When the dust settles from the Beijing Olympic Games, the world will know more about this ancient capital city of China. Although the city modernized itself to welcome athletes, media and tourists, the city remains rich in historical landmarks. There's more to Beijing than the Olympics so here are the city's top tourist attractions to explore when the Games are over.
Beijing was the seat of power for various Chinese dynasties throughout history. During the Ming dynasty, the Yongle Emperor built the Forbidden City, a compound surrounded by a moat and walls to enclose some 980 buildings and the palace. It was the home for many emperors and some of their treasures survive to this day and can be seen in the Palace Museum. Due to its significance in Chinese architecture and culture, it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Beijing also boasts another World Heritage Site in the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is an estate 294 hectares in size renowned for its landscape of gardens, lakes, pavilions and bridges. It was the refuge of peace for many Chinese royals throughout the years.
Another notable Beijing landmark that was the location of a modern day tragedy is Tiananmen Square. Situated just south of the Forbidden City, this immense square measuring 40.5 hectares, many notable events in Chinese history took place. Chief amongst them was the Tiananmen Square protest of 1989 where students and intellectuals made protests against the Chinese government. As a result, and depending on the propaganda source, 200 to 3000 protesters died between April 15 and June 4, 1989. To this day, the square remains a gathering place with other notable landmarks such as the Tiananmen Gate to the north, the national legislature known as the Great Hall of the People to the west, the National Museum of China to the east, the Monument to the People's Heroes to the south, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong in the middle.
But perhaps the most famous landmark of them all is the Great Wall of China. Yes, this too is a World Heritage Site. The Great Wall measures 6,700 km in length and construction first started in 220 BC. Throughout the centuries, it has been built and rebuilt and sections of the Wall are on the outskirts of the Beijing.
The Chinese capital of Beijing truly holds a wealth of history with many more tourist attractions of temples, tombs and gardens. As the Beijing Olympic Games rolls around it will certainly add more luster to its history as well as inheriting world class modern buildings built for the Olympics. What a great blend of the old and the new. This is what makes Beijing such a great place to visit.
Related Articles
Beijing Cleans Up for the Olympics
By: Mariam Ma | 25/07/2008 | Sports and Fitness
Read the unique challenges that the developing city of Beijing faces as it prepares itself for the Olympic Games.
China Heritage Lauriat
By: Steve | 10/02/2008 | Travel
With history and culture as old as civilization itself, China is as complex as the DNA code of each of the 1.3 billion (and counting) Chinese populating the earth.
Beijing 2008
By: Mandy Chagger | 05/12/2007 | Travel
Beijing, located in northern China, is the second largest city in China, next to Shanghai, and the capital of the People's Republic of China. Beijing is a major hub for transportation, which makes it even more important in the overall economics of the country. It is also the point to which many international flights arrive and depart.
Beijing Olympics - 7 Things You Don't Know About China
By: alexda | 30/07/2008 | Free
Soon the coverage of the Beijing Olympics will overwhelm the media. There will be never ending stories about China’s spectacular growth and forecasts of what that means in the future. But there is another story, a darker story. There are things about China that are not well known and every economic forecast at some point in time is wrong.
Great Wall of China Tourist Attraction
By: Chris Chew | 21/08/2008 | Travel
Now if you have traveled to China for a vacation holiday or on a business trip, people will inevitably ask you whether you have visited The Great Wall of China? Why is this tourist attraction in China so attractive? It is because if you have not gone sightseeing at the...
Beijing & the Olympics; a Chinese Perspective
By: Juliana Abram | 08/08/2008 | Feng Shui
Read about the important aspects of the Beijing Olympics date selection from a Chinese Metaphysical perspective.
Interesting information is provided about the relationship with the date and time of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games from a BaZi (The Four Pillars of Destiny) standpoint.
Fascinating and informative historical facts about the Olympics and…once again some relationships can be drawn regarding the importance and relevance to ancient Chinese beliefs.
Michael Phelps Greatest Olympian
By: Eddie Delgado | 18/08/2008 | Fitness
Beijing China 2008 could be the year of the greatest Olympian athlete in Olympic history. Michael Phelps born June 30, 1985 in Baltimore Maryland was born to break world records and win gold medals. Phelps co-starred "Unfiltered", the first behind the scenes documentary in the sport of swimming.
The Olympics and Political Games
By: Maxine Clarke | 09/08/2008 | Sports and Fitness
With news stories focusing on human rights abuse, terrorism, air pollution and doping, it seems that the Olympics are not what they once were. The long-awaited Beijing Olympic Games finally begin this Friday but can they transcend the politics? Can we still be touched by the Olympic spirit?
Latest Destinations Articles
The Benefits Of Visiting Rural Tuscany
By: Thomas Pretty | 05/09/2008
A look at the growing popularity of rural holidays in Tuscany and why staying in converted farm buildings and medieval houses can be considered a great way to relax and immerse yourself in the Tuscan culture.
Car Hire Murcia Where is Murcia Airport
By: Michael Lee | 05/09/2008
Murcia San Javier Airport is located to the North West of La Manga approximately 20 minutes drive by hire car. To drive to Alicante from Murcia airport takes around 40 minutes.
New York Moving Company : to Meet All Your Relocation Needs
By: Claudia White | 05/09/2008
The job of different New York Moving Company is not restricted moving the goods. These days they also select the right transport for carrying your things, pack them properly to avoid any kind of mishandling during the transit.
More Families Traveling Less Due to Economy
By: Roger Munns | 05/09/2008
Because of the recent sluggishness in the world's economies, many people are avoiding holiday trips. For example, a recent survey showed that one in three British citizens are avoiding foreign travel as a way to save money. The economic downturn is likely temporary, but it will negatively impact the tourism industry of Gran Canaria in coming months.
The Mystery of Edward Leedskalnin
By: Michael Kohler | 05/09/2008
Who was Ed Leedskalnin? Why did he really come to south Florida? Where did he learn how to carve, move, and balance megalithic coral blocks? He built the Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida, but now learn why he came to Florida and where his megalithic coral cutting and moving skills began.
Kerala Backwaters Tours Onboard Houseboat
By: michaelbraganza | 05/09/2008
Kerala, also known as the God’s Own Country, is one of the most charming and captivating states of India. It is widely acclaimed tourist destinations. Tourists from all over the world visit this picturesque state of India. There are numerous attractions in this state. Beaches, backwaters, hill station, monuments, etc are names to few. You will know better about Kerala and its different places of tourist interest when you will visit this state. Surly, visiting Kerala will never fail to entice you
Package Tours to Kerala Promise You an Enduring Experience
By: michaelbraganza | 05/09/2008
Kerala, fondly known as the God’s Own Country, is one of the most enticing travel destination and states of India. It is widely acclaimed for its excellent tourism infrastructure and numerous places of tourist interest dotted with numerous attractions. Beaches, backwaters, houseboats, traditional villages, modern cities, forts, temples, churches, palaces, beautiful landscapes, verdant hill stations, eye-catching surroundings, rich flora & fauna, etc are prime attractions of Kerala tourism. These
Tours to Shimla, Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh
By: michaelbraganza | 05/09/2008
Shimla, Kullu and Manali are three prime travel and holiday destinations of Himachal Pradesh, India. These destinations are internationally famous for its cool & pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, snow-capped mountain peaks, adventure & sports activities, religious spots, and several other picturesque attractions. I bet exploring these charming and captivating destinations of Himachal Pradesh will be a delightful experience that will last forever.
Travel 
