Beijing's Must-See
Local Tourist Attractions
and
Chinese Cultural Events
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The
Great Wall, it is said, is one of the few objects on earth
visible from space. It belongs not only to China, but is part of the
cultural heritage of the whole world. No tourists can afford missing
the chance to visit it if they come to Beijing. Usually, it is the
top item on any travel program. GWAC is the specialist to help you
see
the great marvel of the Wall.
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With
a total area of 440,000 square meters, Tian'anmen Square is
the largest square in the center of Beijing. For over a hundred
years, many national ceremonies and democratic demonstrations have
been held here. The grandeur of Tiananmen Gate (Heavenly Peace Gate)
is a national symbol, with the Great Hall of the People on the
western side and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution on the south.
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Also known as the Imperial Palace
Museum or Gugong, the Forbidden City was the place where the
emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties carried out their
administration and lived. Now it is open to the public as a palace
museum where people can see the great traditional palace
architecture, enjoy the treasures kept in the palace, and learn of
the legends and anecdotes about the imperial family and the court.
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In
ancient China, the emperor was regarded as the "Son of
Heaven", who administered matters on the earth on behalf of the
heavenly authority. To show respect to the heaven, ceremonies for
sacrifices to heaven were extremely important to the emperor. The
Temple of Heaven was built for the worship of heaven and prayers
for good harvests. A double wall encloses the temple.
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Equally
famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called
"Yi He Yuan" (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. It
is up to now the best preserved and the largest royal gardens in
China. You may regret it if you come to Beijing and miss visiting
these gardens. Located near Beijing University, it is a great place
to seek a break from the summer
heat!
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The
13 tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors are living monuments,
with all except the one opened the public still containing the remains
of their emperors. Occupying a natural site that resembles, the
courtyard so loved by emperors and common folk alike, the tombs look
down from their hillside locations onto the floor of the valley,
across which snakes the ceremonial road that is guarded by a series
of large stone animals.
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Beijing
University, China's most famous university is always the leading
institution of technology and political reforms. Talk to students
and know what Chinese new generation is thinking, then you know what
China will look like in the next twenty to fifty years.
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Beijing Opera (or Peking Opera)
has existed for over 200 years. It is widely regarded as the highest
expression of the Chinese culture. It is known as one of the three
main theatrical systems in the world. Artistically, Beijing Opera is
perhaps the most refined form of opera in the world. It has deeply
influenced the hearts of the Chinese people.
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Established
in 1908, with a total floor space of 40,000 square meters, Beijing
Zoo houses more than 6,000 animals of over 500 species are on
show including giant pandas, elephants, golden monkeys, brown and
polar bears, tigers, hippopotami, rhinoceros, antelopes, giraffes
and reptiles. Also on show ale rare animals from various continents.
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Peking Roast Duck has the reputation of being the most
delicious food Beijing has to offer. Eating Peking Duck is seen to
be one of the two things you are absolutely supposed to do while in
Beijing. The other one is climbing the Great
Wall. Peking Duck is always served in well-cut slices. The whole
duck must be sliced into 120 pieces and every piece has to be
perfect with the complete layers of the meat.
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A
hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing,
where hutongs run into the several thousand. As a cultural
scene peculiar to Beijing, from the time of its birth, Hutong
has acted as the witness of the age-long history of Beijing. Hutong
in Beijing mainly started in the early Liao and Jin Dynasties now
cluster round Xuanwu District. A day tour through hutongs
gives you fresh insight into Beijing's local life.
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No
visit to Beijing would be complete without a trip to the infamous
Silk Street (Xiu
Shui) Market. You can get all kinds of clothing here e.g.
shoes, shirts, sweaters, coats, leather jackets, real silk,
cashmere, together with watches and the occasional DVD seller.
Most have a brand name such as Timberland, Tommy Hillfinger,
Nike, CK, Adidas, Polo, Boss, Gucci, Prada, D&G, Versace etc. but
not all do. Buy at big fractional prices and experience tough bargaining!
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Customize
Your Tour Program. Let us know your travel plan so that we will
help you to customize your city tour program. Our goal is to
maximize your fun and let you return home with love of Chinese
people. We also welcome overseas travel agencies to work with us
together to assist tourists from all around the world to visit
Beijing.
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