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Beijing, China’s political capital, houses many interesting man-made structures which either served as fortresses against invaders or as welcoming halls for various guests from all around the world. The “Son of Heaven,” or the emperor, was the playmaker and the helmsman of the country. It was through him that the country continues to run its course.

At present, we could see a number of Beijing hotels standing alongside these man-made marvels. These structures are testaments on how old world charm harmoniously blends with new-age improvements. Truly, we should understand our past for us to fulfill our future. The country’s image as an emerging power in the world stage was due to the efforts of great Chinese men in the past.

We remind you not to miss these wonderful sights if you are checked in at the wonderful Beijing hotels. Since the Great Wall of China has already been known the world over, then you should visit other sites such as the Drum and Bell towers.

The drum tower, also known as the Gulou, is situated at the northern end of the central axis of the Inner City. First built for musical reasons and as a clock, it is now a tourist attraction. The structure is made of wood and is two storeys high. Only one out of the 24 drums can still be seen until now.

The bell tower, in Chinese terms, called Zhonglou, is very proximal to the drum tower. It stands 33 meters adorned with gray walls and a green glazed roof. Since they were the tallest structures in the city before, the people can see the amazing landscape without obstructions.

The Drum tower was built during the reign of Kublai Khan in 1272. The building was reconstructed to the east of the original site in 1420, and extensive renovations were carried out in 1800. The Bell and Drum towers were finally opened to tourists more than a century later, in the 1980s.

Musical instruments such as bells and drums were later used to tell time in ancient China. They also served as watches for both officials and commoners alike. These two towers held significant roles in telling the time during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. An interesting fact is that until now, you can still hear the rings of these ancient timepieces. In this modern age, people who stay in Beijing hotels or in their respective homes have already wristwatches which help them perform their tasks throughout the day.

These two important landmarks are important pieces in the history of Beijing. This gives fact to the saying that time is really precious. So what are you waiting for? Reserve your grand rooms in any of the Beijing hotels and get ready to marvel the sights and sounds of this fascinating city.

Author E. Larson is a long-time resident of Beijing, China. He works closely with the Xijiao Beijing Hotel and other hotels in Beijing. Check out his website about the Xijiao Beijing Hotel here.

Since time immemorial, Beijing has been home to some of the country’s most prominent figures, from heads of state to entertainers. These people have succeeded in turning this once rigid city into a more open and versatile metropolis that is always open to the changes that each year brings.

When tourists come to the city, they realize that a number of Beijing hotels are located within a few minutes’ walk or ride from famous tourist spots and shopping havens.

Most of the tourists, however, come to Beijing to experience the local sights and sounds that the city can offer. One of the famous landmarks in the city is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. He was the Chairman of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China from 1943 and the chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China from 1945 until his death.

Close to a number of fabulous hotels in Beijing and strategically located right in the middle of the Tiananmen Square, the Mausoleum stands on what was once the Gate of China. It was the southern gate of the Imperial City during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The construction of the mausoleum was done shortly after Chairman Mao’s death. Hua Guofeng supervised the mausoleum project and has his handwriting on the mausoleum’s sign. Based on an issue of China Pictorial, the Chinese people designed and built the mausoleum. As a matter of fact, materials from all over the country were used, like granite from Sichuan Province, color pebbles from Nanjing, porcelain plates from Guangdong Province, and even rock samples from Mount Everest. The sand and rocks were also taken from the Taiwan Strait which showed China’s dominance over the island. Interestingly, a mass of 700,000 people voluntarily helped to make the mausoleum.

Mao was famously known as the Great Helmsman. Inside the structure, his remains are on display for public viewing. He is enclosed in a crystal coffin fitted with Xenon lamps using the latest in fiber-optic technology. This gives a more life-like and a clearer visualization of Mao’s skin.

The locals and guests who are staying at various Beijing hotels line up for hundreds of meters for them to visit this prominent Chinese individual. Many locals pay tribute to him by offering flowers which can be rented at the north entrance. You can also buy souvenirs at the shop located at the south gate.

Truly, Mao Zedong still remains as an important person to the Chinese people. A better way to know more about their culture is by visiting this important landmark in the city. Going to this place is never a problem since majority of the hotels in Beijing can be located within a few minutes of the area. So come now and experience many wonders that China can show you!

E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Avic Hotel Beijing and many other hotels in Beijing. Learn even more about the Avic Hotel Beijing here.

Beijing, China’s capital, has been home to many of the country’s most wonderful tourist spots. From grand palaces to magnificent monuments to awe-inspiring bridges and towers, the historical buff will surely find this place his very own wonderland.

All of the Beijing hotels are always ready to share their warm smiles and selfless hospitality. You will not have trouble finding your preferred rooms since you have a wide array to choose from. You will also discover the ease in traveling from different points in the city because of the abundance of cars, buses and trains.

Some of these wonderful ancient wonders that you should visit are the Lugou Bridge and the Wanping Fortress. Located near some of the affordable Beijing hotels, they are attractions worth visiting. They give you a glimpse of the city’s wonderful history, specifically its relations to the outside world during the dynastic era.

The Lugou Bridge, which is also called the Marco Polo Bridge, is situated 15 kilometers southwest of the city center across the Yongding River. Located at the city’s Fengtai District, you can readily see a number of Beijing hotels in the area.

The bridge is very famous since it was given positive views by the Venetian traveler Marco Polo during his visit to China in the 13th century and for the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which started the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). In his journal, Marco Polo described the bridge as “a very fine stone bridge, so fine indeed, that it has very few equals in the world.” It is considered an architectural breakthrough since it was made from solid granite.

You can see hundreds of artistically unique stone lions from different eras that line both sides as you cross the bridge. What is more amazing about these creatures is that there are more lions hiding on the back, head, or under the belly or on the paws of each of the big lions.

At the end of the bridge, you will see the Wanping Fortress. Also known as the Wanping Castle, it was built to defend the city against Li Zicheng and the peasant uprising during the Ming Dynasty. The Majestic Gate on the east and the Favorably Govern Gate on the west are the two gates of the fortress.

The Lugou Bridge and the Wanping Fortress are truly architectural masterpieces of ancient China. That is why when you stay in any of the hotels in Beijing, we encourage you not to miss these sites for they will teach you more about the life and times of the ancient Chinese. Come now and experience for yourself the wonders of ancient China.

E. Larson is a long-time expatriate in Beijing, China. He works closely with the Days Hotel & Suites Beijing and many other hotels in Beijing. Check out his website about the Days Hotel & Suites Beijing here.