Located at the center of Beijing City is Tiananmen Square, where you can visit Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony. Thousands of people come to the Square every day. It is the must place to visit in Beijing City.

At the north end of the Square is Tiananmen Tower. Initially built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D.- 1644 A.D.), the Square was the front door of the Forbidden City. The most important use of it in the past was to declare in a big ceremony to the common people who became the emperor and who became the empress. Until 1911 when the last feudal kingdom was over, no one could enter the Tower except for the royal family and aristocrats.

Monument to the People's HeroesThe granite Monument to the People's Heroes is just at the center of the Tiananmen Square. Built in 1952, it is the largest monument in China's history. ' The People's Heroes are Immortal' written by Chairman Mao is engraved on the monument. Eight unusually large relief sculptures show to the people the development of Chinese modern history. Two rows of white marble railings enclose the monument, simple and beautiful.

West of the Square is the Great Hall of the People. This building, erected in 1959, is the site of the China National People's Congress meetings and provides an impressive site for other political and diplomatic activities.Twelve marble posts are infront of the Hall which has three parts--the Central Hall, the Great Auditorium and a Banqueting Hall.The floor of the Central Hall is paved with marble and crystal lamps hang from the ceiling. The Great Auditorium behind the Central Hall seats 10,000. The Banqueting Hall is a huge hall with 5,000 seats.

National flag raising ceremony

Mao Zedong Memorial Hall is at the south side of the Square. This Hall is divided into three halls and our dear Chairman Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin in one of the halls surrounded by fresh bouquets of various famous flowers and grasses.

Another important place for the tourist to visit is the China National Museum at the east side of the Square. It just came into existence in 2003 and is a combination of Chinese History Museum and Chinese Revolutionary Museum. This National Museum faces the Great Hall of the People. Inside the Chinese Revolutionary Museum are a lot of material objects, pictures, books and models to present the development of modern China. The Chinese History Museum shows a large number of cultural relics illustrating the long history and glorious culture of China from 1,700,000 years ago to 1921 when the last emperor left the throne.

Tiananmen during festivalsFive Star Red Flag-the Chinese national flag, flies high in the sky above the Square. To see the guard of honor raise the Flag is a must for the tourist visiting Beijing City. You have to get up very early and arrive at the Square before sunrise. Only by doing so can you see the ceremony clearly as there are crowds of people attending the ceremony every day.

The present Tiananmen Square has an area of 440,000 square meters and has become a relaxing place for the common people to fly kites and walk. On a holiday, the whole square is covered with fresh flowers.

Lying at the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Now known as the Palace Museum, it is to the north of Tiananmen Square. Rectangular in shape, it is the world's largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. Surrounded by a six meter deep moat and a ten meter high wall are 9,999 rooms. The wall has a gate on each side. Opposite the Tiananmen Gate, to the north is the Gate of Divine Might (Shenwumen), which faces Jingshan Park. The distance between these two gates is 960 meters, while the distance between the gates in the east and west walls is 750 meters. There are unique and delicately structured towers on each of the four corners of the curtain wall. These afford views over both the palace and the city outside.

The Forbidden City is divided into two parts. The southern section, or the Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The northern section, or the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Until 1924 when the last emperor of China was driven from the Inner Court, fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned here. Having been the imperial palace for some five centuries, it houses numerous rare treasures and curiosities. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987, the Palace Museum is now one of the most popular tourist attractions world-wide.

Construction of the palace complex began in 1407, the 5th year of the Yongle reign of the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. It was completed fourteen years later in 1420. It was said that a million workers including one hundred thousand artisans were driven into the long-term hard labor. Stone needed was quarried from Fangshan, a suburb of Beijing. It was said a well was dug every fifty meters along the road in order to pour water onto the road in winter to slide huge stones on ice into the city. Huge amounts of timber and other materials were freighted from faraway provinces. Ancient Chinese people displayed their very considerable skills in building the Forbidden City. Take the grand red city wall for example. It has an 8.6 meters wide base reducing to 6.66 meters wide at the top. The angular shape of the wall totally frustrates attempts to climb it. The bricks were made from white lime and glutinous rice while the cement is made from glutinous rice and egg whites. These incredible materials make the wall extraordinarily strong.

