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By Alexa Boyce
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, and therefore is what the Lonely Planet China Travel Guide calls, "the center of the Chinese universe." While it's shiny skyscrapers and creature comforts belie the true economic situation of the country, those who have braved China's rough interior will appreciate what Beijing has to offer. The already rapid development of the city has doubled down in order to prepare for the 2008 Olympics.
Beijing seems hectic upon arrival, but it is actually laid out geographically in an orderly, grid pattern. The Forbidden city is the center of the grid, and the major roads are generally named for where they are located or where they go. For example, Chongwenmenwai Daije literally means "the avenue outside Chongwen Gate", and Xi Daije ("West Avenue") heads west from the Forbidden City. Once you know these tips, the city is easily navigable. Bikes are the easiest and most efficient way to get around, and if you get a flat there are many roadside repairmen willing to help.
Forbidden City:
Of course, the best place to start a tour of Beijing is the Forbidden city, the famed Ming and Qing dynasty palace that was off-limits to everyone but the royal court, and some places off-limits to everyone but the emperor and his harem. Tours all day.
Tiananmen Square:
Chairman Mao's creation, this massive square is now the heart of Beijing. Once used for reviewing parades of troops, this square was also the site of the 1989 massacre of protesting students. Be careful to walk (not ride) your bike across the square.
Mao Zedong Mausoleum:
Westerners may have been raised to hate Chairman Mao and his deeds, but his impact on Chinese and World history in the 20th century cannot be denied. Throngs of sightseers flock here to pay their respects and view the body of this influential leader.
Summer Palace:
Described in Lonely Planet as "one of the finest sights in Beijing", this lakeside retreat was designed for royalty, enlarged in the 18th century, abandoned and rebuilt in the 19th, destroyed by foreign troops in the 1900 Boxer Rebellion, and renovated again in 1949.
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