Introduction The best preserved (or perhaps most rebuilt, depending on your point of view…) section of the wall, Badaling is particularly popular with local tour groups. Although it can be very busy at weekends and national holidays, it is a good option for first-time DIY travellers due to the convenient Read more…
Introduction The Summer Palace in Beijing was built as a royal garden for the Qing dynasty emperors and their families to relax, entertain and escape the city during the hottest months of the year. It has in fact been rebuilt several times due to damage by wars and fires, but the architectural Read more…
Introduction Standing to the west of Tiananmen Square, this building is the political heart of China. It is where important conferences and events such as the annual National People’s Congress are held. You may be surprised to learn that this modern building, built in 1959, is actually larger than the Read more…
Introduction As the ancient imperial palace of the Ming and Qing emperors (as well as their many concubines and children), the Forbidden City is one of the must-see sights of Beijing. The sprawling complex consists of almost 1000 buildings and is located conveniently at the heart of modern Beijing. Each building or hall has Read more…
Introduction Tiananmen Square, named after the Gate of Heavenly Peace, which stands between it and the Forbidden City, is one of the largest city squares in the world. It is most well-known for the Tiananmen Square Student Massacre of 1989 – although it has also been the site of many other significant events and Read more…