Since yellow is the symbol of the royal family, it is the dominant color in the Forbidden City. Roofs are built with yellow glazed tiles; decorations in the palace are painted yellow; even the bricks on the ground are made yellow by a special process. However, there is one exception. Wenyuange, the royal library, has a black roof. The reason is that it was believed black represented water then and could extinguish fire.

Nowadays, the Forbidden City, or the Palace Museum is open to tourists from home and abroad. Splendid painted decoration on these royal architectural wonders, the grand and deluxe halls, with their surprisingly magnificent treasures will certainly satisfy 'modern civilians'.

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

History of Great Wall

Excitement abounds in the origin, vicissitude and nature of the great wall of the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties.Let the remains of the Great Wall remind us of the remote past!

The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring, Autumn, and Warring States Periods as a defensive fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. The Great Wall went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history. A visit to the Great Wall is like a tour through the history backwards; it brings tourists great excitement in each step of the wall.

Construction of Great Wall

The mystery of the construction of the wall is amazing. The construction of the Great Wall, drew heavily on the local resources for construction materials, was carried out in line with the local conditions under the management of contract and responsibility system. A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the manifestation of the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people.

Famous Scenes of Great Wall

Ready to show you an incredible diversity of scenery and ethnic people along its way.

The Great Wall as we see today was mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. It starts from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west traversing provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi and Gansu.

Great Wall Protection

The China Great Wall Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

Following a forty-five day long survey of 101 sections of the Wall in different provinces, the China Great Wall Academy reported on December 12, 2002 that the forces of nature and destruction at the hand of mankind are bringing about the gradual reduction of its extent with the result that less than 30% remains in good condition. The Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

Culture of the Great Wall

Unfolding a considThe Great Wall is endowed with rich literary and cultural connotations.erable part of Chinese culture beyond the wall.The Great Wall has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and popular symbolism.

The most beautiful of several legends is about the collapse of a section of the Great Wall caused by Meng Jiangnu, who cried bitterly over the death of her husband in the construction of the Great Wall. This legend has been spread widely through textbooks, folk songs and traditional operas. It is well-known in China.

Great Wall Travel

Make a trip to at least one section of the Great Wall should be a must for your China Trip. Elaborate tour plans make travel comfortable, memorable, enjoyable and informative.

If you prefer to see the wall in a relatively natural state, visit Simatai, 110km north-east of Beijing. This part of the Wall is the best choice, for it is still in its original state without being developed into a popular tourist attraction due to its distance and little public transportation options.

Outdoor sports or indoor sports, shopping or nightlife, amusement parks or discotheques, what is it that you want to do? This one question needs to be answered by you if you have any doubts about the Things to do in China; because China does not have any doubts that it will be able to give you total satisfaction.

China is the perfect destination for the people with varied range of interests because it provides a perfect combination of all the things you will want to do when you are traveling to a country.

There is a shop for everybody, whether you are an average shopper who will only look for what is necessary or you want to make the look necessary! You can go for shopping in the state-of-the-art shopping complexes in the important cites.

The other Things to do in China include a vibrant and a young nightlife, a plethora of amusement parks. There is also a wide range of outdoor and indoor sports for the physically fit and the mentally alert!

There is something very interesting in the Things to do in China, which includes getting your soul refreshed and body energized. Didn’t get it? Go for the herbal massage along with the acupuncture therapy, you will feel the difference for sure!

China accommodation is numerous in number. Many hotels in the cities are of reasonable standard. There are international standard hotels in China in the cities like Tianjin, Hainan, Xiamen, Fujian, Hangzhou and Shenzen, Beijing, Hong Kong and other cities. Whether the traveler is on a vacation, business or any other purpose, it is not difficult to find a hotel.

