From the centuries of emperors to modern today
Beijing, said to be the third most populous city in the world, is in a way an independent state in the middle of an even larger state. And there is a lot of truth to that. People, living standards and the environment are simply different than anywhere else in China. Only that smog has Beijing connected with other cities in China. Yes, Beijing as such really has something to offer, it is a place interwoven with history – the imperial era, the kuomintang and today's communist era have left an indelible mark on the face of Beijing. And at the same time it is the main gateway to China ..
Forbidden City - entrance from Tiananmen Square with the necessary photo of Mao Zedong
The Forbidden City was the seat of the Chinese emperors, where only they lived with their court and courtiers. Today, the entire Forbidden City is accessible as one large museum. And that's what it looks like there. A group of tourists from the Chinese countryside take turns group. There is incredible chaos everywhere. But even so, the Forbidden City can be enjoyed relatively quietly. Just go early in the morning, right at opening hours. Opening hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm (8:30 am – 4:30 pm out of season) Admission (2016): 60 yuan (out of season 40) Subway transportation: subway line 1, Tiananmen Dong or Tiananmen Xi stop Transportation otherwise: any and whatever one on Tiananmen Square. Others: toilets, a few overpriced snacks and non-smoking are available throughout the complex (which no one observes)
Forbidden City - Wu Men Gate
There are cash registers at the Wu men gate, and behind them begins the true Forbidden City. It is also possible to rent an MP3 player with a spoken tour..and yes..in Czech or Slovak :)
Forbidden City - Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihe men)
..and the necessary guard griffins
Forbidden City - Imperial Throne
..one of the many imperial thrones, this one is in the Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe dian)
Forbidden City "Hall of Clocks" (Fengxian dian)
Forbidden City - roof detail
Temple of Heaven - Tiantan (Tiananmen)
The temple complex, where prayers for a good harvest and harvest took place, as well as one of the few places where the emperor „had to“ outside the Forbidden City. The whole area is located in a very nice park, which is very popular among the elderly residents of Beijing, who come here to play go, exercise or just walk. Subway transportation: subway line 5, Tiantan Dongmen stop Opening hours: 6:30 – 22:00 Admission: 15 yuan (March – September), other months 10 yuan
Temple of Heaven - Circular Altar
Beijing Hutongs
These are actually several cities in the city. The Hutongs are the original development of Beijing, small, one-story houses with narrow streets between them. The houses inside do not have their own bathroom or bathroom, so their residents use shared toilets on the streets. However, the Hutongs have an incredible Genius loci
Hutong - old replaces new ...
Hutong - yesterday ..
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
A set of several very interesting temples, dedicated to the Tibetan branch of Buddhism, and you will find here, for example, an 18-meter Buddha made of a single piece of sandalwood. Also find one of the most beautiful temples in all of Beijing. Transport by subway: lines 6 and 5 Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:30
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Lama Temple (Yonghegong) - Sandalwood Buddha
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