Yu Garden and Yu Garden Bazaar are worthy inclusions on any Shanghai  day tour or visit to this fabulous city.

With an intriguing back story, it seems this is a fitting place to start as we delve into why you should make this a must-see sight during your Shanghai explorations.

Yu Yuan Garden: A son’s gift to his father

Yu Garden is a gorgeous landscaped garden created in the style of traditional Chinese gardens. Built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty and covering an area of over two hectares (the original area was almost 5 hectares), it was created as a gift that was lovingly commissioned by a son for his father. The owner, Pan Yunduan, built the garden on his own land near his property for his father who had retired from his high-ranking official position.

Richly steeped in symbolism, from the design to construction, the moment you step through the entrance, you will appreciate the significance of its name. In Chinese, Yu 豫 means “peaceful and comfortable”, and Yu Garden is certainly that. Pan Yunduan (the original owner) wanted to bring his father ease and happiness through the garden, and named it accordingly: Yu Yuan, which translates as Yu Garden.

At the time of its construction, the Pan family was one of the most distinguished in Shanghai. Pan Yunduan commissioned the era’s most famous landscape gardener for the project. Such was the detail and importance of the garden that it took over 20 years to complete. Not surprisingly, it was – and still is – considered to be among the most famous in Southeast China.

Yu Garden: A backdrop to change in China

As you make your way around the garden, you’ll very quickly understand that keeping something of this size and detail in pristine condition is no small undertaking. When the fortunes of the Pan family meant they could no longer afford to maintain it, the garden’s condition and appearance deteriorated. At the end of the Ming dynasty, the husband of Pan Yunduan’s granddaughter inherited the garden and during the Qing dynasty, local dignitaries converted the garden into the Qing He Academy. The venture was a failure and by 1709, ‘Ling Park’ was built on a site of some 1,300 square meters, which was purchased by local businessmen and made available to the public. In 1769, funds were gathered, again by wealthy local businessmen, this time to purchase Yu Garden. Over the next 20 years, the funds were spent rebuilding the garden from the ground up.

It seems the garden wasn’t to enjoy tranquility for long. During the 19th century came more change. The British army occupied Huxinting, the teahouse in the middle of the lake, using it as their command office during the First Opium War. The Small Swords Society established their headquarters here during the Taiping Rebellion, fighting the Qing government army in the garden. Commencing in 1956, it took five years to repair the garden, and it was finally opened to the public in 1961.

Here’s what you’ll find at Yu Garden

Wandering through Yu Garden, you’ll gain an appreciation of traditional Chinese architecture, particularly how nature and man-made structures integrate seamlessly to complement one another. In the various structures and buildings serving a range of purposes, it’s possible to see how artisanal skills, such as brick and stone carving, clay sculpture, and woodcutting, have been showcased.

Divided into four sections (west, east, middle, and inner), the most popular areas to visit are:

• Sansui Hall – Built during Qing dynasty reconstruction
• Grand Rockery – Standing at 14 meters high, and constructed with over a thousand tons of yellowstone, this was created by the original Yu Garden designer
• Yu Ling Long – The exquisite Jade Rock, considered Yu Garden’s highlight, is a rare rock from Taihu Lake. It weighs approximately three tons and is 3 meters high. Water poured over the top emerges through the many holes, creating waterfalls. It was also used for incense, which was placed at the bottom and lit, causing the smoke to flow out through the holes.
• Big Stage – A beautifully decorated 7 meter square stage used for performances was built towards the end of the 19th century.
• Cultural relics – Throughout the grounds you will come across various cultural relics, including a golden bowl from the Tang dynasty, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and ancient furniture collections.

It is a wonderful garden ‘museum’, offering much to the traveler interested in Shanghai’s fascinating history.

Yu Garden Bazaar: Close to Yu Garden

As well known and perhaps no less popular, Yu Garden Bazaar is within walking distance of Yu Garden. Now a busy shopping precinct for locals and tourists, the bazaar grew gradually after Yu Garden was opened to the public in 1961. It offers an eclectic cross-section of goods, from souvenirs, antiques, crafts, fresh produce, and food. Making a stop here is a must if you fancy sampling the famous Shanghai steamed dumplings from a 120 year old restaurant, or Shanghai pan-fried dumplings from a 90 year old restaurant. Green Wave Gallery restaurant is an icon of the Shanghai dining scene. Established in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty, the Shanghai cuisine served here has been sought after by dignitaries and royalty alike, including Queen Elizabeth II, who visited in 1956.

When should I visit?

It can be easy and difficult to decide the best time to visit.

Yu Garden is evergreen, with over 670 trees and shrubs, including one gingko tree that’s over 430 years old. The seasons can be followed by the blossoming trees: Plums in winter, lotuses in summer, the osmanthus and chrysanthemums in autumn, and the remainder of all others in the spring.

Keep in mind that a special time of year is during Chinese New Year’s Lantern Festival, when the entire area is decorated by traditional red silk lanterns, which each tell the story of a famous Chinese legend or tale, or riddles that can be guessed to win a prize.

