Beijing: Far From Forbidden
Beijing has acted as the cultural, educational and political soul of the People's Republic of China for more than 3,000 years. The city's selection as host for the 2008 Olympic Games has brought an even greater air of excitement to a metropolis that combines ancient traditions with modern skyscrapers.
Beijing is home to the Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved imperial palace complex in the world, and to Tiananmen Square, built in 1417 during the Ming dynasty. Hutongs and courtyards surround the Forbidden City and are a noted attraction for those looking for a taste of the city's ancient structure. Hutongs, literally translated as "water wells," are narrow passageways connecting the city through a network of narrow twists and turns. These hutongs lead to different courtyards around the city, many of which were build during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and are an oasis for those who wish to escape busy city life.
Though historical buildings abound, don't misconstrue China's capital city as being stuck in the past. Zhongguancun Science Park, covering over 100 square kilometers in northwest Beijing, is home to R&D institutes for a number of multinational corporations, including IBM, Motorola, Microsoft, Lucent, HP and Epson. Thirty-nine colleges and universities, including the 15th globally ranked Beijing University, are also located within the park.
Teahouses abound throughout the city and range from inexpensive to quite pricey, depending on your taste. Mandarin cuisine is the most typical food found in Beijing and is famous for its Peking Roast Duck. After an international dinner, head to the Beijing Opera for an evening of story telling and exquisite costumes or visit the National Museum of China and see artifacts from ancient civilizations. The Great Wall is also a must-see.
World class shopping is at your fingertips in this global hub of activity. Check out Shanghai Xu for tailor made Chinese clothing, and jewelry connoisseurs will want to stop by the Pearl Market for unbeatable prices on pearls and precious stones. Silk alley is full of inexpensive merchandise but beware: labels tend to be inaccurate and clothing generally runs small. Beijing Curio city is a great place to find antiques and unique items that won't be found elsewhere, and those interested in a more typical shopping experience can visit more than 40 high end stores at Beijing's Palace Mall.
Beijing was on display for the world to see when it hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. Athletes and spectators from more than 200 countries gathered for 17 days of pageantry and competition, which produced 43 world records and 132 Olympic marks. The centerpiece of the Summer Games was the Beijing National Stadium, built for use at the competition and nicknamed the Bird's Nest because of its nest-like skeletal structure.