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Key Attractions Tiananmen Square Located at the heart of modern Beijing - the scene of many historic events - Tiananmen Square covers 40 hectares (100 acres) and was renovated during the first half of 1999 in preparation for the fiftieth anniversary celebrations. The large open concrete square now has two green areas, trees and subtle ground level lighting. The square is dominated by a huge portrait of Chairman Mao, which hangs over the entrance of the Tiananmen Gate. Tel: (10) 65 25 11 19 Transport: Subway Qianmen. Forbidden City Built in the fifteenth century, the Forbidden City is a vast complex of courtyards, halls, pavilions and gardens, exclusively home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It now houses a vast collection of priceless relics including paintings, ancient pottery and bronzes. Tel: (10) 65 13 22 55 Transport: Subway Qianmen. Opening hours: 0830-1630 daily. Admission: RMB50. Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is China's largest temple complex, built in the fifteenth century and used for prayer by the emperor to ask for good harvests. The architecture of the temples is quite exquisite and the roofs are covered with blue glazed tiles. The grounds of the temple also contain the Echo Wall that carries the merest whisper. Tel: (10) 67 62 07 30. Transport: Subway Qianmen. Opening hours: 0830-1630 daily. Admission: RMB30. Lama Temple Located in the northeast of the city, the Lama Temple used to be a centre of learning for the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Lamaism and was inhabited by 1500 lamas. Today, there are about 70 Mongolian lamas in residence. The temple consists of five halls, connected by five courtyards. An impressive 75-foot Maitreya carved from a single sandalwood tree stands in the prayer hall. Tel: (10) 64 04 90 27. Transport: Subway Yonghegong Opening hours: 0900-1630 daily. Admission: RMB20. Drum Tower and Bell Tower Every Chinese city had Drum and Bell towers that were used to advise the citizens of the time of day and announce curfews. The Drum Tower was originally built in the thirteenth century and reconstructed in 1420 when the Bell Tower was first built. Tel: (10) 62 55 08 43. Transport: Subway Gulou. Opening hours: 0900-1700 daily. Admission: RMB10. |
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