Regardless of when you visit, there’s no doubt a beautiful scene will greet you.

Want to include Yu Garden and Yu Garden Bazaar on your Shanghai day tour itinerary? You can do that with ease through ChinaTours.com. Make the most of every minute of your vacation and enjoy a fully guided experience, allowing you to relax and learn all there is to know about fascinating sights in Shanghai and beyond. Reach out to our travel team with your questions. We are here to help.

When people think of Chengdu  pandas, often the first thought that comes to mind is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

As perhaps the most accessible of all the places where Chengdu pandas can be seen up close, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located just 10 kilometers from the city center. By road, it takes roughly 40 minutes to reach the center, however you can use this valuable travel time to brush up on all the essential Chengdu panda facts (like the ones we share in this article!).

What makes Chengdu pandas so special?

Chengdu and pandas just go together, right? A bit like Suzhou and silk, or Beijing and duck, the two go hand in hand. And while giant pandas are incredibly cute – you’ll discover this when you arrive at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – there is a serious side to the preservation, care, and nurturing of these beautiful animals.

As the national treasure of China, pandas are considered to be at risk, although the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has removed giant pandas from its list of critically endangered species.

Sadly, there are just 1,800 pandas still living in the wild, and around 300 live in other locations around the world. Of the total number of pandas in China, approximately 85 percent can be found in Sichuan Province – that makes it the home of pandas – hence the name ‘Chengdu pandas’.

What do pandas eat?

No doubt you’ve seen the iconic image of pandas munching on bamboo, and it’s with good reason. Pandas eat bamboo! In fact, about 99 percent of their diet is bamboo, and when you see how much pandas eat at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, you will realize that’s a lot of bamboos.

Each day, an adult panda eats between 23 and 40 kilograms of bamboo shoots, or 10 to 18 kilograms of bamboo leaves, or 17 kilograms of bamboo stems. And although there are over 500 different types of bamboo in China, pandas are fussy eaters. They will only eat 60 of these, and they prefer bamboo that is grown at altitude. Yes, a giant panda’s bamboo must come from 1,800 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

How did the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding come about?

What’s important to understand about bamboo is that it’s not a perennial, that is, it doesn’t flower annually. In fact, a flowering cycle may only occur every 40 to 50 years, and bamboo only flowers once in its lifetime, after which it produces seeds and dies.

It is this curious fact which contributed to the establishment of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the 1980’s. During this period there was a mass flowering of bamboo, which resulted in wild giant pandas going hungry, and even fighting one another over the available food. A catastrophic event, this situation resulted in an estimated 200 giant pandas dying.

Recognizing how serious this was for the panda population, scientists rescued six animals from the wild, keeping them at the Chengdu zoo for research. In 1987, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was set up as a non-profit breeding facility for giant pandas. The center opened to the public almost ten years later.

The 100 hectare base covers a sprawling area, which is beautifully landscaped with bamboo (naturally!). Within this idyllic panda heaven, there are wide pathways that wind around the park, allowing ample space for visitors to view the pandas in a natural environment. The research center caters to the pandas’ every need with a delivery room, nursery rooms, kindergarten, feeding area, panda hospital and scientific discovery centre.

Since opening, the center continues to perform significant research work that supports the continued survival of giant pandas, an achievement which is recognizable in growth of the panda population from a modest 6 animals to nearly 200 giant pandas of all ages.

How to make the most of your visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Check out these handy tips for transforming your trip to the panda base into a beautiful travel memory.

What’s the best time to visit?

On any given day, the base is popular, which is why we recommend arriving early, at opening time preferably, because although the center is huge, it is popular and becomes very busy, very quickly. This can make it difficult to get unobstructed viewing of these gorgeous creatures, and you definitely don’t want to miss the multiple photo opportunities that will arise at every enclosure. Another very good reason for arriving early is that feeding time is at 8.30am. Watching the giant pandas eat their bamboo with a Kung Fu panda-like relish is a sight to behold, and is hugely entertaining.

What animals are at the base?

Expect to see giant pandas of all ages and sizes, including adults, teens, and cubs of course, however other wildlife can be found at the base too. A large lake is populated by beautiful swans, red pandas can be seen making their way through trees, and there is a healthy population of beautiful peacocks that wander around the base.

What is the best way to get around the base?

For the best views of giant pandas in their enclosures, go on foot, however those who require accessibility support can hire a buggy to make their way around the base. If you plan taking a guided tour, be sure to speak with your guide and make arrangements in advance of arrival. Buggy hire is also a good idea if you are short on time, as it will take you to the panda kindergarten and drive you on to subsequent enclosures without having to navigate the crowds on foot.

Another factor to consider is whether you’d love to see the baby pandas. If your answer is a definitive yes, best to hold off your visit until a couple of months after July. Why? Well, pandas have just one mating season that occurs in spring every year. Mums deliver their tiny newborns around 100 days after July, so leaving your visit until then is highly recommended.

