Jingdong Grand Canyon (also known as Wulongtan Grand Canyon), located about 53 miles from downtown Beijing, spans about 607 hectares. Surrounding it is the Jingtai Mountain Scenic Area, a great place for walkers, hikers and rock climbers due to its mix of landscapes which vary hugely between mountains, valleys, hills, streams, rivers, caves and waterfalls. In addition to all this, the canyon is populated by many square kilometres of pine trees. Holiday Village, Wulong Pond, the Plank Roads, the Sino-Japanese War monument, Tongtian Gorge and Longmen Lake are all must-sees for the day-tripper.
Mealtime for the pandas at Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo is China‘s oldest, housing about 5000 animals which represent about 450 international and Chinese species. Many of these are endangered and very rare. Elephants, pandas, American bison, golden monkeys, zebras, milu deer, kangaroos, north east tigers, polar bears and giraffes are just some of the foreign and native animals that occupy a range of 16 different habitats. The habitat which draws the most visitors is the 1 hectare Panda Hall, which provides a natural environment for its occupants while also being very attractive for visitors to observe, as it resembles a classic Chinese style garden and is designed in the shape of a Tai Chi diagram.
China is a fascinating country to visit. It would take a lifetime to see all there is to see. It is now a very friendly and welcoming country and they have built really high class hotels which, by European or USA standards are relatively cheap.
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Beijing’s Forbidden City dates from the late 14th century, during the time of the era of the Ming Dynasty, and has survived to this day. With a total of 9,999 rooms, it boasts the distinction of being the world’s biggest and most complete imperial palace grounds. For 500 years it was China’s administrative hub, and it is not difficult to see why it played such an important role for so long – with a 6 metre deep moat and a wall reaching ten metres, no unwelcome visitors could get in. Hence it was the perfect location to conduct the affairs of state.
Forbidden City Beijing
The Great Wall of China is an immense feat of human achievement, beginning at Jiayuguan Pass and reaching five provinces east, crossing barren desert, snowy peaks and green valleys to conclude at Shanhaiguan Pass. From space it closely resembles a huge dragon. Its original purpose was to defend China against attackers, while ensuring that no one left the country unless they had prior permission. Today it is recognised as being among the ‘Eight Wonders of the World’ and is listed as a World Heritage Site, making it an essential day trip destination from Beijing.
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