TianQiao acrobatics performance, BeiJing 北京

At the TianQiao Acrobatic Theater in BeiJing.

This performer shows incredible strength and balance.

Beijing, the capital city of China, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, culture, and modernity. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect as a tourist in Beijing:

Historical Landmarks:
The Great Wall of China: One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Great Wall is easily accessible from Beijing. Mutianyu and Badaling sections are popular among tourists.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast imperial palace complex was home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years. It houses numerous halls, courtyards, and historical artifacts.

Temple of Heaven: A masterpiece of Chinese architecture, this ancient temple complex served as a place of worship for emperors to pray for good harvests.

Summer Palace: A stunning ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces, the Summer Palace served as a retreat for emperors during the Qing dynasty.

Tiananmen Square: One of the largest city squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is flanked by important landmarks such as the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Cultural Sites:
Beijing Hutongs: Explore the narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard residences of Beijing's historic neighborhoods. You can take a rickshaw tour or simply wander around on foot.

Beijing Opera: Experience traditional Chinese opera performances at venues like the Liyuan Theater or the Chang'an Grand Theatre.

798 Art District: A hub of contemporary art and culture, this former industrial area is now home to numerous galleries, studios, and cafes.

Modern Attractions:
Olympic Park: Visit iconic structures such as the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

CBD (Central Business District): Marvel at the futuristic skyline of Beijing's modern business district, which includes landmarks like the CCTV Headquarters and the China World Trade Center Tower III.

Culinary Delights:
Peking Duck: Indulge in Beijing's most famous dish, crispy roast duck served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Street Food: Explore the city's vibrant street food scene and sample local delicacies like jianbing (savory crepes), lamb skewers, and dumplings.

Practical Tips:
Transportation: Beijing has an extensive public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and taxis. However, traffic can be heavy, so plan your travels accordingly.

Language: While English is not widely spoken, especially outside tourist areas, many signs and transportation announcements are in English. It's helpful to carry a translation app or a phrasebook.

Weather: Beijing experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home and using both hands to pass or receive items.

Beijing offers a rich tapestry of experiences for tourists, blending ancient heritage with modern innovations. Whether you're fascinated by history, culture, or culinary delights, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city.

Featured Videos

Scenes from JiuZhaiGou 九寨沟

JiuZhaiGou Valley (九寨沟), literally 'Nine Villages Valley', is a nature reserve and national park located in the north of SiChuan province, near the GanSu border. JiuZhaiGou is part of the MinShan mountains on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and is known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful mineral lakes and snow-capped peaks. The elevation ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 meters (6,600 to 14,800 feet). It lies 330 km (205 miles) north of the provincial capital of Chengdu and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remote region has been inhabited by various Tibetan and Qiang peoples for many centuries. The valleys here are lined with 55 km of roads for shuttle buses, as well as wooden boardwalks and small pavilions. The boardwalks are typically located on the opposite side of the lakes from the roads. Many visitors will first take the shuttle bus to the end of RiZe or ShuZheng valley, then make their way back downhill by foot on the boardwalks, taking the bus when the next site is deemed too distant. JiuZhaiGou is a ten hour bus ride from ChengDu, or one can fly from ChengDu or ChongQing to JiuZhai HuangLong Airport, then take an hour long bus ride to HuangLong, or a 90 minute ride to JiuZhaiGou. There is also a daily flight to Xi'An, in the peak season, and from BeiJing, ShangHai and HangZhou.