Can I feed the giant pandas?

There are strict guidelines about feeding pandas at the base, and the short answer to this question is no, there is no panda feeding at the base. If this is on your bucket list, it’s best to book a visit to the Dujiangyan Base, where you can enjoy the experience of working as a panda keeper for the day. Guidelines around feeding are strict because the wrong foods can cause infection in pandas, and this can rapidly spread through the population.

How long do I need for my visit?

Allowing half a day for your visit is a reasonable amount of time to visit all enclosures. If your itinerary is more relaxed, consider visiting the Dujiangyan Base, keeping in mind this is where you can soak up a full panda volunteer experience.

If you’d love to see the world’s largest collection of giant pandas up close, a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding offers a unique opportunity to understand these creatures better. Whether you choose to travel independently or on a guided China tour, we can assist with bookings and travel arrangements. We are travelers too and know what it takes to create beautiful travel memories – and we’d love to share our experience with you. Discover real China with people who really care. Contact us  to learn more about meeting the world’s cutest bears.

Take a cruise up the Li River to Yangshuo and you will understand the Chinese saying, “The scenery of Guilin is second to none.”

Perhaps the most notable feature of Guilin is the karst topography. Visually stunning and totally different from anywhere else in China, the karst mountains of Guilin were formed about 360 million years ago after a seabed overlay of limestone up to 4,000 meters rose up. The  ‘collision’ that occurred between Asia and India and formed the Himalayas exposed the limestone. After weathering from rain and flowing water, the limestone has eroded, leaving the thousands of peaks and narrow valleys that are the predominant aspect of Guilin’s landscape. No matter where you go in Guilin, there are many natural and dramatic limestone peaks and hills to see, especially along the Li River.

The Li River back story

If you’re going to spend time on the Li River, it’s worthwhile learning a little of its back story.

The Li River originates at Mao’er Mountain. The translation for this name is Kitten Mountain because of its unusual resemblance to a kitten (or so it’s said). Reaching 2,142 meters, Kitten Mountain is the highest peak in Guangxi and is located about 80 kilometers from Guilin. However, your cruise won’t start at the mouth of the 439 kilometer river.

Instead, most people depart from Guilin and cruise to Yangshuo, an 83 kilometer stretch that is arguably the most beautiful section of the Li River.

There is debate as to the origins of the name Li. One explanation is that it arises from the Chinese word xiang li (相离) which means “separating”. Because Xiang River and Li River are separated by a low divide broken by a saddle of the Ling Canal, built in 215BC by China’s first emperor, Qing Shi Huang.

A second explanation is the word li (漓) means clear. As you cruise the river you’ll see why this could be a more plausible reason. Although it’s not entirely certain why the water is clear, it is commonly thought that because of the limestone, very little sand flows in the river. Any sand that does find its way there can ‘fall’ into the underground streams. More recently, environmental protection policies have helped preserve water quality, even as the river’s popularity as a travel highlight has grown.

No mention of the Li River would be complete with mention of the Ling Canal, which is located about 70 kilometers from Guilin. Commissioned in 214BC by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the canal connects the Xiang and Li Rivers and has been a major water transport route between South and Central China for over 2,000 years.

Why cruise the Li River

In China, there are so many highlights competing for inclusion on your travel itinerary, making it hard to decide what stays and what goes. So when it comes to Guilin, you may well wonder, ‘Why should I cruise the Li River?’. Any local guide will tell you that a visit to Guilin means just one thing: you must take a Li River cruise.

And if you need more convincing, here are just a few other reasons it’s worth boarding one of the river cruise boats. [Hint: there is amazing natural beauty for the dull duration of the cruise].

Apart from the limestone peaks, you will also see a particular kind of bamboo growing along the river bank. The bamboo’s branches look a lot like the tail of Phoenix, and in true Chinese style, it is called Phoenix tail bamboo. Locals have devised a myriad of uses for this bamboo. Chopsticks, sheets, mats, clothes, scaffolding, and bamboo rice are among the many ways it’s been employed. In fact, the stems of Phoenix tail bamboo are so usefully thick that locals configure it into a raft. Surprisingly, Phoenix tail bamboo is a relatively recent addition to the Li River. It was only in 1960, when China’s former Premier Zhou Enlai took the Li River cruise, that he suggested Phoenix tail bamboo should be along the riverside to enhance the landscape further.

Wildlife abounds along the banks and surrounds of the river. Egrets, crows, golden eagles, and black kites are sighted easily, while cormorants trained by fishermen to catch fish, provide a window into the lifestyle of locals. Although perhaps not appreciated by westerners, local cormorant fishing remains a tradition of the inhabitants along Li River. Working only at night, the fisherman then sells their catch at the morning market.