The China accommodation ranges from 5 Star to 1 Star hotel. Some of the hotels provide typical Chinese like features and architecture while the others offer completely modern. Accommodation in the Eastern China is far more expensive than in the West of China. Tourist cities are also expensive and charge high rate during the high season.

China accommodation caters to all kinds of travelers. The self-catering ones are found in most tourist centers and provide cheaper accommodation for the budget travelers. The standard here ranges from poor to adequate. On the other hand there are number Youth Hostels that are coming up in the different cities.

The joint venture hotels built in the 1980s and early 90s meet international standards. But there are some difficulties like the complex cultural and economic differences, attitude towards to work, language barrier are some of the problems.

To reserve accommodation in China through phone, fax or Internet is not difficult but hotels that are less than three stars might not have staff that speaks English. Quality can also vary in the lower stared hotels from place to place.

In the year 2000 as regards China's accommodation there were 6029 hotels that catered to the foreigners. There were 1,899 hotels in the category of three stars, 352 in the Four Star category and 117 in the Five Star category. The Three Star and above China accommodation rooms are featured with TV, refrigerator, air-conditioned, private bathroom. The other features include ballrooms, swimming pools, bowling rooms, saunas, steam baths, gymnasiums, medical services and beauty parlors. Some of the hotels also include shopping and business malls, banks and post offices.

Customers do not have to pay tips while staying in hotels of China. In China taxi drivers, hotel attendants, guest room cleansers, hotel porters and restaurant waiters are not allowed to accept tips. There are many travel agencies, tourism companies that provide the reservation service.

There are a wide variety of traditional and modern festivals and events in China that are based on both lunar and solar calendars. Chinese festivals and events occur throughout the whole year. Festivals of China showcase the rich traditional and cultural heritage of China. All the events and festivals are celebrated with same enthusiasm and play a very important role in Chinese society.

People of all sections of the society participate in all festivals and events with full excitement. Whether it is Dragon festival or Kite festival all festivals of China have their own color and flavor.

Major Festivals and Events of China

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is the most exciting and colorful event of China. The religious ceremony is traditionally attached with this festival. Communal feast commonly called as "Weilu" are organized on this occasion. It epitomizes the family unity and tribute the past and present generations.

Ching Ming Festival

This festival is also known as the Grave sweeping festival or the Spring Remembrance festival and is celebrated on 5th April. Ching Ming festival is an ancient festival of China and is dedicated to ancestors' worship.

Tin Hau Festival

This festival is celebrated in the month of April or in early May and is dedicated to Goddess of Sea regionally known as Tin Hau. There are numerous of holy shrines constructed in her glory along the coastal areas of China.

The Dragon Boat Event

This event is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th moon in the month of June. Over the period this event had taken the form of most exciting festival in Hong Kong. The intricately designed, colorfully painted dragon boats are the highlight of this event. Dragon Boat Event is also known by the name of Tuen Ng Festival.

Cheng Chau Festival

Also called the Festival of Bun Hills, Cheng Chau festival occurred in the month of May. The celebrations include parades, opera performances and the breath-taking trait of bun towers-large bamboo structure heaped with sweet buns.

Birthday of Buddha

The birthday of Lord Buddha is one of the foremost events of China. It is held on the 8th day of the fourth moon. China's people celebrates birthday of Buddha in Mahayana tradition. On this auspicious occasion thousand of devotees pray for forgiving their sins and for achieving wisdom and peace.

China a multireligious country is the third largest county of this world next only to Russia and Canada. Sightseeing in China represents the vast diversity of the country. The landscape of China shows diversity ranging from the major cities to rural areas and from wide range of terrain to fascinating hills.

A country of Eastern Asia China is bordered by East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea and South China Sea. It is sandwiched between North Korea and Vietnam. Mainly sightseeing in China are its four cities that are popular all over the world and attract thousands of tourists every year.

