What to visit in Beijing, China – Part 6

A trip to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City is a key day in almost every visitor’s Beijing itinerary. Here is how I would recommend you do it.

Start the night before. Shop for picnic snacks. You will want to pack a lot into tomorrow and there won’t be restaurants when you get lunchtime hunger pangs.

Start at Qianmen literally Front Gate’- on the South side of the square. Conveniently you can get there by metro. I like to start under the arch of, the southernmost gate. Look South, and what do you see? Nothing nothing at all – and that’s the point. Beijing was designed to be on a meridian line with the Emperor at the North end looking South. His view of the empire was supposed to be uninterrupted. It still is, from here though the emperors are all long gone.

Now look North. Your view is blocked; blocked by a fairly ugly soviet style block. That’s Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall. Do a little research and see if you can find out why it sits here, in the way.

Although you may be tempted to go in and see his preserved body, think about the queues. If the line extends beyond one side of the square you will have a long wait and, unless you have a deep desire to pay your respects, your time could be better spent continuing on.

As you do don’t forget to look around you. The locals you see will all be in holiday spirits and open to a friendly smile. Get your photo taken as many times as you want. Some will speak English and be eager to practice. Go with the flow but not to any Art Galleries to see their current exhibition. This is a commission ruse. Look out for ethnic minorities. There are often quite a few Mongolians down for a shopping trip, and many wear their traditional Dell. These stand out in any crowd.

Continue up the East side of the square, so that you can stop at the magnificent Museum of Chinese History. It contains some of the best exhibits from all over China, presented in first rate displays. Make sure you get one of the handset guides as you enter. The extra charge is well worth it. These contain explanations of the more popular exhibits inside. Look out for a number on a display case and dial it in. Better than following a set route, and easier than digging through a book. To the right hand site of the main entrance is an exhibition hall. This often has an extra display on a particular theme. Check it out as these are often very informative.

Now you can pass beneath Chang’An Avenue by one of the subways and enter the Palace