Water buffalos are also a feature along the river. Perhaps the best representation of a relaxed river lifestyle, they are used by local farmers to plow rice fields. As there are only two crops annually, water buffaloes are only required twice a year. In between ploughing, the water buffaloes are free to wander along the riverbank or swim in the water. Local people never eat buffalo’s meat, but they do drink buffalo milk, believing to be more nutritious than cow’s milk.

What to expect on a Li River cruise

While it’s not even close to the Yangtze or Yellow Rivers in terms of size, however, don’t feel you’re missing out with a cruise along the Li River. Differences between cruise boat quality are minimal, with most rating three or four stars.

Cruises depart from Mopanshan Pier in Guilin around 9:30am and arrive in Yangshuo around 1:30pm after about four hours on the water.

Travel with your passport and cruise ticket as both are needed to secure your designated seat. Boats comfortably accommodate 100 passengers over three decks, and while a basic meal is included, you’re best focusing your attention on the scenery. You don’t want to miss the countless limestone peaks, crystal clear water, and the stunning landscape on either side of the river. Yuanbao Mountain near Xingping Town is considered the most stunning, a fact further cemented in the minds of locals and travelers alike, who can find its image captured on the back of 20RMB banknote.

Discover Yangshuo at the end of your Li River cruise

Li River cruises end at Yangshuo, a lovely old town with a rich history spanning 1,400 years. Although an influx of travelers in recent decades has seen Yangshuo grow up, it does retain an uncharacteristic relaxed vibe not found in China’s big cities. Set in peaceful and relaxing countryside, Yangshuo is the ideal place to gain a view of local life from the ground.

Apart from wandering popular West Street, where you’ll find souvenir and craft shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, consider renting a bike. Well worn tracks make exploring the rural villages easy, and the idyllic scenery with its rice fields, tea gardens, canals, water buffalos, local farmers is perfect subject matter for photography enthusiasts.

Other activities to take advantage of in Yangshuo include a bamboo raft on Yulong river; cooking lessons using local produce; Tai Chi or calligraphy lessons for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture; or a hike up Xianggong Hill for spectacular views overlooking Li River. Yangshuo is also home to the famous show, Impression Sanjie Liu, which includes hundreds of local farmers who perform on the water against a karst mountain backdrop.

If you’re traveling to Guilin, be sure to complete your visit with a leisurely Li River cruise and overnight stay in Yangshuo. Enjoy the easy, relaxed tempo of the cities and the river that connects them, while taking advantage of family friendly holiday activities to enhance your collection of travel memories. And the bonus? All arrangements can be made easily with the ChinaTours.com team. Make the most of every minute of your vacation and enjoy a fully guided experience, allowing you to relax and learn all there is to know about this incredible corner of China. Reach out to our travel team  with your questions. We are here to help.

Longji Rice Terraces – or Longsheng Rice Terraces as they are also known – are located in Longsheng. A relatively small town by China’s standards, with a population of just under 190,000 people, Longsheng is located about 80 kilometers or two hours drive from Guilin.

A visit to the Longji Rice Terraces is to take a step back in time, and on arrival, you’ll quickly discover why. The local minority Zhuang and Yao people have diligently tended the terraced rice paddy fields for hundreds of years, despite the fact there was no flat ground to work with originally.

Every terrace has been cut by hand without any sophisticated agricultural machinery. Methods used historically continue to be used today. This is extraordinary given the terraced fields are scattered between 300 and 1100 meters above sea level and cover an area of 66 square kilometers.

Whether you’re standing close up or viewing from a distance, the mountain ridges covered in these remarkable rice fields resemble the scales of a dragon’s back. And it is this analogy which inspired the name ‘long ji’, which translates as ‘dragon’s back’.

The remarkable visual appeal of the rice terraces was brought to international attention after discovery by photographers in the 1990’s, who were keen to share the uniqueness of the local people and the land they’ve cultivated since the Yuan dynasty about 650 years ago.

Finding your way around the Longji Rice Terraces

Longji Terraces are divided into two main sections: Ping’an Rice Terraces and Jinkeng Rice Terraces, both of which are home to the local minorities who live in the nearby villages. So while the rice terraces themselves are arguably the main attraction, there are other things that are just as fascinating.

For a start, walk or hike up the mountain and your efforts will be richly rewarded with stunning panoramic views, not only of the terraced fields, but beyond the mountains as well. Depending on the time of year you visit, expect to see the landscape transformed because every season brings with it a palette of different hues.

As you’d expect, rice is the main crop here, although chili pepper, corn, passionfruit, monk fruit, sweet potatoes and tea are grown here too. Production starts in June and by October, rice is ready for harvest. If you can time your visit to coincide with the end of September and beginning of October, you’ll discover an impressive view of golden fields stretching out over the hills.

The people of Longji: Providing a view back in time

Apart from the exceptional views, the Longji Terraces offer a special glimpse into the rural life and unique culture of the local minority people.

Ping’an, with a population of just 1,000, is home to the Zhuang people, while the Yao people live in Jinkeng. Both minorities still maintain a simple, traditional life, effectively working as peasants. A typical day will find them at work by sunrise and resting at sunset.

