BEIJING

It does not take long to learn everything there is to know about Beijing, one of the oldest cities on the planet, whose origins date back to 1000 b.C.
Beijing literally means “northern capital” and today has about 15 million inhabitants.
Beijing is rapidly changing due to the upcoming Olympic Games, which are transforming the city into a modern and fully functional metropolis, full of tourist and cultural attractions and an offer of first class accommodation. There are many places to visit, so let’s take a look at some of them.

First of all you should visit the “Forbidden City”, the home of the sumptuous Imperial Palace. To the north of the Forbidden City is the Jingshan Park, located on the top of a hill from which you can admire a breath taking view.
Those that want to learn more about the traditions must visit the old neighbourhoods of Hutong that have maintained their traditional spirit (Quianmen, is another neighbourhood, but with an exquisite economic feel).

Finally we find ourselves in the immense Tien An Men Square, theatre of the most important historical events in China, where the Mao Zedong Mausoleum is located, that is visited every day by thousands of Chinese.

As far as the characteristic temples are concerned it is important to mention the “Temple of Heaven” of the Ming Dynasty and the “Temple of the Large Bell”, that houses thousand of brass bells.

Finally, we can’t forget the “Summer Palace”, full traditional architecture and surrounded by vegetation.

On the outskirts of the Chinese capital there are some interesting tourist attractions, for example the Great Wall of China, one of the wonders of the world that spreads over hills and mountains across the whole country; the many well preserved Ming Tombs and the Via Sacra, where according to ancient legends the statues of warriors and animals that are situated at the doors, change guard every night at midnight.

In other words, Beijing can satisfy our curiosity from all aspects, historical, cultural and amusement.