History and Information China’s ancient rulers displayed their power and lordship through the construction of magnificent palaces, imperial residences and scores of temples. Today, Beijing is home to a population of approximately 13 million, as well as being the country’s political and cultural centre. Some of the touring information include:
Beijing is very accessible and easy to experience, while at the same time the city retains the majesty and splendor of places such as the "Forbidden City" (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site).
The Great Wall of China lies a mere 60 km away from the city.
In order to host the 2008 Olympic Games, the city underwent certain changes: parks and green areas were designed by landscape designers, new sports villages were built, shopping malls were erected as well as modern living quarters.
Beijing Sport and Leisure Soccer, table tennis and basketball are popular sports in Beijing and students can participate at one of the numerous sports clubs.
Tai-Chi is a very popular activity or sport in China and is a variation of the traditional art of battle "Taijiquan". Relaxing movements are an important component of traditional Chinese medicine. They strengthen life-energy and harmonize the body’s strengths. This sport is easy to learn - courses can be booked directly at our school.
Beijing Sights and Excursions The Great Wall: Around 60 km to the north of Beijing. Construction of the Great Wall originally began in the 7th Century B.C. for defense purposes, and was finally finished in the 2nd century B.C. The Forbidden City: The secretive world of the 24 Chinese Emperors. Ming Tombs: Grand grave sites where 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty are buried. Tiananmen SquareandMuseum of Chinese History: The square and its surroundings used to be the old city centre. The Temple of Heaven: Ming and Qing Emperors travelled each year from the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven on the winter solstice to worship, offer sacrifices to heaven, and to pray for good harvest. Lama Temple: An impressive religious construction that was originally built in 1694 as the residence of the son of the Qing Emperor, Kangxi. Tan Zhe Si Temple: Located some 41 kilometers west of the city, this beautiful temple was built in 622.
Beijing Climate and Weather The best time to visit Beijing would be in spring and the fall since summer can be quite hot. Winters in Beijing typically have snow and rainy periods with a lot of humidity that can be encountered throughout the year, therefore, your travel should be planned well in advance for highest comfort.
Beijing Shopping Wangfujing Street is Beijing’s busiest commercial area and it is ideal for first-time visitors, as they wont be cheated or overcharged while shopping. Other popular places include the China World Trade Center or the Xidan shopping arcade, teeming with stores of all kinds, as well as restaurants and eateries. The Liulichang market, restored to its original look during the Quing Dynasty times, specializes in Chinese paintings, calligraphy, rare books, arts and crafts.
Beijing Food There are thousands of eating places in Beijing serving cuisine from all sorts of different places. The large department stores and commercial centres almost always have food patios and here you will find a large variety of Chinese food at bargain prices. In Beijing’s University area (housing almost 15 Universities) there are a score of student restaurants and cafeterias.
