Beijing China: Experiencing the culture and exploring the history

The Hutongs

One of the most interesting aspects of a country is its history and people. The Hutong (Hutong means water well) neighborhoods with their 800-year history in Beijing are disappearing with the advent of the country's modernization. However, there are about 1000 Hutongs left in Beijing to visit with their narrow alleyways and attached courtyard homes. Various small parks and lovely lakes, such as the Shi Cha Lake, surround the homes that form the neighborhood enclosures. Here, families have lived and worked for generations with the houses interspersed with small shops ranging from food, to apparel and services.

The way of life in the Hutongs reflects the past. The best way to see these traditional neighborhoods is to take a rickshaw ride through them in the afternoon. To experience the Hutongs on a personal level, take one of the special tours arranged by the China Spree company where they will arrange a special lunch in a family home with delicious Chinese fare served fresh from the kitchen. Visitors will have the rare opportunity of experiencing real Chinese culture, as well as enjoying small family gardens and traditions, such as keeping birds. Many families have Myna birds and it is a delightful surprise to see and hear these birds speaking Mandarin while hopping about in their cages in the family courtyards.

Even though China is changing and embracing modernization, innovative architecture and advanced technologies, heritage and tradition are still important.

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Tiananmen Square, located off Chang An Avenue, with its million-person capacity, is a mix of political and imperial history. Today, the enormous square features the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, The Great Hall Of The People, the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Museum of Chinese History.

Tiananmen Square is considered the "Heart of China" and is amazing with colorful, big screen video banks towering in the center; visitors from around the globe strolling about and taking photos. You will also find vendors in the square trying to sell everything from panda hats to souvenirs; a firm no and walking away will generally dissuade them if you aren't interested in buying.

Across the square, resides the magnificent Palace Museum or the Forbidden City. Originally, the building on the palace began in 1406 and today, the 720,000 square-meter city is the largest palatial complex in the world. The palace was the seat of imperial power in China through the Ming and Qing dynasties with 24 emperors that lived in the palace through five centuries. The emperor and royal families would live and work within the great walled city (some 20,000 people at a time), but the public were not allowed to enter.

With its 999 and one-half rooms, a visitor would need 10 days to see every inch of the vast city. But, an afternoon visit will provide a glimpse into the once private lives of China's emperors and the beautifully detailed buildings that display intricate, carved wood-work coated with colorful lacquer and gold leaf. When you are just walking about, history comes alive in the palace with guides telling tales of dowager empresses, power, mystery and intrigue that occurred within the secretive walls. Moreover, the Forbidden City is astounding in scope and incredible history; the last emperor Pu Yi who was just three-years old when he ascended the throne in 1908. The famous movie, The Last Emperor, was partially filmed in the palace and offers enticing images of its grand design. However, all of the original and recovered palace treasures now reside in the Taiwan National Museum.

The emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their families sought a respite from the heat in the summer months and would retreat to the 600-acre Summer Palace. The summer palace is a lovely site to visit and is the largest imperial garden in Beijing. With gorgeous views of the waterways and hills, pavilions, temples and kiosks, the Summer Palace is a lovely place to stroll, relax and take in the beautiful buildings and landscapes. The Long Corridor, or covered walkway through the gardens, meanders for over half a mile and is highly ornamented with paintings gracing its length. Often, musicians performing on traditional Chinese instruments play throughout the park and add a sense of serenity and ambience.

Giant Pandas and the Zoo

Who isn't fascinated by Giant Pandas and their cubs? If you wish an up close and personal view, visit the Beijing Zoo. These fuzzy creatures are too cute for words and their antics range from sleeping on their backs like cats (they sleep 20 hours a day) to sitting at the edge of the enclosure and simply sit people watching. It makes you wonder who is really on display. The zoo provides indoor and outdoor habitats for the pandas, so grab a bag of Chinese Lays Blueberry Potato Chips (they are awesome) and stroll through the zoo; if you're lucky, you may see a new panda cub a few feet away.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it is apparent when you arrive at the foot of the Wall and see its height, steepness in sections and length. The significant history of the Wall is captivating; it was built by several dynasties with the earliest dynasties using earth and rock. These portions of the wall no longer exist. Later dynasties used stone and brick with these sections surviving today. How long is the Wall? With the combination of all the dynasties, it is about 5,500 miles long. The Wall in Beijing runs about 342 miles.

Visitors who want to climb the stone steps of the Wall and photograph the surrounding countryside, enter through the town of Badaling; this is the most visited section of the Great Wall. Chairman Mao once said, if “You haven't walked on the Wall, you haven't been a good Chinese.” Yes, it is a bit of a climb, but most people can walk a significant segment of the wall and are ecstatic when they grasp how far they have climbed. It is even more impressive when you realize Chinese soldiers rode horses up and down these steps and the fact that they were built at such steep angles is awe-inspiring. Make sure to bring your camera; once you've sweated and panted your way up to the eighth tower and then made it back down (some young Chinese women climb the Wall in high heels), feel free to buy that tourist T-shirt that proclaims "I have climbed the Great Wall." You've earned it.

Temples

China's beautiful temples are a must to visit while in the country and Beijing boasts many. Two particular temples to visit are the Temple of Heaven and the Yonghe Lamasery. The Temple of Heaven was made for the Ming and Qing emperors to pray for a good harvest during the winter solstice. Foreign dignitaries often visit it as an important temple in Beijing due to its history and shear beauty. The temple's extensive grounds and exquisite round structures with brilliant blue tile roofs are a triumph of Ming architecture. Built in 1420, these temple buildings were created without using nails and use support columns that symbolize seasons and months. Today, the temple grounds are used for residents to exercise, dancing, aerobics, socialize or play cards or Mahjong. One of the interesting games invented in Beijing is Taiji Rouli Ball; a local sport that utilizes a tennis-like racket with a small ball that is fluidly rolled and tossed over the racket with ballet movements; a graceful sport to stop and watch, or purchase at a local kiosk to take home and practice.

The Yonghe Lamasery, or Lama Temple, was built in 1694 and then later used as the residence of Qing emperors. In 1744, the palace was converted to a Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery. Today, the lamasery is an artistic treasury of Tibetan Buddhist culture and Qing Imperial culture, as well as displays cultural relics, grand buildings, a somber religious atmosphere and harmonious grounds. The temple is devoted to praying with monks in residence and local residents lighting incense and praying at different temples in the complex for health, prosperity, happiness, etc. The insides of the temples with their adeptly carved and painted Buddha sculptures and lotus designs are mesmerizing. Each building features different artwork and treasures that are breath taking and inspirational.

Beijing offers visitors a wealth of cultural experiences, attractions and cuisine. Take the time to venture to this marvelous city and discover the alluring adventures the Far East has to offer; it is enlightening and a grand exploration.

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