Forbidden City, Beijing

If you can choose to visit only one city in China, it definitely should be Beijing.It boasts of so many best attractions, not only the 'Nation's Bests' but the 'World's Bests'.

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved Imperial Palace complex in the world. It has 9,999 rooms in flourishing period (many were desolated and now there are over 8,000 completed rooms saved) with just a single room short of the number that ancient Chinese belief represents 'Divine Perfection' and surrounded by a moat six meters (about 6.6 yards) deep and ten-meter (about 11 yards) high wall. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country as well as being the residence of emperors and empresses of the Yuan (1271 - 1368), Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties. Thus, the place itself is not to be missed by any Beijing visitor. A self-guided audio tour tapes are available in several languages at the entrance.

The solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world, which serves not only Beijing's symbol but also the whole of China. This immense courtyard is the site of various historical events. The square is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices namely, the Chinese Revolution History Museum, the Mao Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace Gate) Tower, and the Qianmen (Front Gate). The daily flag ceremonies at the square, performed during sunrise and sunset, are most exceptional and well-worth time to view and experience.

The Great Wall is one of the 'Eight Wonders of the World' and is enlisted in the World Heritage Directory. This immense wall was built to keep out invaders as well as to retain the inhabitants. It spans five provinces (6,700 kilometers, or 2,587 miles) from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west. Like a gigantic dragon, it winds up and down across deserts, grasslands and mountains and said to be the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon. Just outside Beijing, it is possible to climb a section of the Great Wall and enjoy a splendid panoramic view that you will remember for the rest of your life.

   Great Wall of China, Beijing

Beijing has lots of beautiful temples that at one time served as the focus of religious life. The Temple of Heaven is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals that pay homage to the glory of heaven. This temple was built specifically for worship of heaven and prayers for good harvests during the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are two amazing acoustical spots in the temple. Originally built in the 1500's, there is a spot on top of the tri-leveled round altar where your words reverberate around you. The other one is at the Echo Wall that partially encloses a circular courtyard 65 meters (213 feet) in diameter. Words whispered at one end travel along the wall and can be heard clearly by someone listening at the other end. The entire complex is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architectural designs and arts.

There are many other fascinating temples in Beijing worth visiting such as, the White Cloud Taoist Temple, which is one of the oldest and still the most active of Taoist temples, and the Temple of Confucius, in honor of and sacrifice to Confucius. Visiting these temples can help you get a clearer concept of ancient Chinese's religious life.

Other famous Beijing attractions include the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 ancient Ming emperors; the Bell and Drum Towers built in the 1400's; Fragrant Hills Park; the Ancient Observatory that dates back to the days of Kublai Khan; the Silk Market; the Botanical Gardens; the Indian-designed Temple of Azure Clouds and many other wondrous places. Readers of the classic book 'The Dream of Red Mansions' will want to visit Prince Gong's Mansion of the 18th Century, which was purported to be the model mansion in the novel.

   Summer Palace, Beijing

For a peaceful and interesting stroll, visit Beijing's many beautiful parks, such as Beihai Park, which was allegedly built by the Great Khan, centuries earlier than the Forbidden City. This park was enjoyed by various rulers of China for hundreds of years and features great pavilions, architecturally interesting walkways, the 27-meter-long (about 88 feet) Nine Dragon Screen (built to scare off evil spirits), a jar that was the last remnant of the Khan's court, the Five Dragon Pavilion dating back from the mid 1600's, and a large lake with an island in the middle. The Summer Palace is another one that is definitely a 'must see', a famous classic imperial garden with breathtaking beauty. It holds a special place in the history of Chinese gardens.