Sightseeing in China give you an ultimate idea about its significant cities and their attractions.

Sightseeing in China

Beijing

Located at the northern tip of the roughly triangular North China Plain that open to the south and east of the city. Beijing is one of the six ancient cities of the China. It is the political, economic, cultural as well as educational center of the country.

Hong Kong

Located on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta on the southeastern coast of People's Republic of China facing the South China Sea in the south and bordering Guangdong Province in the north, Hong Kong is one of the highest population density regions of the world. Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

Shanghai

Located on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, Shanghai is the largest city of China and eighth largest of world. Shangahi is regarded as the city of modern economy of China.

Xi'an

Nestled between a flood plain created by 8 surrounding rivers and streams, Xian is the largest and most developed city in the central to northwest China. Xian is also among one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China.

When one talks of the 'culture' of a nation, the entire historical and traditional heritage of the nation is taken into the scope of the word. On the other hand, a 'cultured' nation is one whose culture indicated towards a well developed civilization. The nation of China is not just a country with a long and rich legacy of 'culture', but also a nation which is 'cultured'. Dating back to 5000 years and more, China boasts of one of the richest and the most diverse heritage not just in the Orient, but also world over. The Culture of China is a consolidated phrase that comprises of philosophical, academic, artistic, scientific, craftsmanship and political excellence.

The culture of china encompasses the departments of Arts and Crafts in China, Architecture of China, Music and Dance in China, Chinese Cuisine, Religion in China, Customs and Traditions in China, Fashion in China and also the Chinese Etiquette. For such a large nation, the Chinese have proved quite a united race. They have shared the same language, though with different dialects; an almost homogenous cuisine; variations of the same philosophical beliefs; and also a common national cause before which all else is negated. It is from this nation that the world has witnessed the rising of philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism; as has the world coveted the unique and rare ceramic wares crafted in the country. The art of calligraphy is also an important part of the culture of China; and of course, every one across the planet has had a taste of the sumptuous Chinese cuisine.

When you are planning for your trip to China there must be several queries, demanding an answer from you, at such a time the China Tourist Information is there for you!

China Tourist Information takes care of your emergency health needs by providing the contact numbers and addresses. It lets you know about the public holidays in advance thus helping you to make your travel chart. It is also important to keep the telephone numbers of the local police stations, just in case.

Did you know that there were five different time zones in China? To know more about that you can refer to the China Tourist Information.

There are many things you need to know about the culture and preferences, the dress code and the taste of the local people so that you don’t disrespect them in any way. The China Tourist Information also informs you about all this.

There are certain Do’s and Don’t in China, like abiding by the Chinese laws and respecting the customs. There is more to it than this. For traveling to such a country, some small rules can always be followed, right?

If you need the help of the Ambassador of your country in China then you can get the details form the China Tourist Information.

Most importantly, for planning your trip and making it successful, you need to know the best time to travel to China, which is also included in the important information for China tourists.

Being cradled by the Huang He for thousands of years, rich with culture and replenished with mythological characters, China is the birthplace of such an ancient civilization. Travel to China is unlike any ordinary travel experience, it is more than that. It is an excavation of that richness, which makes one thousand times richer in turn. In China Overview, you will get to know the multifaceted character of the country.

Covering a geographical area of 9,596,960 square km, the topography of the land varies vastly. The north is different from the south and the east is different form the west. The only uniformity you will notice is in the nationality of the inhabitants and their hard working attitude. It is this that has taken China nearer to being one of the superpowers of the world in the coming decade.

As the China Overview shows, the country has abundant natural resources and a climate, which fulfills the agricultural needs of the population. Apart form contributing to pages of history, China has also added to the pages of inventions, namely, paper, printing, gunpowder and compass.

With the capital city of Beijing being the central point of all the administrative and political activities, there are a total of 686 cities in the People’s Republic of China. China Overview also gives you a comprehensive picture of the regions and provinces of China, some of which have become important tourist destinations in the past few years.