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Beijing Tour: Negotiating the Markets

  Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best activities to undertake on a Beijing tour is shopping at the markets. This article will only provide a taste of some good markets to go, because, in the end, it is something which must be witnessed in order to experience their extravagance. The low prices of the items at the market do make me wonder whether people will (or do) take a China tour just to stock up on goodies. A few markets in which to explore include the Silk market, Yaxiu (Yashow) Market and the Pearl Market.

  You may have heard of the phrase, ‘Buyer Beware’; well, in the case of these markets it is probably useful to adopt this approach. Most of the marketers are highly experienced and will seek out deals with foreigners. It is somewhat amusing to see how far the venders will go to secure a deal. For example, I bought a jacket at the Yaxiu market in which the seller would pour water over the product to prove the quality. I even have friends who have bought handbags, for example, and the salesperson has swiftly used a lighter on the product to demonstrate its authenticity.

  Whatever the genuineness of the brands, the markets are still great places to buy low-cost items if you need to boost your wardrobe upon arrival to Beijing. If the stuff looks and feels okay, then I guess there is no major issue in purchasing. Compared to the other two markets, the Pearl Market felt slightly more civil in the sense that there was less beckoning from sellers to buy. Due to the character of the markets, it is necessary to haggle as these do not have fixed retail prices (so it is generally advisable not to compare prices to shops in your home country). Conversely, if you try to drive the price down too low then you may offend the seller and they will walk away.

  As their names suggest, the Silk Market is known for selling silk and the Pearl market for pearls and these professions standout in both markets. It is enjoyable to observe the expertise of the tailors in the silk market preparing material and the dexterity of the pearl sellers stringing together a necklace. I can vouch that the silk section of the Silk Market does have a lot of choice, especially as I was able to buy a green tie (for Saint Patrick’s Day) for under 10RMB. Electronics and gadgets can be found at all the markets, but again, the durability may be best bought on the high-street.

Beijing Tour: Written in the Stars

  Just off Exit C at Jianguomen Station is Beijing’s Ancient Observatory. The observatory was built in 1442 under the Ming Dynasty and by then it was given the name, ‘Platform of Star-Watching’. Only until the Qing Dynasty was it called an ‘observatory’. The observatory is a very significant landmark because it represents an exchange of ideas between Chinese and Western thinkers around the time of the renaissance. Also, the observatory is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Give or take, you can comfortably spend about an hour at the observatory if you decide your Beijing tour. Lastly, it should be noted that since Jianguomen is transportation hub, it is easy to reach the observatory from many of the local Beijing hotels.

  The highlight of this attraction is the observatory platform which passes over 17 meters in height. At the top of the platform, this is where the magic really happened! Essentially, this is where the astronomers would stargaze and apply their knowledge by utilizing the marvelous pieces of equipment on display. The astronomical instruments which you will see are not just scientific gadgets, but they are finely crafted works of art fashioned from bronze. Below the platform, in the garden, there are also other instruments to be found. If anything, it is a good idea to visit the observatory just to admire the historical fusion between east and west.

  Constructed along the city wall, the observatory is reminiscent of a period of international innovation. The Forbidden City, the Observatory of Paris and the Royal Greenwich Observatory were all built around the same time, for instance. Indeed, the Ancient Observatory has its beginnings in a time of an international exchange of ideas. Essentially, it was a German adviser who influenced the Emperor to use western measuring and calculation methods. From then on, a number of astronomical instruments were built with some of the most notable today including the Armillary Sphere, Celestial Globe and the Azimuth Theodolite.

  What makes the observatory rather unique is its sense of preservation. For example, out of quite a few observatories under the old Chinese dynasties, the Ancient Observatory is only one to survive. The observatory is also very impressive considering it was able to recover many of the instruments it lost after they were looted in the past. Nevertheless, the observatory has gained recognition for its preservation achievements. For example, in 1982, the National Cultural Relics Protection Bureau recognised the observatory as a National Heritage site. Even famous people such as the ex-Prime Minister from Britain, Tony Blair, have visited the observatory!

Beijing Tour: The Old Summer Palace

  Many people have heard of the Summer Palace, but what about Yuan Ming Yuan or the ‘Old Summer Palace’? Take some time of your Beijing tour and have a somber reflection of the once memorizing Imperial Palace. The palace can be reached from exit B at Yuanmingyuan Station, subway Line 4 which means it is quite manageable to access the palace from whichever of the Beijing hotels.