Each of the two ethnic groups has its own customs and cultures, and if you can time your visit accordingly, expect an up-close experience that can’t be matched in many places around the world.

The Zhuang people celebrate a folk song festival on the third day of the third lunar month when they dress in traditional costume and congregate to sing, with men and women separated for the festivities.

In song, the young women ask the young men highly pertinent questions related to their daily lives.

The young man will need to have an answer for pressing questions like ‘which bird likes to swim together?’ and ‘which plant looks like an umbrella growing in the water?’ – And that is how love matches are made here.

If the would-be suitor’s answers satisfied the girl, he will be gifted the ‘love ball’ – an embroidery ball made by the young woman.

Hongyao hair is special: Here’s why

An equally quirky tradition maintained by the Red Yao people of Longshen is the Rapunzel-like length of their hair, which can grow to around 1.6 meters. In the interest of practicality, hair folded like a turban on top of the head.

Whether it’s the rice they grow and eat, or the fact they’ve never used commercial shampoo, it seems the hair of the Red Yao women is imbued with special power. When a Hongyao girl reaches 17, she usually has her hair cut to ear length according to the local coming of age tradition. Incredibly, this is the only time Hongyao women are allowed to cut their hair. The hair is kept and added to her hair coil later, together with the collected hair that falls out.

A young Hongyao woman wears headscarf before marriage because only the bridegroom can see her hair. After getting married and having children, she will use the kept hair to make the different coiled hairstyles without wearing a headscarf. Different hairstyles indicate the marital status of the woman, with a hat-like wrap around style showing a woman is married. They usually place a wooden or silver comb on the top of their hair, so hair can be combed whenever they feel the need.

Hair is soaked and washed in a secret hair cleanser mixed with orange peels, dregs of tea seed oil, and some medicinal herbs, all of which is added to rice water, when it is boiled and then fermented. It is then rinsed in spring water.

When and how to enjoy the best of the Longji Terraces

Every season is a postcard at the Longji Rice Terraces, so time your visit to coincide with panoramic perfection. The good news is, you can pretty much guarantee that any time you make the trek to Longji, you won’t be disappointed.

In terms of seeing the rice terraces up close, hiking is by far the best way to explore the area. Hike to the top in three to four hours, or enjoy a 50 minute walk to a panoramic view of the terraces.

And while you can cover considerable territory in a day, an overnight stay at one of the many guesthouses provides the opportunity for a richer experience. Enjoy time with the locals, savor delicious local food, like bamboo shoots, organic eggplants, seasoned beef, and rice wine.

The local specialty, bamboo rice, comes highly recommended. Requiring a special method of cooking over a fire, the dish’s ingredients, including corn, sweet potato, taro root, water, are ‘infused’ such that the resulting sticky rice is bamboo-flavored.

Getting to the Longji Terraces

Buses from Guilin are available for travel to the Longji Terraces, however expect to more than double your travel time if you decide on this option.

A better choice if your travel time is precious (and let’s face it, whose travel time isn’t?), is to take a guided tour with a local who knows the area and is well acquainted with the very best on offer here.

Travel can be arranged from Yangshuo too, however keep in mind that the distance between destinations is considerably more – around 65 kilometers – so weigh up your options about the best point of departure.

The Longji Terraces are a magical experience; certainly one that will be appreciated on site and long after your adventure here is over.

* Purchase your ticket at the entrance to the Longji Terraces, then travel on the local shuttle bus to either Ping’an (25-30 minutes) or Jinkeng (45-50 minutes). In addition to the shuttle bus ticket, visitors must also pay for the other optional activities available including the cable car at Jinkeng, Huangluo Redyao village, and the performance of folk song and dance.

A visit to the Longji Rice Terraces is one that captivates the imagination of travelers to China. It has all the hallmarks of a quintessentially authentic Chinese experience – magnificent scenery, traditional culture, the opportunity to connect with locals, a chance to enjoy regional food. If you’re planning travel to Guilin or Yangshuo, why not consider extending your time in the area by taking a trip to Longsheng? You can do that with ease through ChinaTours.com. Make the most of every minute of your vacation and enjoy a fully guided experience, allowing you to relax and learn all there is to know about this incredible corner of China. Reach out to our travel team  with your questions. We are here to help.

Forbidden City: Things to do in Beijing, China

Locals call the Forbidden City Gu Gong (故宫), which literally translates as ‘former palace’. Considering the Chinese penchant for highly descriptive names, ‘former palace’ is a decidedly unimaginative moniker for what many consider the most marvelous of all China’s ancient buildings.

The Forbidden City holds great appeal for any history enthusiast. Within its walls, you will gain special insights to the life and times, not only of China, but of the million or so who built it, and those who lived and worked within its walls.

