China
Beijing, traveler's dilemma
Beijing is rightly regarded as a major center of world culture. Occupied for over 3,000 years, it has seen dynasties come and go, each of which has left its mark. As a result, visitors may find themselves faced with a common traveler's dilemma - too much to see with too little time. In Beijing, or Peking as it was known for decades, this is true times ten.
One of the most popular sights isn't even inside Beijing - the Great Wall. Located about 60-125km outside it, the distance varies depending on which part of the wall you visit.
It stretches over 6,000km and is easily visible from a low-level satellite orbit. Visitors would have to take that kind of trip to see even a small portion of this immense structure. But even what you see on the average walking tour is astounding.
Mutianyu is the site of one of the best preserved sections. The wall was under construction for over 2,000 years, but this 6th-century section was used as a northern barrier against invaders.
To get another superb high view that allows you even to see Beijing you can take a trip to Jingshan Park. Built in 1179 AD, it looks out over the Forbidden City and features spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.
An equally impressive man-made achievement is the Imperial Palace, sometimes called the Forbidden City. The name arose because for centuries only royalty and invited visitors were allowed to freely enter. And sometimes wished they hadn't.
The Imperial Palace sports over 9,000 rooms spread over 250 acres. First built in the 15th century, it was later renovated during the 18th by rulers of the Qing dynasty.
The Temple of Heaven was built around the same period and covers 270 acres. Today, thanks to the relaxing of religious repression, visitors can see this largest of religious buildings in China. Wandering around, it's easy to imagine the ancient emperors kneeling on its floors.
Books to read before visiting China.
China has many religious sites. One very popular is the Lama Temple. The temple, built by Tibetan monks features a 54-foot high Buddha that was carved from a single piece of sandalwood.
The Da Zhong Si (Big Bell) temple is also worth a visit. Built in 1733 AD, it features thousands of intricately carved bells. Among them is reputedly the world's oldest and largest. It makes the already hugely impressive one in Notre Dame look like a toy.
But there are many sights in the capital city that offer a peaceful atmosphere. At Yiheyuan is a 290-acre park where tourists can stroll over bridges and rest in pavilions beside a large lake. Sip tea at one of the many tea-houses, or saunter along one of the many tree-lined paths.
One site is a must see for every tourist: Tiananmen Square. It's the largest open square in the world. One million people can comfortably fit within the area, provided they don't have to share space with tanks.
Many will want to visit the famous Beijing Zoo. Nearly 600 species make their home here. And the pandas are far from the most exotic. Over 6,000 animals drawn from all over the globe are on display.
Be sure to budget enough time. Beijing has many fascinating sights and you'll find it hard to choose. The more time you have, the easier your decisions.
The Great Wall
Under construction from the 3rd century BC to the 16th century AD, the Great Wall of China stretches from east to west across one of the largest countries in the world. From Shan-Hai Pass near Po Hai to Chia-Yu Pass, this around 6,000 km combination wall and string of fortresses is among the largest man-made objects on the planet. Even today minor repairs or reconstructions are continually being made.
Built to protect the 'Middle Kingdom' from raids by the Mongols, the Huns and other marauding tribes, the wall stretches across northern China, approaching within 60 km of Beijing. As a result, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for visitors to that dynamic city.
The portions accessible to most visitors were constructed beginning around 1368 AD to roughly 1640 AD, with much of it in only the last hundred years of that period. Many watchtowers line the top, extending to the famed Gobi Desert and the oases of the Silk Road.
Visitors can see portions in all states of preservation and repair. In some areas, the limestone blocks are little more than rubble. Many areas, though, have remained intact or been restored. Those wanting to see it as it might have been can visit the reconstructed areas. Those who prefer their archaeological artifacts as nature has eroded them, devoid of crowds, can see that as well.
About an hour from Beijing is the section called Si Ma Tai. The section is rough and the climb would represent a challenge for many. But there are guides and assists for those requiring them.
Much of the terrain near the wall shown in photos appears dry and dusty, possibly discouraging a visit. But, in the area known as Mu Tian Yu, the wall is near heavily forested mountains, making the long trip well worth it.
The section known as Jin Shan Ling has not undergone reconstruction in the last 400 years. As a result, those who prefer their archaeological sites rough and un-retouched may want to visit this part.
For the truly hardy, there's the 10km walk from Jinshanling to Simatai with breathtaking views and few tourists. At the Simatai end, there's an 800m cable ride down, so you can rest your aching feet.
The section at Huanghua is more off the beaten track and hikers will enjoy the opportunity to climb the wall in uncrowded conditions. You can even camp out overnight, if you dare. Take care to travel in a group in order to avoid difficulty with the locals, though.
Badaling is one section that has been renovated and, as a result, tends to be more heavily populated with tourists. The upside is a much safer walk, where there's no risk of being accosted by locals attempting to make an unauthorized dollar out of your visit. It's also one of the closest sections to Beijing, representing a shorter trip there and back.
At whatever location the wall is toured, the views of the surrounding scenery is as spectacular as the wall itself. Don't miss out on a visit to one of the world's most extraordinary sites.
The Forbidden City
Like China itself, the Imperial Palace in Beijing has come a long way in 600 years. Once the home of Emperors of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, it now houses a Starbucks. Fortunately, alongside the encroaching commercial enterprises, the terrible grandeur of those bygone empires has been preserved within its massive walls.
The more than 800 buildings comprising the complex were first constructed in the early 15th century as a home, center of government and fortress for the Ming, and later Qing, emperors. For 500 years, until the establishment of the short-lived Chinese Republic in 1912, the grounds were the center of Chinese power.
The popular description for the Imperial Palace, Forbidden City, derives from the royal rule forbidding entrance to any but the royal retinue. Violation of the rule brought a sentence of death. That era is long gone, happily, and the palace is now one of the world's most popular tourist attractions.
And there is enough to see here at Zijin Cheng in Beijing to occupy all of a short vacation.
Covering 178 acres (720,000 square meters), and surrounded by 33 ft (10 m) high walls, there are seventeen palaces. Surrounding the grounds are several Royal gardens. The colorful gardens are a perfect complement to the palaces themselves, as the Royal yellow dominates their rooftops.
Entrance is either through the north wall or the south wall. At the southern end is the Meridian Gate at the infamous Tiananmen Square. The northern entrance is via the Gate of the Divine Might, which faces Jingshan Park. The distance between the two is nearly a kilometer.
Within that space is the Outer Court encompassing three halls, once used for coronations and Imperial weddings. Given China's turbulent history the names are deeply ironic. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, which leads to the Imperial library, is just one example.
The Inner Court, on the northern and eastern end, holds another three halls that were used for daily administration of the country. Within the court is the Palace of Heavenly Purity, near the residence of the Emperor and his family and servants. Also at the northern end is one of the main Imperial gardens, home to many trees that are centuries old.
Within the walls are housed rare treasures collected over the centuries. Among these are a collection of unusual timepieces held in the Hall of Clocks. The Chinese were among the world's leading artisans and clockmakers, owing to their (for the time) advanced level of science and mathematics.
The Palace Museum, one of the more popular attractions, holds over a million artifacts, both rare and unusual. Everything from Royal robes to unique porcelain are displayed. Earthenware from the Stone Age, bronzes and jade artifacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and pottery tomb figurines from the Han are part of the collection. Ancient and more modern paintings adorn the walls, along with scrolls and samples of calligraphy from down the centuries.
The Forbidden City in Beijing is only one of the many attractions of this ancient and dynamic city. But no visit to the capital of China would be complete without a day spent here.
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