We arrived Beijing airport at a sunset afternoon as scheduled. Our tour guide Tony, a humorous and kind man was waiting us then escorted us to Guangzhou Hotel, a four star hotel with nice service and facilities. Our first day at Beijing was saved to organize ourselves and get the things prepared.
Tiananmen Square is the first stop for day 2, the largest city square in the world. We walked through this vast square and headed to the big gate of Forbidden City. Why is it called Forbidden City? As for five hundred years (Ming and Qing Dynasty) ordinary people could not enter it.
Our Guide Tony told us that original palace buildings first built in 1406 so some of these structures are at least 600 years old. One fascinating detail that stuck in my mind is: There were about 1 million laborers & over 100 000 artisans/craftsmen being required to do the work. Seriously now, it is hard to calculate how much expense has poured into this huge project by a succession of Emperors.
While walking around the Forbidden City I tried to imagine the life of an emperor, surrounded by many eunuchs. The guide also told us the emperor had jade seals with names of his concubines. If he displayed one of the seals the eunuch on duty would bring the concubine immediately. She was brought naked (to prove that she had no weapons) in a rolled carpet to the bedroom of the emperor. Just a part of an Emperor’s life!
We visited many palaces. Palace of Highest Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Peaceful Longevity is just a few examples. Every palace has its unique functions, but I can’t remember every detail now.
We also visited the Temple of Heaven today. I have seen many of its pictures, but it is more granderer than it could be. Tony recommended us to watch Pecking Opera Show for our night -time leisure. We are not much of the “cultured” or “historian” by any means, but the performance is really fun and amazing.
We were treated to a table at the front of stage, at which we were served all manner of lovely little cakes and an endless stream of tea! The story is difficult to follow and my ears took several minutes to get used to the sound in the theater. The facial make-ups and costume are rich and various, depicting different characters and remarkable images. With eyes fixing on the stage, I found my necks got pain after the show finished.
Day 3 was a super exciting day because we got to visit the Great Wall-- my dreaming place! Long before I visited China, I have been told that: your visit to China would not be completed without seeing this symbol of China's isolation. Got up early in the morning with water and comfortable shoes, my first destination was Juyongguan Pass. Although on the way, I saw some parts of the great wall on the mountains! Unbelievable! I couldn’t wait to climb on it. It's a very difficult way; almost the whole way is up!! I have to take rest many times, and appreciate such construction. Standing at the top and just realize how far and difficult you have covered.
The next destination is Badaling. I also learnt little things about this wonder from the tour guide: On the top of the wall is a road paved with square bricks, wide enough for six horses or ten soldiers to march side by side. On both sides of the road, outer parapet and inner parapet were set. The climb is harder than the first section as the way is follows the contour of the mountains -- it's ascending and descending all the way.
After the Great Wall we back to Beijing downtown and had dinner in a restaurant for Chinese food. There was no scheduled activity at evening time so we had time to stroll around kinds of stores in Beijing downtown. Not for purchase, just wanted to see the lives of Beijing people, the way they live, the things they sell…..
The last highlight of my Beijing tours came at the last day: taking a hutong tours by rickshaw. At my first glance, all hutongs are the same, formed by lining buildings with gray walls and gray tiles. But when you are in it, you will find and experience that every hutong has something special to talk about, as it full of life and stories. The houses along are formed from four small buildings around a courtyard. We find them around Bell- and Drum-Tower north of Beihai Park.
We traveled through the narrow path and saw many local people. They are different from people in Beijing downtown. I felt some kinds of “history” on the face of an old man. I also found many typical little stores in Hutong areas: small hair cutter businesses, small bakeries, vegetable selling - tiny supermarkets daily necessaries, liquor and cigarette stores, bike repair shops, public telephone kiosks - clothes stores and so on.
What also impressed me is the Scared Road which is a long walkway with 24 animal and 16 human statues lining the path alongside weeping willows, leading us to the Ming tomb. The bargain at Red Bridge market and Silk market always delighted me as I got nice Chinese things at good price. I booked this Beijing tour from China Odyssey Tours and can be a reference for anyone who wants to take a Beijing trip:
My 3 Nights & 4 Day Beijing tours:
Day 1: Arrive Beijing
Day 2: Tian'anmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) Square; Forbidden City; Temple of Heaven
Day 3: Great Wall, Ding Tomb; Sacred Road
Day 4: Hutongs and then leave Beijing
7 Nights & 8 Days Beijing Tour for travelers who have more leisure time:
Day 1: Arrive Beijing and have a good rest
Day 2: Tian'anmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) Square; Forbidden City; Temple of Heaven
Day 3: Great Wall, Ding Tomb; Sacred Road
Day 4: Hutong Lama Temple(Yonghe Lamasery); Beihai (north lake) Park;
Day 5: Imperial Summer Villa;
Day 6: Puning Temple; Putuozongcheng Temple;
Day 7: Summer Palace; Fragrance Hills Park; Beijing Zoo
Day 8: leave Beijing
