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Travel2008/06/20
Charles J. Dukes Enjoy the Treasures of Beijing
There
are few capital cities in the world as steeped in history as Beijing.
With an existence of at least 3,000 years—more than 850 of them as
a capital city—nearly every square metre of ground, whether at
Tian’anmen Square in Central Beijing or the temples nestled in
surrounding mountains, has been a scene of significant events in the
life of China. Contents: Former
Residences of the Famous
With its unique charm, Beijing is an exciting blend of the old and new. As you begin your visit in the historic Chinese capital, allow us to assist you in your exploration of this magnificent city.
Forbidden City 故宫博物院 Located
in the very centre of Beijing, the
Forbidden City is China’s largest and best-preserved set of ancient
buildings. Construction began in 1406, during the reign of the third
Ming emperor, Yongle. It took 14 years to complete. In 1421, after a
renovation of the Grand Canal, the capital of the Ming Dynasty was
officially moved from Nanjing to Beijing. For 491 years, spanning two
dynasties and 24 emperors, the complex served as the Imperial Palace.
In 1925, it was converted into the Palace Museum and was opened to
the public. Address:
4, Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng District
Temple of Heaven 天坛公园 The
Temple of Heaven is an
historic and sprawling complex located in southern Beijing. It was
first built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. Lying south of
Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, the park’s circular
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has become synonymous with Beijing,
as recognizable as any celebrated landmark in the world. The Temple
of Heaven was a sacred place in the minds of the ancient Chinese
people. They believed that it was the place to convey wishes to
heaven. Address:
A1, Tiantan Beilu, Chongwen District Summer Palace 颐和园 The
vast imperial playground of the Summer Palace was where the royal
court would escape during the oppressive summer months. It is now a
wonderful public park where local residents and visitors can stroll,
relax and bask in China’s ancient cultural legacy. The area has
served as a royal summer home since the Jin Dynasty; however, its
current appearance dates from 1975, when Qing Emperor Qianlong
remodelled it for his mother. Though heavily visited, the park is
large enough to allow people to find their own little piece of
tranquillity even on the busiest days. Enjoy wandering ancient
pathways and avenues that were once reserved for the sole use of
emperors and their coteries. Address:
19 Xinjian Gongmen, Haidian District The
Great Wall of China is a true wonder of the world and an absolute
must-see for any visitor to this wonderful country. It
snakes thousands of kilometres along the whole northern frontier of
the ancient Chinese empire, from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the
deserts of Gansu. Four key sections of the Wall near Beijing are: Badaling Section of the Great Wall 八达岭长城 Address:
Yanqing County
Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall 慕田峪长城 Address:
Mutianyucun, Huairou
District
Simatai Section of the Great Wall 司马台长城 Address:
Gubeikouzhen, Miyun County
Juyongguan Section of the Great Wall 居庸关长城 Address:
Nankouzhen, Changping District
Ming Tombs 十三陵 The Ming Tombs, located in a picturesque valley of rolling hills and orchards north of urban Beijing, were built by the Ming emperors in an attempt to smooth their passage into the afterlife. Thirteen emperors, 23 empresses, and many imperial concubines, princes and princesses were buried in the tombs in simple but stately chambers. An impressive marble archway and a seven-kilometre road, known as the Sacred Way, show the way to the burial complex. Sculpted “guards,” a set of 12 stone animals, line the road. The first tombs were excavated in 1958; in 2003, the site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Address:
South of Tianshoushan, 50 km northwest of Beijing, Changping District
Beihai Park 北海公园 Located in the very heart of the city, Beihai Park is a perfect place for a long, meandering stroll around a preserve of the imperial court that dates back to the Liao Dynasty (907–1125). The Jade Islet was a favourite of Kublai Khan (1260–94). Numerous colourful pavilions and temples are scattered around the park, which opened to the public in 1922. Among its many famous attractions are the Nine-Dragon Screen (Jiulongbi) and the White Dagoba (Baita). Bobbing, duck-shaped paddleboats ply the enormous lake that lends the park its name. Address:
Northwest of the Forbidden City, Xicheng District How to get there: Buses 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 118
