Enchanted Beijing – Xi’an Family Trip
Beijing
Where to Stay – Crown Plaza Beijing (北京艺苑皇冠) – No.48 Wangfujing Street, Beijing 10006, China
Opened in 1991 and refurbished in 2005, The Crowne Plaza Beiing is located at Wangfujing Street, one of the most famous streets in China situating in the heart of Beijing, close to Dongdan Business Street, the Forbidden City, the Tian’anmen Square, the Beihai Park and the National Art Gallery.
Where to Eat – 大董烤鸭店 – 南新仓大厦
House Recommendations
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sliced Orange Peel (standard RMB28)
Lotus Roots with Glutinous Rice (standard RMB22)
“Cross Bridge” Leopard Coral Grouper (RMB660 per 500gm)
Some Interesting Pictures to Share…
Places that I visited…
Tiananmen Square – Tian’anmen Square is the largest city square in the centre of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace) which sits to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. As the world’s largest city square and enduring symbol of China’s national pride, it is surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum.
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.
Hall of Clocks and Watches – It is located in the east of the Inner Court outside the Gate of Respect Movement (Jing Yun Men), Forbidden City. This exhibition hall houses about 200 clocks and watches from the imperial collection. Those watches and clocks are mostly made in Switzerland, England, France, the U.S and Japan, with some Chinese made timepieces on display as well.
Hutong Tour in Xicheng District – Hutong is a maze of historic alleyways with old single storey traditional courtyard houses, which are now fast disappearing. In this one hour tour, you can hop on a rickshaw to ride through the narrow alleys as well as visit a local family then walk on the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and find out about the different thresholds of the courtyards.
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. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
Beijing Olympic Green (exterior visit of Bird Nest and Water Cube)
Xi’an
Where to Stay -Hyatt Regency – 158 Dong Da Jie, Xian Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China 710001
Hyatt Regency Xian Hotel in China is ideally located within the ancient walls of historic Xian city centre. The hotel is close to the Xian Provincial Government Offices, Xian’s central business district and the major entertainment, shopping and nightlife areas, making them easily accessible on foot or by a short taxi ride. Xian Xianyang International Airport is 43 kilometres from the hotel. The Hyatt Regency Xian Hotel is also host to Club Zen Spa, a sanctuary of tranquillity in Xian, China.
Some Interesting Pictures to Share…
Places of Interst
Terra Cotta Soldiers – These incredible 8,000 life-size soldiers and their horses were discovered accidentally by a group of peasants who were digging a well in 1974. The Qin Emperor was thought to have buried them to await him in the after-life. Over the last 20 years the Museum has developed and become the largest on-site museum in China, with its exquisite craftsmanship and imposing appearance.
The Museum consists of 3 main buildings which were named Pit 1, Pit 2 and Pit 3, which were constructed on their original sites in different periods of time. Inside the pits, you will find the soldiers and their horses standing in battle formation. The army is stunningly well preserved and no two warriors are alike. The arches have bodies and limbs positioned in strict accordance with an ancient book named “The Art of War”. Inside the souvenir shop, you will also be able to take a photo with the elderly gentleman who actually discovered the site!
Ancient Tombs in Xian
Tomb of Qin Shihuang – This tomb is better known as the tomb of the First Emperor. One by one, this powerful man defeated all his enemies. Qin’s tomb contains palaces filled with precious stones and ingenious defenses against intruders. It housed ceilings vaulted with pearls, statues of gold and silver. It is said that the Artisans who brought it all into being were buried alive within, taking its secrets with them.
Yang Gui Fei Tomb – This is the tomb of the famous concubine Yang Gui Fei of the Tang Dynasty. She hanged herself and was buried in this tomb.
Mao Ling Tomb – The Mao Ling Tomb is the resting-place of Emperor Han Wu Di, the most powerful ruler of the Han Dynasty who died in 87 BC. The cone-shaped mound of rammed earth is almost 47 meters high and is the largest amongst the Han imperial tombs. A wall used to enclose the mausoleum, but now only the ruins of the gates on the eastern, western and northern sides remain. Also on exhibition here are 16 large stone sculptures originally placed in front of the tomb and other valuable historical artifacts excavated from Mao Ling. The stone carvings in front of Huo Qubing’s tomb are the most representative works, which are the earliest and world-famous masterpieces of ancient stone carvings preserved in groups under the state protection.
City Wall – The Xian City Wall is not only the most complete city wall that has survived in China, it is also one of the largest and most complete ancient military defense systems in the world. The walls were built on the fortifications of the Tang Forbidden City during the reign of Hong Wu, first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. They form a rectangle with a circumference of 14 km. You can get up on the walls and take a few photographs as it commands a nice view of the city. Simply tell our driver and he will be able to tell you the best way to get up there.
Muslim Street – These interesting old alleys and streets of traders and craftspeople are unique in China. The Silk Road brought this religion to Xian and the Muslims are an important community in Xian today. In the Muslim Quarter you can experience some of the best local food served on the streets and amongst the many restaurants, you should definitely try the famous “Jia San” soup-filled dumplings. Good streets to explore are Beiyuan Men and Huajue Xiang Jie.
Fly - From Beijing to Xi’an – local airline (CA) cost around RMB1030 pp.