 Zijincheng (紫禁城) or Purple Forbidden City, as it is also known, most definitely appears to fit the bill as a city. It is the largest palace in the world, covering a total area of 720,000m², and in 1987, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage site. As the celestially ordained home of the emperor, the palace was a no-go zone for outsiders, hence the term ‘forbidden’. To risk entry was to risk life, however restrictions have eased greatly since empirical occupation and tickets for visitors today range between ¥40 and ¥60.

For a western traveler making their foray into the Forbidden City, it’s quite easy to feel overwhelmed and have no idea of where to start, so with that in mind, we’ve done our best to curate this ‘how to’ guide for a visit to this one-time home of rituals, riches, and often thwarted romance.

Forbidden City: Important facts

Let’s start with some Forbidden City facts.

Clearly, Yongle Emperor, the third Ming dynasty emperor, thought carefully about his decision to locate the palace in Beijing’s heart; auspiciously on the city’s central axis. His safety concerns – something every emperor faced – prompted him to move his court from Nanjing to Beijing and so building commenced in 1406. In keeping with this theme of ‘prevention is best’, the palace was designed to be impenetrable from the outside, with every conceivable eventuality considered in the design.

As with a great many historical projects of scale in China, the Forbidden City absorbed a massive workforce, said to have reached a million laborers and 100,000 artisans during its 14 -year construction. Preparation work that included collection of precious timbers and stone took eleven years, while specifically designed pavers and bricks were made in Suzhou and Linqing. Perhaps in the context of the palace’s longevity these can be seen as reasonable investments. The imperial palace served as the residence and court of 14 Ming dynasty emperors and 10 Qing dynasty emperors between 1420 and 1911. While restoration is a permanent activity at the Forbidden City, the longevity of the buildings and surrounds are a testament to the foresight and technical acumen of those involved in its design and construction.

Exploring the palace complex: Allow at least a day

The palace complex is a rectangle, surrounded by a 10 meter high wall and moat that stretches for a phenomenal 52 meters. From north to south, it extends 961 meters, and from east to west, 753 meters. When a survey of the entire palace complex was undertaken in 1973, it identified over 90 compounds, 980 buildings, and 8,728 rooms. In reality, the Forbidden City was a city within a city.

A large gate dominates each of the rectangle’s four walls.

Each gate was designated to a specific group of people while the palace was inhabited, however since 2011, visitors may enter only via the south gate (Wu Men), but can exit via the north (Shenwu Men) and east (Donghua Men) gates. Each corner of the palace’s perimeter is distinguished by a uniquely designed watchtower or jiao lou.

The Meridian gate (south) was the main entry and is really a complex or superstructure of buildings with arches or doorways. The buildings are referred to as the ‘Five Phoenix Turrets’. Almanacs and announcements were issued from the gatehouse.

Forbidden City: Halls and hallmarks

The palace comprises two main parts; the outer court is south, while the inner court is located in the north. The outer court is where the emperor held court and grand audiences. After stepping through the Meridian Gate, you immediately see a large square with five marble bridges arching over the man-made Golden Water River.

The Gate of Supreme Harmony is fronted by two giant bronze lions. Charged with the task of guarding the palace, the lions stand 4.4 meters high. The lion on the left (as you face it) is a male with its paw placed on an embroidered wall. A female lion guards from the opposite side and has its left paw on a lion cub, a symbol of the royal family’s prosperity.

Located behind the gate is Supreme Harmony Square. Three magnificent buildings stand on the tiered marble terrace.

As is characteristic of the Forbidden City, there are many design features rich in symbolism. Along the marble terraces of the halls, there are 1,142 dragon heads. Of course, these are highly decorative, however they have a dual function as water drainage. Rainfall flows through the dragons’ mouths into an underground tunnel, where it meets the mouth of man-made Golden Water River located at the south end of the palace. This ingenious design prevents the Forbidden City from ever flooding.

Why no trees?

Apart from the sheer size of the palace, many visitors are struck by the complete absence of trees in the vast area that spreads out in front of the Gate of Supreme Harmony. There are commonly cited theories with fire prevention being the first of these, because many buildings and structures are made of timber. In fact, 308 giant bronze vats are located all around the palace, making it possible to put out fire, if needed.

A second reason was more aesthetic. The expansive area provided the ideal stage on which the majesty and grandeur could be showcased. The emperor’s life was always precariously in the balance, with the threat of assassins ever present. By limiting the places to hide, the emperor could also feel safe in the knowledge the 15 levels of pavers and bricks (carefully arranged in alternating horizontal and vertical layers) would prevent even the most ardent of threats from digging deep and tunnelling their way into the palace. The ‘five element’ theory is also floated as a reason no trees are planted here.

Who lived at the Forbidden City?

The northern part of the Forbidden City is the Inner Court. It is here you would have found the emperor and his consorts in residence, as well as venues for religious rituals and administration. In this area, there are also three main buildings located on the area’s central axis (and center).

On both sides of the main axis were the Six Eastern Palaces and Six Western Palaces, which were the private residences of the imperial consorts and concubines. At the far end of the Inner Court, you will find the Imperial Garden, enormous at 10,000m², and on each of its sides are the residences that housed the imperial princes and princesses.

