Canadian World Traveller Spring 2019 Issue

lot of effort getting there, but this is not true. A
cable car quickly and comfortably whisks
tourists up in mere minutes.
The views were breathtaking. Below us was
the Gubai Water Town and endless miles of
uninhabited natural environment. The Wall
itself went on for as far as the eye could see
with equidistant watchtower stations. It is
times like these that I think of how incredible
our earth is and how innovative and industrious
humans can be, after all, the wall stretches
for thousands of miles and was built without
modern mechanical tools.
Old Town to Big City
The tranquil and serene visit of Gubai and
Simatai would be left behind as I would now
venture to a completely different atmosphere
after the short drive to the cosmopolitan city of
Beijing.
Beijing Dasein Youlan Hotel
In the past, I would be in modern high rise
hotel complexes, but this time I found myself
in a small boutique style hotel. Unlike the
large hotel that would be situated on busy
boulevards, the Dasein Youlan Hotel was hidden
in a tranquil alleyway. The area was so
quiet that I could hardly believe I was in one
of the most populated cities in China.
My room, like the hotel itself, was straight out
of the last century. Very basic accommodations
that were comfortable and extremely
relaxing, yet I had high speed Wi-Fi and all
the creature comforts you would want in a
hotel. The decoration was unmistakably
Chinese and had a sense of peace, quiet and
offered guests a relaxing state of bliss. The
meals served were unbelievably delicious and
highly nutritious. A wonderful place to stay.
The Forbidden City
My third visit here and I still find things I
missed before. This is one of the star attractions
of not only Beijing, but of all of China.
This time around I would see the many highlights
of the Forbidden City but would also
witness a remarkable tourist trap that made
me laugh with delight.
As with every visit, I am always struck by the
scope and opulence found here as it was the
imperial palace for 24 emperors during the
Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). It is
the world's largest palace complex and is surrounded
by a moat, a wall and contains more
than 8,700 rooms.
Everywhere you tour on the grounds or in the
rooms, the opulence is amazing to behold.
Vases, linens, gardens, all with history and
worth small fortunes!
This time we also got a treat. Somewhat tacky,
tourists can dress in imperial clothing and
have their pictures taken on a throne. Why
not, I thought, this is after all is the best and
most desirable position in China for centuries!
Other Beijing sites and experiences
The Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum contains
a vast collection of ancient Chinese
architecture, with exhibitions displayed in
throughout several halls and rooms. I highly
recommend that visitors go to this house of
marvels.
Tiananmen Square is the main square is in
the centre of Beijing close to the Forbidden
City. I like it for its central location that makes
it a hotspot and many Chinese visitors enjoy
coming here, as it was where Mao Zedong
proclaimed the founding of the People's
Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
Another in the long line of locales to visit is the
Temple of Heaven, which has been one of the
most holy places in the whole country for
more than five centuries. I was lucky to visit in
the morning, and saw the morning workouts
of dozens of people practicing all types of
kung fu and others just chatting or playing
games.
For flower lovers and gardeners, you must
visit the Summer Palace, an imperial garden
that has been preserved with rich landscapes
and cultivated gardens. Exact and transcendent,
it was added to the world cultural heritage
list in 1998.
A visit to the old Beijing hutong areas, where
the narrow, twisting streets offer a touch of the
"real life" of Beijing, I wandered the passageways
and courtyards filled with traditional
compact homes. Tours of the hutongs cover
the attractions that normally include the Drum
Tower, courtyard neighborhoods and Prince
Gong's mansion.
There is so much more to see, do and eat in
this worldly capital. I never get enough!
www.tourismchina.org
Canadian World Traveller Spring 2019