Beijing is situated inthe northeast of China and is, culturally, politically and geographically, aworld away from the capitals of the west. Rent a bike or use the excellentpublic transport to explore the city as driving in Beijingis quite tricky, especially if you do not speak Mandarin. Unlike with mostsettlements in China, the majority of staff can speak and signs at attractionsare also written in English.
For one of the best views in Beijingyou climb the hill in JingshanPark where you can look out over the ForbiddenCity. Next, descend to TiananmenSquare to see the Front Gate (Qianmen gate) before visiting the vastpalace complex that lies behind it.
Back in the square you can visit one of the largestmuseums in the world: the National Museum of China, opposite ChairmanMao Memorial (Mausoleum of Mao Zedong). Visit the imperial gardens inBeihai Park where you can join the locals in dancing, games and gymnasticexercises.
Visit outside the busy city centre, the SummerPalace and the MarcoPolo Bridge to see more of the pomp with which the powerful emperorsof China surrounded themselves. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet,pay a visit to the Buddhist Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple).
You'll not only imperial history in Beijingreligion, there’re also plenty of contemporary buildings that characterise thenew China, with plenty of fine restaurants and trendy shopping centres. The2008 Summer Olympics were the beginning of a new development in Beijing.See the stadiums in the Olympic Park or stroll through the trendy galleries inrenovated warehouses, including 798 Space.
You cannot leave without trying the Peking duck inits home of Beijing. Try this traditional dish ofthe city with delicious Chinese noodles, a simple rice dish or the customary waywith pancakes and sweet bean sauce. In the evening you can indulge in the manykaraoke bars or nightclubs.
Beijing is anunforgettable experience. Taste traditional and modern China all at once and discoverthe futuristic designs of the enterprising East.
