Beijing Memories

- Sacred Way (Ming Tombs): An attractive tree-lined walk which leads to the Ming Tombs, this is bordered by 12 sets each of animal and human statues, and includes the attractive Great Red Gate, housing a stele on the back of a tortoise, and marble memorial archway.
- Great Wall, Mutianyu: This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip): It is a challenging climb up to the Mutianyu Great Wall for it is much steeper than Badaling section. Here you have the option of taking the Cable car to the highest point or down to the foot in a few minutes instead of climbing more than 1,400 steps, while you can also have a bird view of the wall.
- Roasted Duck at Hepingmen Quanjude: In the evening enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing

- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- The Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- Temple of Heaven: One of the most famous sites in Beijing, this is Ming architecture at its best: beautiful, controlled, and highly symbolic. The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activity, particularly weekend mornings. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

- The Chinese Century Altar: The Centaury Altar was built to the south of the Yuyuantan Park, to the east of the Military Museum and to the west of the Tower of China Central Television (CCTV).China Century Altar was built to welcome the new century. On the extended western line of Chang’an Avenue, it covers an area of 450,000 square meters. On the stele at the entrance of the altar, there is the Chinese calligraphic writing-"The Chinese Century Altar" by the ex-Chinese president: Jiang Zeming.
- The Chinese Military Museum : The Chinese Military Museum is located near the Yuyuan Pool (the Deep Jade Pool). Its structural area takes up about 6,000 square meters and its exhibition area is more than 4,000 square meters.
- Olympic Stadium: Driving around Beijing, you will catch glimpses of some of the stunning new Olympic buildings such as the 'Birds Nest' track and field stadium or the 'Bubble' building (swimming).

- Summer Palace : Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here, including a 10 minute boat ride. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Cruise in the Summer Palace: It is the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China with a history of over 800 years. You can cruise on the lake. It will take 10 minutes by the ferry boat.