Beijing Cruises

Written by Beth Garrett

During the Summer of 2008 the world will turn its attention to Beijing, the host city of the Olympic Summer Games. Beijing has been the capital of China since 1272 when Kublai Khan established rule there. Beijing is a modern day city yet it remains steeped in history and culture. For these reasons, Beijing is considered a very attractive and lucrative tourist destination. Many days throughout the year various cruise ships can be seen entering and leaving the city's harbor carrying throngs of vacationers. Once the travelers have explored the shores of Beijing, they return to their boats and eagerly anticipate their next destination. Other stops that Asian Vacation Cruises make throughout the journey include Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Contributions of the Ming Dynasty

Many of Beijing's most recognized symbols were constructed during the Ming Forbidden City in Beijing

Dynasty. What is commonly referred to as the Great Wall of China stretched over 2,400 miles and was constructed over thousands of years. The Great Wall of China was meant to deter invasions but proved futile when the Manchu Invasion overthrew the Mings. Parts of the Great Wall have since been destroyed but in the recent past great pains have been taken to restore it. The Ming Dynasty was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City. For hundreds of years China's heartbeat resounded from here. The Forbidden City was a complex arrangement of walls and roads that took over 200,000 workers to build. There are several highlights located throughout the Forbidden City. The Palace of Earthly Peace was the place where royalty would consummate their marriages. The Hall of Heavenly Purity was only used by the emperor and the Inner Palace was where the Woman Practices Tai Chi in Beijing

emperor would conduct daily activities. There is also a Hall of Treasure, a Hall of Ceramics, a Hall of Clocks and a Hall of Bronze Ware in the Forbidden City.

Ornate Temples and Beautiful Gardens

Beijing is also famous for its unique style of architecture as well as its breathtakingly beautiful gardens. For hundreds of years the Temple of Heaven has left numerologists, necromancers and engineers absolutely speechless. The bases of the temples are square while the temples themselves are round. This is intended to reflect the ancient Chinese belief that the earth is square and heaven is round. Originally a mansion built for Emperor Yongzheng, it was later used as a lamasery. The lamasery has five ornate halls that contain opulent statues and sculptures. The Summer Palace is an imperial Chinese garden. From the top of Longevity Hill climbers will have a wonderful view of a stone pagoda and the Jade Belt Bridge. Kunming Lake takes up the majority of the park. The Grand View Garden is a more recent addition to Beijing. Built in 1986, it mirrors the garden written about in the novel The Dream of Red Mansion. Tian'anmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing. Originally created to be the entry way into the Forbidden City it remains one of the largest city squares in the world. Because of the massacre that occurred here in 1989, the square has become infamous throughout the rest Bicyclists in Beijing

of the world. Located in the center of the square is the Monument to the People's Heroes which pays homage to those who lost their lives in the brief revolution. Beijing is a beautiful city that will leave a lasting imprint on any who visit it.