Jingshan Park 景山公园 For an extraordinary and unforgettable view of Beijing and the Forbidden City, casually climb the steps to the top of the hill to the Wanchunting (Wanchun Pavilion) which overlooks this small park, directly opposite the North Gate of the Forbidden City. From this playground of Ming and Qing dynasty emperors for almost 500 years, you will be able to get a grasp on the great city that is China’s capital. On Sunday’s choral groups gather in the park to perform amateur Peking Operas, play musical instruments or to sing songs once beloved by the masses. Address:
North of the Forbidden City, 44 Jingshanxi Jie, Xicheng District
Yonghegong Lamasery (Lama Temple) 雍和宫 Many consider Yonghegong the most prominent and colourful temple in Beijing. Formerly the official residence of Count Yin Zhen, it was turned into a temple when the Count was elevated to the imperial throne in 1723. Now a working lamasery, it has three spectacular archways and five main halls, all featuring courtyards and galleries. Keep an eye out for the 18-metre high Buddha in Wanfu Pavilion, which was carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Browse shops in the area for gifts and souvenirs. Address:
12 Yonghegong Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tian’anmen Square 天安门广场 Tian’anmen Square is the heart of Beijing and the largest public square in the world. The 44-hectare Tian’anmen Square is 500 metres wide, 800 metres long and paved with specially treated light granite slate. Watch for the solemn flag-raising ceremony at sunrise and flag-lowering ceremony at sunset. The Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum stand on the southern end of the square and are visited by millions of Chinese people each year. Here you can experience a sense of the people’s love for their country in one of the most historic places on earth. How
to get there: Subway Lines 1, Tian’anmen Xi (West) or Tian’anmen
Dong (East) Stations Shichahai 什刹海 Shichahai features many places of historical interest and scenic beauty, plus the best-preserved examples of old-style Beijing streets and residences, the hutong and siheyuan courtyard homes. Set around the three connected lakes of Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai, it’s a popular place for boating in the summer and skating in the winter. In recent years it has also developed a thriving bar and club scene. This is the best place to get a feel for old Beijing, strolling or cycling around narrow alleys where ordinary families live alongside (and sometimes inside) the grand homes of imperial China. Tourists can also visit several former residences of major figures in 20th century Chinese history, while the nearby Drum and Bell towers and Deshengmen Watch Tower are also top attractions. How
to get there: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Gulou Dajie Station,
then take a taxi for 15 yuan. The Palace of Prince Gong 恭王府 Beijing’s best-kept and biggest courtyard (siheyuan), it is said to be the model for the novelist Cao Xueqin’s Dream of the Red Mansions. A great place to spend a day relaxing, it is a photographer’s paradise, especially in the spring. Address:
A14, Liuyin Jie, Xicheng District The Remains of Peking Man in Zhoukoudian 周口店北京猿人遗址 The suburban district of Zhoukoudian became world famous after the discovery of a 500,000-year-old human skull on December 2, 1929. The caves on Dragon Bone Hill where Peking Man’s remains were found were recognized as a World Heritage List site by the United Nations in 1987. More discoveries of ancient humans from 1,000 to 11,000 years ago were made after 1929, and research at the site continues today. Unearthed fossil remains in Zhoukoudian include 6 skulls, 15 jaw bones, 157 teeth and countless fragmented bones belonging to 40 individual Peking Men, constituting important materials for the study of the early biological evolution of human beings and the development of early culture. Address:
1 Zhoukoudian Dajie, Fangshan District Yuanmingyuan Park 圆明园 Yuanmingyuan was extolled as the “Garden of Gardens” and the “Versailles of the East” during its heyday. It was an imperial summer resort repeatedly expanded under the personal supervision of five emperors of the Qing Dynasty. The palace buildings were looted and largely destroyed by foreign troops in 1860 and 1900; the ruins are a poignant feature of this large and very attractive park. Address:
28, Qinghua Xilu, Haidian District Zhongshan Park 中山公园 The northern boundary of this popular park borders the moat of the Forbidden City. During the reign of Emperor Yongle, the Altar of Earth and Grain was located here. Emperors made twice-yearly offerings to the gods of the fields and agriculture. The park also features a wonderful children’s play area shaded by ancient cypress trees. Address:
West of Tian’anmen, Dongcheng District Working People’s Cultural Palace 劳动人民文化宫(太庙) Formerly the Imperial Ancestral Temple, this grand structure lies at the southeast corner of the Forbidden City. Built during the early Ming Dynasty, the temple grounds are laid out with lovely paths lined with ancient trees and flowerbeds. Address:
Northeast corner of
Tian’anmen Square, Dongcheng District Fragrant Hills Park 香山公园 A popular destination for Beijingers and visitors because of the spectacular views from a peak that rises nearly 2,000 feet (600 metres) above sea level. The peak may be reached on foot or by chairlift and there is a lot to see and do along the way. Several Ming and Qing dynasty temples and villas are scattered around the park, which is also close to the Beijing Botanical Garden. The Fragrant Hills lie beyond the Summer Palace northwest of Beijing, a little over an hour from the city centre by car, and the shops lining the approach to the park have gifts and souvenirs only found at this park. Address:
At the foot of Xishan Hill, Haidian
District Beijing Botanical Garden 北京植物园 The 400-hectare Beijing Botanical Garden is located at the foot of the Western Hills in Northwest Beijing. Along with a large variety of plants, the garden has Asia’s largest greenhouse. Address:
Wofosi Lu, Xiangshan, Haidian District Changpuhe Park 菖蒲河公园 Changpuhe is a pretty river park lying to the east of the Forbidden City. For many years the river lay hidden under stone slabs and warehouses, but recent renovation uncovered the water and transformed this part of Beijing into a prime recreational spot. Beautiful flower gardens and a teeming river of goldfish are among its main attractions. The park also features courtyard-style restaurants and modern amenities: a great place to take a break after a south–north walk across Tian’anmen Square. Address:
Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District Ritan Park 日坛公园 The site of a 16th-century altar where emperors made sacrificial offerings to the sun. Located in the southern embassy area and north of the Friendship Store, this is one of Beijing’s quietest and most atmospheric parks. Nearby are some of Beijing’s best and most popular restaurants and bars, access to medical services for foreigners, and there’s a Jenny Lou’s store at the northeastern corner outside the park that sells foods and snacks imported from around the world. Address:
6 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District Grand View Garden 大观园 Built in the 1980s as the set for a television production of Cao Xueqin’s 18th-century classic Chinese novel A Dream of Red Mansions. Now a peaceful getaway and an enjoyable outing for fans of the book. Address:
12 Nancaiyuan Jie,
Xuanwu District Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园 The largest forested metropolitan park in Beijing, offering numerous attractions and superbly maintained floral and grassy areas. If you’re a sports buff, this is the place to go, but the park is also surrounded by great restaurants and night spots. Address:
1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District Beijing Zoo and Beijing Aquarium 北京动物园·北京海洋馆 Beijing Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in the Asia-Pacific region. It houses more than 7,000 animals, including golden monkeys and Great Pandas from Sichuan, yaks from Tibet, Chinese sea turtles, Manchurian tigers, and snow leopards. The biggest aquarium in China was opened inside the Zoo in 1999. There are daily performances by dolphins and sea lions. Beijing Zoo Address:
137, Xizhimenwai Dajie,
Xicheng District Beijing Aquarium Address:
North Gate of Beijing Zoo Blue Zoo Beijing 工体富国海底世界 Beijing’s first saltwater aquarium. Visitors get a great view of a diverse collection of marine life by walking through Asia’s largest (120-metre) transparent underwater tunnel. The aquarium is home to 6,000 sea creatures from all over the world. Address:
South Gate of Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District
Chinese Ethnic Culture Park (China Nationalities Museum) 中华民族园 The Chinese Ethnic Cultural Park features reproductions of the traditional buildings and living environments of Chinese minorities, plus performances and exhibitions introducing the cultural characteristics of the country’s many peoples. Address:
Opposite the West Gate of the National Olympic Sports Centre,
Chaoyang District Many
religions coexist in China, with Buddhism,
Taoism (Daoism), Islam and Christianity the most widespread. Each
faith is respected equally, especially in the capital where each is
represented and where each maintains its own sacred sites. Buddhism Buddhism is the dominant religion in China. It first arrived in AD 64 during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), since when it has played a central role in Chinese culture and history. In China there are three main types of Buddhism: Han, Tibetan and Southern. Han and Tibetan Buddhism are significant subdivisions since they preserved important Sanskrit literary works that were lost to Southern Buddhism.
