Beijing may not be as stylish as Shanghai but if China has a melting pot, this is it. Nearly every culture within China and most from outside of this quickly modernising country can be found on Beijing's teeming, fascinating and never boring streets.
The city of Beijing is all about contrasts; flea markets and ancient monuments from China's past mix with steel and glass architecture and hip urban cafes. Advertising runs amok and you'll be scratching your head trying to figure out just how China is a communist country.
If you've ever wondered what the heart of a nation of more than one billion people looks like, Tiananmen Square is it. The world's largest square is Beijing's epicentre. Local kite-flyers mix with tourists from both China and around the world as well as undercover cops to take in views of one of the world's most important cities. The square is impressive, day or night, on a massive scale. One of the best ways to enter these remnants of ancient China, the Forbidden City, is through the Gate of Heavenly Peace from Tienanmen. The Forbidden City is the impeccably preserved home of the country's past emperors. This part of Beijing was shut off from the outside world for over 500 years and holds over 800 buildings. Leave Beijing behind (it is barely noticeable once you enter) and wander the vast complex full of houses, temples, halls and monuments that was only open to the emperor and selected help for centuries.
The city of Beijing is all about contrasts; flea markets and ancient monuments from China's past mix with steel and glass architecture and hip urban cafes. Advertising runs amok and you'll be scratching your head trying to figure out just how China is a communist country.
If you've ever wondered what the heart of a nation of more than one billion people looks like, Tiananmen Square is it. The world's largest square is Beijing's epicentre. Local kite-flyers mix with tourists from both China and around the world as well as undercover cops to take in views of one of the world's most important cities. The square is impressive, day or night, on a massive scale. One of the best ways to enter these remnants of ancient China, the Forbidden City, is through the Gate of Heavenly Peace from Tienanmen. The Forbidden City is the impeccably preserved home of the country's past emperors. This part of Beijing was shut off from the outside world for over 500 years and holds over 800 buildings. Leave Beijing behind (it is barely noticeable once you enter) and wander the vast complex full of houses, temples, halls and monuments that was only open to the emperor and selected help for centuries.
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