Page 5 - 15 Day China Sample

Beijing reigns both as an ancient capital of Imperial China and as the capital of present-day China. Beijing is at once the nation's political, economic, and cultural center. It is a city in motion with the drama of history in its streets. The future course of the world reverberates here while magnificently preserved palaces, tombs and temples stands as testaments to the past. Modern Beijing lies on the site of countless human settlements which date back half a million years. The name Beijing is by Chinese standards a modern term. It dates back to the 15th century, when the Ming emperor, Yongle, planned and built the city in its present form. One of the city's earlier names was the City of Swallows (Yanjing), a name given in the Liao Dynasty (947-1125). The name is still appropriate, for in a land where few birds are seen in cities except in cages, Beijing boasts a large summer community of swallows, which make their homes in the capacious eaves of the ancient wooden buildings. At twilight, Qianmen Gate, which stands on the south side of Tiananmen Square, is circled by roosting swallows. Good Restaurants in Beijing include Lan Club, Green T House, The Courtyard, Made in China (Grand Hyatt), Wangfujing Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant: (Peking Duck restaurant), Heaven and Earth, Fangshan Restaurant, Shun Feng Restaurant, Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant and the China Grill (Park Hyatt). Overnight: Regent Hotel – Deluxe Room