Beijing, a certain stop on China tours, maintains a history of the old while striving to obtain all things modern and new. There are eight-lane highways in Beijing on which to travel on your China tours. Between glass and concrete high rise buildings, you can also find the most exotic and beautifully designed temples and links to the ancient past of the Imperial Age. Traverse these roads on your China tours to find the inner peace you seek.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven in located in the southern part of the City of Beijing. The temple park was built between 1406 and 1420. Upon your arrival during your China tours, you will see what a magnificent structure it is. The emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for rain at this temple and for good harvests of the season. There are four main areas for the China tours traveler to notice at the temple: the Round Altar; the Vault of Heaven; Echo Wall; and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It is said that if you whisper anywhere along Echo Wall, you can hear it along any other section of the Wall. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is recognizable throughout Beijing because of its distinctive look. The temple area consists of two parts: an Outer Park and an Inner Park for visitors of China tours. The Outer Park is open from 6 am to 9 pm daily, while the Inner Park is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily. Ensure you have enough time on your China tours to see both areas as they are both worth your time.
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
The Lama Temple is also known as the “Palace of Peace and Harmony” and it was constructed in 1694. It was the residence of Emperor Kang Xi’s son, Prince Yin Zhen. The Lama Temple was used half as the Imperial Palace residence and the other half as a lamasery. A lamasery is a religious center for monks. The temple is home to a collection of Buddhist art and Tibetan murals. Visitors of China tours must see the temple area; it is gorgeous with five beautifully manicured courtyards and five large halls. The architecture is intricate and decorative with wonderfully carved details. The temple is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm every day of the week.
Bei Hai Park
This park is a very pleasant place for China tours to relax and unwind for a few hours. Bei Hai Park was used as a recreational vehicle for many emperors. It is located in the middle of Beijing and is one of the oldest and well-kept imperial gardens in China. It has an area of 69 hectares and was opened for public viewing in 1925. A 39-hectare lake is located on the grounds. The Dalai Lama in 1651 visited the park and a memorial is displayed to honor that visit. The memorial is a famous White Dagoba and stands above the Jade Islet to create a memorable setting to be viewed by visitors on China tours. Two other popular features of the park include the Five-Dragon Pavilion and the Nine-Dragon Screen. The Nine-Dragon Screen was built to ward off evil spirits and keep the park area safe. In the summer, lotus blooms cover the entire surface of the lake. The park’s hours are from 6 am to 9 pm daily.
Beijing, a city of contrasts, is like so many cities in China where the old of yesterday is meeting the new of tomorrow. There is room for both as you travel on your China tours. Explore the ancient past and see where China is taking the world tomorrow on your China tours.