  Before entering the palace grounds, expect to be met by a showcase of entertainment. With performers encouraging you to join in, the atmosphere in the palace courtyard is rather thrilling. The apparatus which the performers use are slightly out of the norm, with diablo-like contraptions making whirling noises and that projects an almighty bang as if gunpowder has exploded.

  In the days of the Second Opium War, the Old Summer Palace was ransacked as retaliation by French and British troops so therefore today, the palace lies in ruins. Some parts of the grounds, have, nonetheless, been restored in the 1990s; such the Jianbiting in 1993, which in turn has made the place a rather attractive location to visit. Compared to the ‘new’ Summer Palace, the grounds have a more natural and raw appearance as opposed to the pristine gardens of its successor. Additionally, in contrast to the ‘new’ palace, the ‘old’ one has (from its remains) a European appearance. Indeed, the ruins can be likened to that of classical Greco-Roman architecture with marble-like white stones.

  In its heyday, as indicated by the ruins, the palace would have looked incredible. For example, the largest building at the palace, The Haiyan Hall was adorned with bronze sculptures with symbolic animal heads representing the 12-year cycle of human births would spray water. Whilst the exterior of Haiyan Hall would also have been a radiant sight with towering fountains glistening in the summer heat. Water certainly played a major role in old palace and this is made clear when observing the strange-looking structure called the Haiyantang. At first glance, the Haiyantang appears like a upturned pyramid, however, its original purpose was to act as a 160 cubic meters tin reservoir.

Beijing Tour:Jingshan ,The Park on the Hill

  At nearly 50 meters, climbing to the top of Jingshan Park may be quite a mission for your Beijing tour, but once there, the views are astounding. Justification is that you will be able to gaze in awe at the majestic Forbidden City. Covering 230,000 square meters, the park is unquestionably a China tour must-see attraction. It is remarkable to think that the hill itself was created from the material dug to build the Forbidden City’s moat giving it a deep-rooted connection with the nation’s past.

  The Wanchun (Everlasting Spring) Pavilion is the highest point in Beijing, most centrally located and in my opinion the most impressive of the five pavilions. Around this pavilion, merchandise is sold for tourists and there is the opportunity to dress like the Emperor (or Empress depending). Personally, I gave this a miss as the Emperor’s robes looked a bit too much on such a hot day. In light of this, the views are the best bird-eye you will ever get of the Forbidden City on the land. On a clear day, due to the pavilion’s centrality and height, you can peer over the length and breadth of the city from the greenery of Bei Hai to CCTV Tower.

  Littered with evergreen foliage, the park is a scenic throughout the year. In the spring, for example, the park host a peony show whilst there is a lotus show in the summer and displays or fruit in the autumn. This park is certainly a national treasure at the very heart of the capital and which is cherished across the generations. It is therefore understandable that there is a small entrance fee to help with the upkeep of this beautiful spot and the Emperors would use the park as a place for recreational pursuits and escape. For those who may have difficulty walking to the top, the parkland surrounding the hill is a hive of activity with people, young and old playing games and singing which is great fun to watch or join in!

Beijing Tour: Wudaoying Hutong cafes

  Hutongs are excellent places to see the city’s old streets for your Beijing Tour. Stepping off the subway at Yonghegong Lama Temple tourists will encounter over the road from the temple, a maze of amazing cafes in the Wudaoying Hutong. This hutong is famous for its large gate and is the ideal place to have a beverage and refresh you from the hustle and bustle of Beijing tour.

  Sirena Bar is simply complements the alternative and recently regenerated nature of the hutong. Influenced by the Japanese ‘Hello Kitty’ franchise, Beijing has leapt on board to embrace the feline variety. The owners of the cafes have been successful with their venture with the café going from strength to strength with the café currently home to nine cats. Customers can choose to sit near the bar where it is likely you can spot a silky-smooth Siamese cat perched on rest. Yet, if in a small party, you could always hide on the couches upstairs which is pleasantly lit by natural light. The cats are supposedly kept away from the kitchen area for hygiene reasons, but because the cats generally lounge freely in the café, if you have an allergy towards cats, this place may not be ideal.

  Sirena’s somewhat Mediterranean appearance with white walls and blue fittings gives the feeling of being in a quaint village which it a wonderful contrast to the hutong outside. The cafes along Wudaoying Hutong are definitely special in how they all have a unique presence. In contrast to Sirena’s bright façade, a few doors away is a bar with has a dark vampire theme with blood-entitled cocktails. If you like the sounds Sirena Bar’s appearance (but you are not a fan of cats), then Sand Pebbles Lounge is might appeal. This fresh-looking café serves Mexican/American-style food with a refreshing seaside décor to match which is quite a change from Chinese cuisine or fast-food joints.