White Dagoba Temple 白塔寺 Named for the Yuan Dynasty dagoba that towers over the temple building. The eastern and western walls feature portraits of eight dharma protectors of Tibetan Buddhism. An exhibition of precious cultural relics is housed in the temple. Address:
171, Fuchengmen Dajie, Xicheng District Reclining Buddha Temple 卧佛寺 Located on the eastern side of the Fragrant Hills, this temple was built in the seventh century AD during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907). It was enlarged during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) to accommodate a huge bronze reclining Buddha, cast in 1320 using 25,000 kilograms of bronze. The 5.2-metre-long Reclining Buddha depicts Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. Surrounding it, 12 sculptures illustrate the mourning of Sakyamuni’s 12 disciples. Address:
Wofosi Lu, Fragrant Hills, Haidian District The Temple of the Azure Clouds 碧云寺 The Temple of the Azure Clouds was first built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). The area around the temple features several places of historic interest and some breathtaking scenery. Located near the northern end of Fragrant Hills Park, this is a particularly nice place to take a break from the hectic pace of city life. Outside the temple gate is a stone bridge, under which runs a deep gully filled with tall locust trees and with willows gracing both sides. Address:
North of Fragrant Hills Park, Haidian District Jietai Temple 戒台寺 Home
to one of China’s
most famous trees, the Jiulong (Nine-Dragon) Pine, which is said to
be more than 1,300 years old? Address:
South of Ma’anshan, Mentougou District Tanzhe Temple 潭柘寺 This hillside temple consists of pavilions, prayer halls, courtyards and a group of pagodas dating from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, but there’s more to see in this area. Plan also to visit the nearby “forest of pagodas,” the final resting place for some of Tanzhe Temple’s monks in a heavily forested area, and villages along the route, such as the 1,000-year-old Taipingzhuang and more. Address:
Tanzhe Mountain, Mentougou District Yunju Temple 云居寺 An ancient complex built around limestone caves in the southern Shangfang Mountains. A shrine holds two bone fragments said to belong to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. More than 77,000 engraved wooden blocks containing the Chinese Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures) draw large crowds to the site. Address:
Dashiwo County, Fangshan District Taoism (Daoism) Taoism
is the only religion whose
origins lie within China itself. The religion derives from the
doctrines of Laozi, a famous Chinese philosopher whose thoughts about
“the way” were elaborated in the Daodejing
1,800 years ago.
