The Essence of Beijing’s Diversity
The Essence of
Beijing’s Diversity
Four of Beijing’s most recognizable landmarks fill this day, leaving every visitor in awe between
dusk and dawn. Get a sense of ancient China when emperors ruled, and where the
foundations were laid for the development of the country’s current capital.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Having grown at an exponential rate towards an ever-growing population, the skyline of modern Beijing has taken over from what used to be the capital of the Jin Dynasty. Little of that time has remained but awe-inspiring monuments such as the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City.
It is these monuments that keep Beijing bound to its rich and unsurpassable history at times when modern China continues to grow at an incredible pace. It is these contrasts that have given the Chinese capital such a dominant place in today’s world. We forget the modern architecture during this full-day and purely focus on the magnificence of its historical past.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 18:00
Early morning, pick up from your centrally-located hotel, and we head straight to the world’s largest plaza – Tiananmen Square. To simply walk around this square is a great way to imagine the historical events of the 20th century that took place here. You will also see legendary landmarks including the Great Hall of the People and the towering 125-foot granite obelisk, called the Monument to the Peoples Heroes, honouring those who died in the revolution.
Opposite this large square lies the main entrance to the Forbidden City; the inner sanctum and palace where for centuries Chinese emperors ruled their world. It has a 9000-room maze of courtyards, places, and ceremonial halls, where 24 emperors lived. As the name implies, the Forbidden City was indeed a forbidden place, where commoners were kept out for nearly 500 years in the past.
Lunch is included during this day, and what else but sampling some local delicacies at a local restaurant before we move on to a stunning example of Chinese architecture: the Summer Palace. Constructed in 1888, with its imperial park and right next to the Kunming Lake, it once was a summer retreat for emperors. A leisurely cruise on the lake is included, as the perfect ending to a visit to this site.
We end the day by entering the compound of one of the most recognizable temples in Beijing. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD, specifically for the worship of heaven and prayers for good harvests during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Sprawling with green spaces, with the temple right in the heart of Tiantan Park, it is surrounded by various imperial complexes and buildings. During the day, local residents find respite from the hectic life in the capital, as well as use the grounds for activities.
We return to your hotel where you will arrive at around, depending on traffic.
