Beijing, or “Northern Capital,” lies at the tip of the North China Plain, with mountains to the north and west, and desert beyond. While the city has played a central role in Chinese government and culture since the first millennium AD, Paleolithic humans resided here up to 27,000 years ago. Beijing has changed hands many times throughout China’s numerous dynasties until modern times; today the city epitomizes change as it rapidly grows along with China’s economy. The capital city will give you a sense of the old and the new China as you explore the following landmarks:Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Perhaps the single most visited site in Beijing, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City continue to attract more tourists each season. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex. After serving as the residence of emperors for nearly 500 years, it was transformed into a museum in 1925. Tiananmen Square spans the area just south of the Forbidden City gate appropriately named Tiananmen Gate. Spring break scholars enjoy a guided tour through the palace’s countless halls and pavilions, terminating with a stop at the Hall of Treasures, a complex of rooms filled with recovered riches of China’s dynastic past.
Perhaps the single most visited site in Beijing, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City continue to attract more tourists each season. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex. After serving as the residence of emperors for nearly 500 years, it was transformed into a museum in 1925. Tiananmen Square spans the area just south of the Forbidden City gate appropriately named Tiananmen Gate. Spring break scholars enjoy a guided tour through the palace’s countless halls and pavilions, terminating with a stop at the Hall of Treasures, a complex of rooms filled with recovered riches of China’s dynastic past. Chuan Ju De
If there’s one thing you must eat before you leave Beijing, it’s Peking duck at Chuan Ju De, Beijing’s most highly esteemed roasted duck restaurant. Your duck, which is tagged with its own number upon leaving its farm, is slowly cooked to perfection and carved tableside by one of Chuan Ju De’s chefs. Unlike the duck in the west, these are served with small rice shells – perfect for making what can only be described as a Chinese duck burrito with fixings of cucumber, plum sauce, and scallions. Chuan Ju De even cuts off the most delicate pieces of roast duck skin and serves them on a separate plate for everyone to taste!
If there’s one thing you must eat before you leave Beijing, it’s Peking duck at Chuan Ju De, Beijing’s most highly esteemed roasted duck restaurant. Your duck, which is tagged with its own number upon leaving its farm, is slowly cooked to perfection and carved tableside by one of Chuan Ju De’s chefs. Unlike the duck in the west, these are served with small rice shells – perfect for making what can only be described as a Chinese duck burrito with fixings of cucumber, plum sauce, and scallions. Chuan Ju De even cuts off the most delicate pieces of roast duck skin and serves them on a separate plate for everyone to taste!
Summer Palace
Located in the northwest corner of Beijing, the Summer Palace is viewed by many as the most captivating, leisurely place in the city. Under the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace’s central Kunming Lake was originally built to mimic style of the West Lake of Hangzhou. After the Anglo-French invasion in 1860, the palace was rebuilt for use as a summer home for emperors and empresses. In 1998, UNESCO listed the Summer Palace on its prestigious World Heritage List. China Your Way’s students tour the park and lake by foot and paddle boat.
Located in the northwest corner of Beijing, the Summer Palace is viewed by many as the most captivating, leisurely place in the city. Under the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace’s central Kunming Lake was originally built to mimic style of the West Lake of Hangzhou. After the Anglo-French invasion in 1860, the palace was rebuilt for use as a summer home for emperors and empresses. In 1998, UNESCO listed the Summer Palace on its prestigious World Heritage List. China Your Way’s students tour the park and lake by foot and paddle boat. 