The most common representation of Taoist theology is the circular
yin-yang figure. It symbolizes the balance of opposites in existence:
when equally present, all is calm; when one outweighs the other,
confusion and chaos result. Baiyun Guan (White Cloud Temple) 白云观 The largest Taoist centre in Beijing. The temple has a library of 5,485 Taoist classics and practitioners at the temple are well-versed in its philosophy. During the Spring Festival, the fair at Baiyun Guan is very popular. Address:
Baiyun Lu, Fuxingmenwai Dajie, Xicheng District Dongyue Miao (East Mountain Temple) 东岳庙 A charming temple and an active place of worship. Its name refers to China’s famed Tai Shan. There is much to fascinate the visitor, with halls of devotion, seasonal market stalls and plentiful totems of good fortune. Address:
141 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District Christianity Christianity
came to China as early as the seventh century with travelling
Nestorians. The Jesuits later found their way in the 1670s and the
first protestant missionary arrived in 1807. Today, there are an
estimated four million Catholics and ten million Protestants in
China. As a consequence of the Opium War (1839–42),
the Qing government was forced to accept terms that made Christianity
legal in China. However, after the founding of the People’s
Republic of China in 1949, Christianity gradually removed its foreign
tag and became an acceptable and independent Chinese institution.
Today it has firm roots in contemporary Chinese culture. Catholic Churches Church of Our Saviour 西什库教堂 The largest Catholic Church in Beijing. The original building was dedicated in 1703, but this was later torn down as a result of the expansion of Zhongnanhai. The church was moved to its current site just west of Beihai Park and rebuilt in ornate Gothic style in 1887. Address:
33 Xishiku, Xicheng District Church of St. Joseph 王府井天主堂 First built in 1655 after Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) granted two foreign priests the right to use the land. Their small church was destroyed several times by earthquakes and wars. The current building dates from 1904. Address:
74 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District Church of the Immaculate Conception 宣武门教堂 Address:
141 Qianmenxi Dajie, Xuanwu District How to get there: Subway Line 2, Qianmen Station Protestant Churches Chongwenmen Protestant Church 崇文门教堂 Address:
2 Hougou Hutong, Chongwen District (in the hutong opposite Hademen
Hotel) Zhushikou Protestant Church 珠市口教堂 Address:
129 Qianmen Nandajie, Chongwen District (at the cross- road of
Liangguang Dajie and Qianmen Dajie) Kuan Jie Protestant Church 宽街教堂 Address:
51 Di’anmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (at the crossroads of
Di’anmen Dongdajie and Kuan Jie) Islam Islam
first arrived in China during the Tang and Song dynasties (618 BC–AD
1279) via trade links with Persia and Central Asia. It became firmly
established in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), especially among the
peoples living in what is now the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
There are an estimated 100 million Muslims in China, divided among 10
different ethnic groups. In Beijing there are many thriving Muslim
communities with more than 40 mosques located in the city. Niu Jie Mosque 牛街清真寺 Niu Jie, or Ox Street Mosque, is the oldest and most prestigious mosque in Beijing. According to legend, an ancient imam lives in the catacombs beneath the mosque and if non-believers should attempt to enter its prayer hall, he will suddenly appear and “send the heretic to Allah” by throwing small steel darts at the infidel. Address:
88 Niu Jie, Xuanwu District Dongsi Mosque 东四清真寺 Built in 1447 during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), this combines Chinese and Middle Eastern styles. The mosque’s library houses valuable manuscripts of the Koran, the Hadith, the Sunna (Islamic law), and other works of Islamic philosophy, history and literature published in Egypt, India, Turkey and Pakistan. Three services are held at dawn, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily. The site is also the headquarters of the Beijing branch of the China Islamic Association. Address:
13 Dongsi Nandajie, Dongcheng District
Beijing Underground City 北京地下城 The Underground City was an elaborate and extensive set of tunnels and bomb shelters built for civil defence. For more than 20 years, Beijing’s Underground City has been mostly forgotten by local citizens, despite being well-known among foreigners since it officially opened in 1980. The Underground City has also been called the Underground Great Wall, since they both had the same purpose: military defence. Address:
62 Damochang Hutong (east of Qianmen Dajie and south of Taijichang) Marco Polo Bridge 卢沟桥 Known
to locals as Reed Ditch
Bridge, the “tourist” name derives from the Venetian wanderer’s
description in his famous travelogue. It was built over the Yongding
River in the early 12th century to provide access to the capital 16
km away. It is famed for the parapets that line each side, with 140
columns crowned by 485 lions. Address:
77 Lugouqiao Chengnan Jie, Fengtai District Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park 明城墙遗址公园 This last surviving fragment of Beijing’s ancient city wall stretches from Chongwenmen to Dongbianmen. The surrounding area has been cleaned up and turned into a pleasant, if narrow, park. Dongbianmen houses the Red Gate contemporary art gallery and a museum concerning the history of Chongwen District that is surprisingly interesting to visit. Address:
Chongwenmen Dongdajie Confucius Temple 孔庙·国子监 Confucius (Kongzi) (551–479 BC) is generally acknowledged as ancient China’s greatest thinker and philosopher, and Confucianism remains an important aspect of traditional Chinese culture today. This 700-year-old temple was a sacrificial site for emperors of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Its peaceful courtyard and ancient cypress trees make this one of the most pleasant temples in Beijing; it also has relics of prime significance, including the complete Confucian classics carved on massive stone stele. Next door is the former Imperial College, and a “forest of steles” that record the results of the imperial examinations from the Yuan to the Qing dynasties. Address:
13 Guozijian Jie, Dongcheng District Temple of Emperors of Successive Dynasties in China 历代帝王庙 An imperial temple during the Ming and Qing dynasties that was used for offering sacrifices to gods and ancestors such as Yanhuang—the mythical father of the Chinese race. The magnificent Jingdechongsheng Hall is on a par with the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City. The huge red wall before the gate is of a type seldom seen in China. Address:
131 Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District Former Residences of the Famous Former Residence of Soong Qingling 宋庆龄故居 Together with her famous sisters, Soong Qingling (Soong Ch'ing-ling)was one of the first Chinese women educated in the West. She was an advocate of women’s rights even before marrying the late Dr. Sun Yat-sen and becoming China’s first “first lady.” She was very active in national politics and in the women’s movement before and after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Her belief that women’s liberation must be part of the Chinese Revolution, and her support for the creation of the All-China Women’s Federation in 1949, continue to shape Chinese Government’s policies toward women. Many of her personal effects are on display. Address:
46 Houhai Bei’an, Xicheng District Former Residence of Lao She 老舍故居 As the author of Rickshaw Boy, Tea House and Four Generations under One Roof, Lao She (the nom de plume of Shu Qingchun, 1899–1966) is one of China’s most beloved and respected writers. Lao She’s house is fascinating for fans of his touching work. Address:
19 Fengfu Hutong, Dengshikou Xijie, Dongcheng District Former Residence of Mao Dun 茅盾故居 Mao Dun was active in the May 4th Movement, the founder of the Literary Study Society in 1920 and a promoter of literary realism in China. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he served as a minister in the Ministry of Central Culture, and as vice-chairman of the National People’s Political and Consultative Committee. He also served as vice-chairman of the China Culture League and chairman of the China Writers Association. The house is situated in a truly historic hutong. Address:
13 Hou Yuan’ensi Hutong, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng District Former Residence of Guo Moruo 郭沫若故居 Guo Moruo was one of China’s most prominent writers and poets. He was awarded many prestigious honours, including the Stalin Peace Prize in 1951. His former house and gardens are immaculately preserved. Address:
18 Qianhai Xijie, Xicheng District Former Residence of Lu Xun 鲁迅故居 Lu Xun (1881–1936), the father of modern Chinese literature, wrote many of his essays and novels in this small courtyard garden. Address:
19 Gongmenkou Ertiao, Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District
Former Residence of Mei Lanfang 梅兰芳故居 Most of the 30,000 relics on display belonged to Mei Lanfang (1894–1961), the most celebrated exponent of the art of Peking Opera. Address:
9 Huguosi Jie, Xicheng District
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