Beijing is the first city that I have visited in China, having been fascinated with the capital city. My first visit was in 2007, before the Summer Olympic of 2008. Subsequent years, I have visited a few more times and each single time still fascinating for me to find new things to experience. Certain things remain the same in the capital city, but others are evolving at such fast pace.
Major tourist attractions including Temple of Heaven, Tianamen Square, Beihai Park & the 9 Dragon Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace are still sitting there patiently waiting for the hordes of tourists to visit. Some are clear days, some are hot & humid, some are a little hazy as well. Welcoming through the years as they did throughout the historical period.
Forbidden City is an enigma on its own. Having been the abode of many Qing Emperors, it is also popularised via the drama series especially showing how the scheming royal family behave. Scary! Most of the current buildings in Forbidden City is refurbished to its original state as best as possible. The marble white grandeur welcoming its visitors upon entering from the grand entrance. The many buildings catered for the Emperor and his many concubines. The top plate of each building, with wise words from the past.
If possible, take a guide to explain the intricacy of the historical details of the Forbidden Cities, its various buildings, practices in the past. As a first timer, you can easily spend more than half a day in the Forbidden City. I have been to Forbidden City 3 times, and still never find it boring. Mind you, each visit is different and with long queue to boot!
The attraction is located at Dongcheng District, considered the ancient city area, also encompassing other attractions including Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park. Spend at least a day in the area to cover all these attractions, starting the day early. Don a good walking shoes as the day will be long with lots of walks.
Summer Palace is located slightly away from the Forbidden City in the Haidian District, as indicated for the royal family’s use during summer to escape the hot summer enveloping the city. The vibe is slightly different, less formal structure, more leisurely with various lakes & ponds and trees to entertain for the summer shades. A favourite of Empress Dowager Cixi, stories abound of how the royal entourage visit during summer.
Yuan Ming Yuan Park, also in Haidian District, can be described as a ruin. Regardless, it is the site of the Old Summer Palace, sometimes also known as Winter Palace. The historical significance is great, as you can really imagine the grandeur and beauty of this palace prior to its destructions in the late 19th century. During the chaos and destructions, the fire burnt for days. Many artefacts either destroyed or looted.
The hutongs or alleys of the capital city remains the link from the courtyards of the officials with the Forbidden City. In my first visit to the Hutongs, we sat on trishaws to be drawn around, surrounded by the public taking bicycles. In the last visit, some of the Hutongs have been transformed into restaurants and cafes, serving fusion food to local and foreign tourists alike.
Lama Temple aka as Yong He Gong is located in one of these Hutongs. A mixture of Han and Tibetan architecture, in my mind, the temple is forever linked with Emperor Qianlong as his birth place. Coming out of the Lama Temple, there are a few shops selling tea. Nice to drop by for a drink and purchase some as souvenirs. Nearby, there is also a Confucius Temple within a short walk away.
Suggesting perhaps a full day of walking in Dongcheng district to visit Forbidden City and the attractions nearby Forbidden City including Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, Tiananmen Square. In recent years, the subway connectivity to Dongcheng is great, and cheap too. Accessing these via subway may be your best bet to go to Dongcheng if you are not keen to be stuck in traffic jam. In 2007, there were still traces of bicycles in the city but by 2012 traffic snarls are the norm and in recent years it is even worse. In one of the trips, we stayed at Dongcheng’s hotel. Nearby to attractions but the traffic jam is bad with further access to subway.
Another more leisurely day for Summer Palace and Yuan Ming Yuan Park. Drop by the prestigious universities of Tsinghua University and Peking University which are also located in Haidian District. Attractions in Haidian District are a little more dispersed and taking public transports may be tricky if you are not familiar with conversing and reading Mandarin. A private car rental may be a better bet for convenience and time management. However, if you are up to the task of taking public transportation, there will be bound to be significant amount of walking. Take a good pair of shoes, and use of public buses are better as their access to these attractions are better.
Another half day to roam the Hutongs, and perhaps taking some time off to take a drink or some Northern snacks from the available cafes and restaurants. There are quite a number of different Hutongs in Beijing. Take your pick and roam these alleys to experience its individuality.
Cheng's Musings 