Many westerners are curious about the number of imperial consorts and concubines kept by an emperor. This number varies, however Emperor Kangxi, China’s longest reigning emperor (61 years from 1661 to 1722), had four empresses and over 40 consorts, concubines, noble ladies and mistresses.

Emperor Yongzheng, the Qing Dynasty’s fourth emperor, resided and presided over state affairs in the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian). Empress Dowager Cixi and Cian managed state affairs here – but behind the scenes – for Emperors Tongzhi and  Guangxu. And it was in the Hall of Mental Cultivation that China’s last emperor Puyi abdicated from the throne after the 1911 revolution broke out. While Puyi was allowed to live in the Inner Court after his abdication, in 1924 he was expelled, and a committee was established to take over the palace and care for the vast collection of imperial treasures which number over 1.8 million individual pieces. The now famous Palace Museum was opened to the public in 1925, just one year after Puyi’s departure.

Palace Museum: A treasure in its own right

It is said that just over 40 percent of China’s valuable cultural relics are housed at the Palace Museum. Including a vast selection of bronze, ceramic, and jade pieces, as well as paintings, calligraphy, palace objects, and ancient books, only a relatively small number are displayed in more than ten galleries at the museum.

It’s an understatement to say the Palace Museum is immensely popular. Ranked as the most visited museum in the world, a daily limit of 80,000 visitors was set in 2015 to improve the experience and to support preservation efforts.

If possible, time your visit to spring or autumn, before the summer crowds flock and Beijing is deep in the throes of its typically icy winter. International travelers must provide their passport name and number when booking tickets, which should be purchased in advance rather than on the day to help with a speedy entry. You must present your passport on entry in exchange for a ticket bearing a QR code.

Enjoy the opportunity to get up close with China’s imperial history with a visit to the Forbidden City. Make the most of your travel time with a guided tour and discover all the mystery, intrigue, and beauty within the four walls of the palace. Few places captivate in the way the Purple Palace does, so let us help make it the beautiful travel memory it should be. We can assist with bookings and travel arrangements for a single day tour of the Forbidden City – or a multi-destination adventure across China. Reach out here  and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

Great Wall of China: Things to do in Beijing, China

Mention the Great Wall of China and instantly a picture springs to mind of perhaps China’s most iconic landmark, which is no small accolade given the rich trove of cultural treasures to be found all over the country. So significant is the Great Wall that UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage site in 1987, and there would be just a tiny percentage of travelers to China who wouldn’t scale the wall while visiting Beijing.

But there is more to the Great Wall of China than myths like it is the only landmark on Earth that can be seen from space. In fact, the history of the Great Wall is as long and rich as the structure itself. Apart from being a symbol of China – visionary, enduring, and practical – the Great Wall is also a demonstration of the country’s spirit.

Before making your way to the top of the wall, it pays to understand a little of what’s behind its creation because it will make for an even more enriching adventure when you’re there.

Great Wall of China: Important facts

In typically descriptive form, the Chinese name for the Great Wall is translated as ‘10 thousand mile long wall’ (万里长城). Construction of the wall commenced during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period, which occurred between 770 BC and 221 BC.

In fact, the name ‘Great Wall’ is a little deceptive, because the wall is in fact a massive defense system. It combines city walls, watch towers, passes, beacon towers, enemy forts, barriers, ramparts, fortresses, and ditches and spans a breathtaking 6,700 kilometers across 15 provinces and cities, including Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, and others. Winding through the northern and middle part of China from the Shanhai Pass in the east to Jiayu Pass in the west, there is absolutely no doubt the wall is a remarkable feat of construction. While large amounts of the wall have deteriorated or destroyed, there is no doubt as to its significance in history.

Construction of the Great Wall

Construction of the Great Wall commenced during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period, well over 2,000 years ago. Very much a defense system, it was prompted by the various warring states wanting to protect their respective land and cities. Huge walls seemed to be the obvious answer. However, the effectiveness of the individual defense systems was tested in 221 BC when the Qin states, the strongest of all seven, defeated and unified the disparate entities.

Effectively forming China’s first dynasty, Emperor Qin Shihuang set about bringing his grand vision to life. Among the measures he enforced was centralization of power, standardization of language across the country, and construction of connecting walls between the existing walls. We do not know how many people were involved in the construction. Numbers vary, depending on the period during which construction took place. What we do know is the workforce included soldiers, peasant laborers and convicts, and the physical hardship endured led to the death of many on site. The result of this massive exercise formed the basis of the Great Wall we know today.

That said, it is misleading to think that’s where the Great Wall started and stopped, because it doesn’t. The Great Wall extends well beyond Emperor Qin’s grand plan. Since that initial enhancement, the wall has undergone almost continuous construction. Subsequent dynasties and states have added their own unique touches to the wall. It was during the Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) in particular that the longest stretch was built.