ZhangJiang Science City, PuDong, ShangHai

With MiaoMiao ... Zhangjiang Science City, located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, is a major hub for scientific innovation and research in China. Often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of China," Zhangjiang Science City has been a focal point for the development of high-tech industries, particularly in the fields of biotechnology, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Key Features and Developments: Research and Development Hub: Zhangjiang Science City hosts numerous research institutions, universities, and corporate R&D centers. It's home to the Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone, which plays a critical role in fostering technological innovation. The area is known for its strong focus on life sciences, with many pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms operating there, including multinational corporations like Roche and Novartis. Tech Startups and Incubators: The region has a thriving startup ecosystem, supported by various incubators and accelerators. This makes it an attractive destination for tech entrepreneurs and innovators. The Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, within the science city, is one of China's most prominent technology parks, providing resources and infrastructure for startups. International Collaboration: Zhangjiang Science City emphasizes international collaboration, with numerous foreign enterprises establishing their R&D centers there. The area facilitates joint ventures and partnerships between Chinese and global companies. The establishment of free trade zones and favorable policies has further encouraged international investment and collaboration. Smart City Development: As part of the broader Shanghai initiative, Zhangjiang is being developed into a "smart city" with advanced infrastructure for communications, transport, and urban living. The integration of AI, big data, and IoT technologies into the city’s infrastructure is a key aspect of its development, making it a model for future urban areas. Education and Talent: The science city benefits from proximity to top-tier universities and research institutions, which supply a steady stream of talent in various scientific and engineering disciplines. Efforts are made to attract and retain international talent, offering competitive incentives and a conducive environment for innovation. Government Support: The Chinese government has prioritized Zhangjiang as a key area for the country’s strategic technology development. Policies are in place to support research, attract investment, and encourage innovation. Significant investments have been made in infrastructure, including transport links that connect Zhangjiang to other parts of Shanghai and beyond, enhancing its accessibility and appeal as a business location. Future Prospects: Zhangjiang Science City is poised to continue its growth as a global leader in science and technology. With ongoing investments and a focus on high-tech industries, it is expected to play a significant role in China's ambitions to become a world leader in innovation and technology by the mid-21st century. The combination of government support, international collaboration, and a strong innovation ecosystem makes Zhangjiang Science City a critical component of Shanghai's, and indeed China's, future development strategy.

What China does so much better than the West

With Jiayi & Julie in China ... 0:43 Medical System 2:27 Transportation 3:40 Political Accountability 6:13 Police 7:41 Food 9:22 Individuality 10:50 City Planning 11:31 Female Culture 14:13 Nature 14:53 History & Culture Top 2 YT comments (on 19th January 2025): * My relative visited China in Oct for 3 weeks. During the visit in Shanghai one evening she had fever of 102F with blood in urine. She was 70+ years old and very nervous but finally went to the ER of the best hospital in Shanghai. She got the service including ultrasound, blood test, medicine, diagnosed as Urinary tract infection, in less than 2 hours. She was fully recovered the next morning. Guess how much she was paid since she didn't have China medical insurance? Total 280RMB, i.e. US$40! She was told that the price for people w/wo insurance was the same. If you had local insurance you might only need to pay 10%-20% of the retail price. * I'm in the US. About 2 weeks ago in North Carolina, an unarmed black man who was accused of shoplifting was shot 3 times. He had no weapon, and was simply walking. A few days ago in Oklahoma, a police officer broke the neck and eye socket of 71 year old Vietnamese man over a traffic stop. I saw both these videos. In Texas, police stopped a man driving a pickup truck because he had out of town license plates. He was carrying $35,000 in cash to buy machinery for his business. The cops seized his money and the local government refuses to return it. These incidents happen EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE in America. I stopped arguing with Americans about how great they think this country it. They hang on to some unrealistic patriotic delusion, and are quick to accuse China of doing what is ACTUALLY DONE here. Things will not change no matter who is President because corruption permeates this society at every level. Far be it for me to give advice to the people in China, but here it is - be proud of your country and your government. I am in awe of how sophisticated your society is, and how protective of the people the CCP are. You are right about the politicians in the West. They suffer zero consequences for their lies and corrupt actions. The White House and Washington DC perfectly reflect our society. We in the US are not to be admired or emulated, but should be held as an example of a collapsing empire that should never be repeated again for the sake of the world. Thank you for this great vlog! With Expat Adventuring in Asia ...

Something different – minimalism (less is more)

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Planning war on China – part 36 – Don’t miss it !!

With The New Atlas - Inflection - Brian Berletic and Angelo Giuliano ... After Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and on and on and on - this time the western media is telling the truth ? LOL Don't get fooled again. 2022 - human civilisation ? - the West's rulers just cannot be human, be part of the human family. And not a deranged thug. A dying empire = dangerous times. We don't need supremacist tyranny, we need real civilisation. Or we are doomed ... One must speak out wherever injustice occurs; one day it might be you; but above all, if one doesn't stand for truth, why be alive ? Not pro China, or pro Russia, or pro socialism, or pro you-name-it; it is very simple - pro truth (reality, not official story). It is not about 'me', it is about 'we' ... One world; one family. One life; one chance to be real. Human rights - a roof, and affordable food; transportation, education and healthcare. Or, being scammed by just a right to complain; can you eat a vote (Biden or Trump, etc. - lol); into S&M ? Brian, Angelo, Alex, Patrick - real people. In China, the people are family. In the West, the people are livestock. Meanwhile ...