine chose the National Aquatic Centre as the ‘Best of What’s New of 2006’.

Beijing is full of amazing architectural wonders that are definitely worth visiting. Most of these structures are around the city and staying at a good city hotel Beijing will provide easy access to these places of interest at your leisure. For an excellent Beijing luxury hotel in close proximity to the city, choose the well placed Grand Millennium Beijing.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Marco Polo Bridge – An attraction like no other

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Travellers looking to make the most of their holiday should opt for a Beijing luxury hotel such as Grand Millennium Beijing as a City Hotel Beijing such as this always ensures maximum comfort. A renowned stone bridge located to the west of the Beijing city center, Marco Polo Bridge spans across the Yongding River, the water of which has been diverted to a number of different areas of the city. With a width of 9.3 metres and length of 266.5 meters, the bridge is supported on 11 segmental arches and 10 piers. Both sides of the bridge are adorned by uniquely designed stone lions from various eras. The fascinating aspect about these statues is that there are more lions made on their head, paws and under the belly. The Wanping Fortress is located at the bridge’s eastern end adding to the overall splendour of the bridge.

 

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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