In much the same way that the wall weaves throughout China, it’s development is intricately bound to the country’s evolution. Take the famous Silk Road. Around half the route of the Silk Road, which forged a commercial and cultural pathway through China, was established and ran alongside the Great Wall.

While every dynasty sought to make its mark on the wall, few were as prolific in their construction as the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644), during which a massive 20 huge development projects were initiated. Incredible!

Without question, the Great Wall ranks among the world’s great construction projects. In large part, the wall was built by hundreds of thousands of people who shaped the bricks and earth that give it form. It is for this reason, the Chinese saying ‘He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man’ holds such significance among local people.

Unsurprisingly, the main parts of the Great Wall were built on top of mountains, endlessly winding over ridges, and in many ways, shaping the landscape to take on a likeness to that much revered Chinese symbol of power, the dragon.

The Great Wall today: A must-see thing to do in Beijing

Although the Great Wall covered a massive amount of territory throughout China, there are many parts of it which have fallen into disrepair. In fact, in some places, the existence of the wall isn’t recognizable, which is one very good reason to make it a must-see thing to do in Beijing.

The Great Wall we can see today was built mostly during the Ming Dynasty. Beijing, as a destination that is on the bucket list of most first time visitors to China, is perhaps the most accessible of destinations to climb the wall, however it’s not the only one. Fortunately, there are many sections of the Great Wall open to the public.

If your travel time is limited, perhaps your best choice is a visit to the Mutianyu section of the wall. Favored by local and international travelers, Mutianyu is located about 70 kilometers north east of Beijing – roughly 90 minutes drive – from the heart of the city. Apart from spectacular views which make the trek totally worthwhile, Mutianyu is convenient to visit because the journey of reaching the top is greatly eased with comfortable travel made possible with modern cable cars and shuttle buses.

Commissioned during the early Ming dynasty, the Mutianyu section was built on Great Wall ruins, originally constructed during the Northern Qi dynasty (550 – 577). Because the emperor of the Ming Dynasty was concerned about the danger and threats from the Northern minorities, he ordered a stronger rebuild of the Great Wall in many sections to improve defense against the enemy Northern tribes.

Rebuilding the Great Wall

For many travelers, it’s a dream to walk on the Great Wall, and it’s only doing this in person that it’s possible to gain a true sense of just how significant this landmark really is. Significant investment has been made to rebuild the wall to make it both accessible to visitors, while protecting the heritage it represents.

Depending on the location, different structures were built to suit the varied climate and geographical conditions. Rammed earth, adobe wall, brick, stone, strip stone, and a combination of these were all used in the original and rebuilt Great Wall. In some places, it’s even said sticky rice was used in the construction! With ongoing research and testing, this has proven to be true. In fact, considered a wonderful innovation from the Ming dynasty period, the combination of sticky rice with lime fortified the wall, and subsequently, many other buildings and structures in China.

The rebuilt Great Wall averages around 7 to 8 meters in height, 6 to 7 meters in width at the base, and 5 to 6 meters wide at the top. Although reconstruction and preservation works are now done with great care, the construction of the original wall saw a great loss of life. There are countless stories of people throughout its history who went to build the wall and never returned. This isn’t surprising given the lack of modern equipment, unforgiving landscape, and demanding work involved.

The wall isn’t simply a wall either. The original intention was always defence and to demonstrate that what lay beyond the wall was something of which enemies should be wary. A series of defensive structures, including watchtowers and accommodation for soldiers, weapons, and horses, the Great Wall has definitely endured. Even as late as the period between 1931 and 1937 when China and Japan were at war, a number of battles were fought on sections of the wall, including at Shanhai Pass, Xifengkou, Luowenyu, and Gubeikou. The 1933 battle known as the Defense of the Great Wall was perhaps the most significant of these. It resulted in the Japanese successfully capturing the Mongolian province of Rehe and further expanding the state of Manchukuo, which was established by the Japanese.

However, the Great Wall is not only about defence. It holds significance as a border, the integration and exchange of various ethnic minorities, and perhaps most importantly it represents the most recognisable symbol of China. In Chinese culture, walls are considered a symbol of protection, regardless of whether the wall encompasses a region, district, city, residential or commercial building, or even a private courtyard. It’s one of the reasons you’ll find ancient cities like Xi’an, Nanjing and Pingyao have preserved these important symbolic yet practical structures.

If you are looking to design a complete China tour, then it’s wise to include a visit to the Great Wall. It’s a highlight that will impress and surprise you, and undoubtedly you’ll find your time there treasured among your favorite travel memories.

Looking to understand the essence of China’s best known structure? Then it could be time to book a tour to the Great Wall. It’s definitely one of the very best – and most culturally fascinating things to do in Beijing. In fact, no China tour would be complete without spending a day learning about and scaling the wall. Whether you choose to travel independently or on a guided China tour, we can assist with bookings and travel arrangements. We are travelers too and know what it takes to create beautiful travel memories – and we’d love to make your time at the Great Wall a beautiful travel memory. Reach out here  and we’ll respond within 24 hours.