Temple of Heaven, Hongqiao Market and Beijing Amusement Park

The area around Hongqiao Market, also known to locals and expatriate residents of Beijing as the "Pearl Market," is a lively place that captures the life of the Chinese market especially at weekends. Called the Pearl Market because, not surprisingly, it sells a great variety of seawater and cultivated of pearls, the market is a place to visit early on a weekend morning. This is so you can get the best deal on your purchases and also to avoid the rush. The market has a fish and dry goods section in the basement. From the first floor, upwards, retail goods of all kinds are available. Clothing, fashion accessories, shoes, sports clothing and music and technical equipment is available at hard-to-beat prices. Don't forget to haggle!

 

Quite literally across the road from Hongqiao is the majestic Temple of Heaven, the most visited and spectacular of Beijing's heritage sites or city parks. Indeed, it may well appear heaven-sent after a morning haggling for special gifts for home and family at Hongqiao.

 

Tiantan Gongyuan (Temple of Heaven) is now a much-used symbol of China's capital. Originally a place of imperial worship, the park and temples are located in the 267-hectare, orderly and peaceful setting.

 

Composed of a complex combination of round (heaven) and square (earth) elements, the park's exciting architecture and intelligent layout come to life as you experience the white marble Round Altar, the Echo Wall and Imperial Vaults and Hall of Prayers for Good Harvests.

 

The Echo Wall invites park visitors to enjoy some spectacular and ancient science. To the north of the Round Altar, the Wall carries sound round its 65-metre diameter allowing a softly spoken whisper to be heard at the opposite end. Children love it!

 

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests dates from1420 and carries an artistic arrangement of structure and design to heavenly heights. Gaze at the ceiling and let your eyes track the layers and weaving of colour and composition.

 

The park has many opportunities for taking a rest with fine secluded spots found on benches, in archways and under magnificent ancient trees that shade hot faces and tired feet from the summer sunshine.

 

If you are an early riser, experience the dancing and exercising as locals twist, twirl and stretch as the sun comes up when the park opens at 6 a.m.

 

The Beijing Amusement Park is a fun ride for any visitor new to the capital and a clear favourite for local Beijingers and their children. Family tickets ensure an action packed outing for all. The environs of Longtan Lake in Longtan Park provide the perfect family day out around if a break is needed from the Amusement Park. Boat rides on the lake and delicious snacks to suit all tastes will keep even the wildest of young toddlers happy.