Mystical and mysterious, China has always fascinated explorers, who in ancient times undertook long and dangerous voyages to see the land for themselves. Now, despite the advent of the internet, China’s aura of mystery persists and it continues to attract visitors from all parts of the world. Visiting China is like visiting a different world as the country is so large and the customs so different. It is the perfect holiday choice for those looking for something different. While there are many interesting places to visit all over China, a trip to the country cannot be considered complete without visiting Beijing, the capital.
Beijing is the country’s capital for a reason. It is not just the seat of political power; it is also home to some of the country’s most treasured landmarks. From ancient wonders to miracles of modern technology, there are too many sights to visit during the span of a short vacation, so it is best if tourists make a list of things to see while in Beijing. While places like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square definitely deserve to be placed at the top of the list, one should also try to visit Qianmen Street.
Qianmen Street is a popular pedestrian road in Beijing with a history that goes beyond five centuries. It existed during the times of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and was known as Zhengyangmen Street then. It was recently rebuilt to resemble the street as it looked like in the 1920s and 1930s. Currently, the road is a delightful mix of East and West, containing exclusive western franchises alongside popular local enterprises. Tourists can shop to their hearts content before grabbing a traditional Chinese lunch at one of the road’s historic restaurants.
Since it is such a large city finding a Beijing hotel with a convenient location can be extremely helpful. There are quite a few hotels in the Chinese capital that boast a central location although for travellers looking for conveniently located Beijing luxury hotels, few options are as good as the Raffles Beijing Hotel. It is situated just adjacent to the Forbidden City and many of the city’s most beloved attractions.