  Wudaoying Hutong does have a few eating places, although surrounding areas might be best if you are looking for cheaper and more localized dishes. Recommendations down the hutong include; the Vineyard, The Veggie Table and the V.A. (‘vanguard’) Bar. The only thing truly in common with these establishments is the letter ‘v’; apart that they all provide express their distinct vibes – The Vineyard with its romantic air, The Veggie Table for those who like their greens and the VA for its jazz music.

Beijing Tour: Zhongshan Park

  Over the past week, Beijing certainly has experienced lots of rain. This in turn has provided the city’s parks with a well-deserved drink. Combined with the warm springtime weather, it makes sense to visit Zhongshan Park. The park is located next to the Forbidden City with subway station nearyby. If you intend to see the other more sights on your Beijing travel or have gone on Beijing tours in the area, it would also be an idea to have a glimpse of this treasure.

  On the surface, the park has changed quite a lot. Once, the park was ironically called ‘Central Park’ and then issued the name Zhongshan Park. While in terms of its purpose, the park formerly facilitated different temples going back as far as 1,000 years ago. In spite of its names and purpose changing over the ages, admiration and popularity for the park has still remained constant. Even though this is a park for the public, like many of the famous parks in China anyone visiting will be required to pay a small entrance fee. There are also additional costs for entering some gardens and buildings within the grounds.

  Historically, the site was where the emperor would be involved in ceremonies at the Temple of National Prosperity (which became the Temple of Longevity and National Prosperity). The only real reminders of these days are the ancient (and spectacular) cypress trees which parade the vicinity. The centrepiece of the park is, nonetheless, the Altar of Earth and Harvests (built in 1421) which, despite it appearing somewhat empty, held great importance to its Confucian practitioners. The altar’s platform contained five different soils which in turn symbolized five elements (or ‘Wuxing’).

  Throughout the country, there are many parks commemorating Zhongshan (or commonly known as Sun-Yat-Sen); China’s first revolutionary leader. This park indeed places much significance on Zhongshan. In particular, when entering the park, you will be able to see an impressive statute of the man himself. To learn more about this man who was instrumental in changing modern China, Zhongshan Hall (just behind the Altar of Earth and Harvests), provides information on his life and works.

Beijing Tour: Come See the Wild Animals of Beijing

  If you find happiness going to zoos and aquariums then plan your Beijing tour. You can visit the zoo and aquarium in the same day. All you have to do is get on a metro that is close to your Beijing hotel and go to line 4. Make sure you get off at the Beijing Zoo Station, take Exit A and the Beijing Zoo and aquarium are all within reach.

  The Beijing Aquarium is 4.2 hectares. In the Aquarium you will find that it has 6 halls. Each hall is unique and has only sea animals that you find in those locations. The Rainforest Wonder hall is designed as a mini rainforest. So when the visitor walks through, he or she can feel like they are walking through the rainforest. It holds fascinating fish such as sea-elephant, man eating fish and variegated carp and glass catfish. 

  The Shark Hall is where the sharks live. The aquarium is trying to teach the visitor that sharks are not man eating animals but normal animals that eat other fish. The Dolphin Bay Hall holds all the whales and dolphins and sea lions. In this hall the visitor can get educated on each animal. Feel Pool Hall is children’s favorite part, seeing as they can feel for themselves the different water wild life. The animals you can feel are mollusks, shells, sea stars and sea urchins. While visiting this hall you can see a green turtle swimming around.

  Seabed Travel Hall will take you to the bottom of the sea. The visitor can travel through undersea tunnels to see the amazing life’s that live down on the seabed. White sharks will swim close to the glass so the visitor can get a good look. The visitor will also be able to see 30 or more fish tanks in this hall. The Ocean Theater Hall is where the animal’s actors come out and show their real talent. Come see what they can do.

  When you are done visiting the aquarium make sure you visit the zoo. There are 450 different species that you can locate in the zoo and 5000 animals from all over world. If you want to see famous animals in China the Zoo is right for you. In the zoo you can see the golden monkey, milu deer, northern tigers and best of all the pandas. The zoo also houses the American polar bear, bison, zebras, kangaroos, giraffes and elephants. There are 16 exhibitions areas and halls. The zoo constructed each exhibit and hall to ensure that the animals are happy in their living environment.