Beijing Holiday
Beijing is a celestial mix of imperial opulence and glitzy modernism.
Beijing is a celestial mix of imperial opulence and glitzy modernism.
China's successful 2008 Olympic bid has meant the ancient capital is being treated to a long overdue makeover, as old high rises are swept away and replaced with ultra-modern structures.
Beijing is one of the most enduring cities in the world. It is almost half a million years old and even in the days when it was not China's grand capital, it enjoyed a prominence envied by other cities.
Situated at the northern-most tip of north China Plain, the city lies at approximately the same latitude as Philadelphia and Madrid. Roughly the size of Belgium, Beijing is a sprawling city which easy to get lost in.
It is difficult not be waylaid by the shopping bargains of Silk Alley and the tantilising scent of lamb kebabs and chicken with peanuts and fiery chillis from roadside vendors. Famous for its peking duck, Beijing has too many restaurants to mention, but for a stunning view of the city and great food try The Courtyard on the east side - if you can tear yourself away from the food vendors.
A spaghetti junction of narrow alleys and streets, Beijing can be as rough and rude as it is serenely beautiful. However, something which never wavers here is Chinese politeness and hospitality and holiday makers can expect nothing less than a pleasant encounter with the city's polished inhabitants.
A holiday to Beijing should begin with a hearty Chinese breakfast and some freshly brewed Chinese tea before heading out onto the thronging streets.
The best place to start is the Forbidden City. Built in the 15th century the walled complex was off limits to everyone except the emperor and his royal entourage until 1949. An audio tour is the perfect way to learn more about Beijing and Chinese history. Perfect for history hounds and intrepid explorers alike.
To continue your historical tour of Beijing head to Tiananmen Square. Its sheer size is awesome and its cold, grey vastness is a chilling testament to the horrors the square played stage to during the student protests of the eighties.
On 4th June 1989 there was a series of student-led demonstrations denouncing the country's economic instability and political corruption. The protestors were violently suppressed by the police and armed soldiers were ordered to the square by the People's Republic of China (PRC) government.
Estimates vary, but it is thought that between 800 and 7,000 people died during the bloody clash.
After a visit to the Forbidden City and the square, there is no better way to spend a pleasant Autumn afternoon (Autumn is the best time visit) strolling around the lake north of the city. The crumbling courtyard houses and narrow lanes offer a rare glimpse of bygone Beijing days.
For an unmissable, if touristy, Chinese holiday experience take a rickshaw tour around the area and see the ancient Bell Tower and Prince Gong's Palace.
After all that history there's nothing better than relaxing at one of the city's chic bars, but be warned, there is a distinct lack of clubs, so a posh meal and drinks in a late-night bar is the best way to spend Beijing nights.
By day, while away the hours and spend a few yuan in the city's shopping streets. Start off at Silk Alley where you can buy cheap Chinese silk and replica designer goods. For Chinese pearls try Hongqiao and at the weekends the antiques market at Paniayuan is unmissable. Great finds include Chinese jade and old colonial bric-a-brac.
A city of paradoxes and surprises, Beijing is a city that rolls with the punches. Its intriguing history, from ancient dynasties to modern political unrest dominates the city. Old architecture stand alongside new just as street vendors slot in alongside designer boutiques and every building has a story to tell, whether it be of ancient battles or Olympic glory. Beijing may have been around for 500,000 years, but it is anything but old and tired.
