Page 5 - 18 Day China Sample

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. Overnight: Raffles Hotel - Deluxe Room