Live Your Best Lives
Due to some reasons, I can't take annual leave in August this year, so the plan to travel with Xiaobao can only be adjusted to July. August has its own freedom, and July has its own scenery, which is not bad.
So, the July trip is settled.
However, the choice of destination still gave me a headache. Xiaobao wanted to go to Ningxia and join a study tour, but because I couldn't make a decision, the time available was not very good. I felt that last summer's trip to Gansu and Qinghai was not much different from Ningxia, and I was not confident about taking Xiaobao alone, so I had to give up.
Xiaobao will be in the first grade next year, so let's go to Beijing to see our capital. The itinerary is roughly set.
Schedule:
July 10th - July 18th (9 days in total, including 4 weekend days)
Itinerary:
D1: G350 Chengdu East - Beijing West
Visit: Tiananmen Square, Stay at Ningxia Building
D2: Visit: National Library
Stay at Lufeng Hotel (Beijing Asian Games Village Bird's Nest National Convention Center)
D3: Visit: Summer Palace
Stay at Lufeng Hotel (Beijing Asian Games Village Bird's Nest National Convention Center)
D4: Visit: China Science and Technology Museum, Stay at Hi Inn (Beijing Bird's Nest)
D5: Visit: Beijing Planetarium, Flag Lowering at Tiananmen Square
Accommodation: Rui'an Hotel
D6: Visit: Flag Raising at Tiananmen Square, Palace Museum, Wangfujing District
Accommodation: Rui'an Hotel
D7: Visit: National Museum, Nanluoguxiang, Accommodation: Ningxia Building
D8: Visit: Beihai Park
Accommodation: Ningxia Building
D9: G571 Beijing West - Chengdu East
1.D1: July 10
7:00 AM G350. Based on previous experience, I planned to leave at 6:20 AM. It was still raining quite heavily that morning. I called T3 after going downstairs, so I waited a while at the entrance of the residential complex. The driver wasn't familiar with the route, and two new traffic lights had added to the route, disrupting the usual smooth flow. There was a bit of a traffic jam. I jogged all the way to the ticket gate, where ticket checking had already begun. Because I'd bought my tickets a little late, my two tickets were assigned to different cars. Luckily, the elderly man next to me was very considerate and allowed me to switch seats as I'd hoped. The child happily shouted, "Thank you, Grandpa! Thank you, Grandpa!" This seemed like a good start. The afternoon in Beijing was a bit muggy. Beijing West remained much the same as it had been over a decade ago, save for the subway, which felt familiar. After two subway transfers, I finally arrived at Ningxia Building. Ningxia Building wasn't far from Andingmen Station, only a few hundred meters away. However, with the children, the heat, and the luggage, and the narrow sidewalks and unfamiliar roads, it probably took over twenty minutes to walk. After settling in, the child excitedly clamored to go to Tiananmen Square.
1.1. Tiananmen Square
Located on Beijing's central axis, Tiananmen Square is the central square of the People's Republic of China. It houses numerous national symbols, including the Tiananmen Rostrum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and the Monument to the People's Heroes. It is also the site of numerous large-scale celebrations, and the daily flag-raising ceremony draws countless visitors.
Entering the square now requires security checks, requiring either ID card scanning or ID number verification. Tour groups can sometimes use a temporarily opened VIP security lane.
Tiananmen Square also features the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China.
1.2. Tiananmen Rostrum
Located at the north end of Tiananmen Square, the Tiananmen Rostrum is a symbol of Beijing and the great nation, and a must-see for every visitor to Beijing.
Perhaps due to unfortunate timing, the Jinshui Bridge was fenced off, preventing anyone from entering or even waiting for the Rostrum. But it was so crowded everywhere that it was impossible to take photos without extras.
I had originally wanted to watch the flag-lowering ceremony, but it was scheduled for 7:45 PM that day, which was a bit unfortunate, so I went back to the hotel to rest. Half a watermelon solved my dinner and fruit needs that day.
2. Day 2: July 11
I had originally planned to stay at the Xiyuan Hotel and had made reservations for the National Library and the Planetarium. I was incredibly lucky and managed to snag a spot at the National Library's Children's Section; however, I couldn't get a suitable movie screening at the Planetarium, so today's itinerary was pretty relaxed: the National Library's Children's Section, then the Bird's Nest, to prepare for my trip to the Great Wall on Monday. The environment and experience at the Children's Library at the National Library of China were fantastic. As expected of a national library, the venue is spacious and well-equipped, and the facilities are thoughtfully designed for children, with everything they enjoy. I'm sorry to say this was our little one's first time using an iPad, but she mastered it without any instruction and is much more familiar with it than I am. In the afternoon, I picked up my luggage, took a Didi, and headed straight to the Hi Inn Bird's Nest. We had booked a twin room for two days, but the hotel hadn't received our reservation. We waited patiently for the platform to contact them. Later, the hotel told us to pay cash based on the platform's price. The platform said we could either stay one day and move to another location the next day, or find another place and be compensated for the first day's room. Of course, we ultimately chose the nearby Lufeng Hotel. Heavy rain warnings were in effect everywhere, so our Great Wall trip on Monday had to be canceled. 3.D3: July 12th It rained all night. The morning rain wasn't too heavy, but it wasn't ideal for a long walk. After breakfast, I waited for the rain to subside, hailed a Didi, and headed out to the Summer Palace. I rented an electronic guide, donned a raincoat, and held an umbrella, entering the park through the Xinjian Palace Gate. The rain was light and dense, accompanied by wind, and even with all my gear, I could still get soaked. Originally the imperial palace and garden of the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace, also known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, was built on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, following the design style of Jiangnan gardens. It is a large, well-preserved imperial garden with beautiful scenery and numerous precious cultural relics, earning it the nickname "The Imperial Garden Museum." The Summer Palace is divided into three areas: the political activity area centered around the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity; the imperial and empress's living quarters, centered around the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity; and the gardens and sightseeing areas, primarily along the Long Corridor, in the back hills, and in the western area. Kunming Lake is right at the entrance. Kunming Lake, occupying three-quarters of the Summer Palace's area, boasts stunning scenery and is the heart and soul of the entire garden. It is divided into three sections: the Great Lake, the West Lake, and the Back Lake. Every summer and autumn, thousands of visitors flock to the lake to enjoy boat rides, admire the pavilions and towers along the lakeside, and take in the breathtaking views of the entire park. Besides its stunning beauty, scenic spots such as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the West Causeway are also worth savoring. A bronze ox stands by the lake, having played a significant role in preventing floods in Beijing. Stroll to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Connecting the east bank with Nanhu Island, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, 150 meters long, is composed of 17 arches and resembles a rainbow lying on the waves. Its design draws inspiration from both the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing and the Precious Belt Bridge in Suzhou. The bridge boasts 544 exquisite stone carvings of varying sizes. Stone carvings of exotic beasts grace both bridgeheads, creating a vibrant scene. The Long Corridor in the Summer Palace is also worth mentioning. Built during the Qianlong reign, the Long Corridor was destroyed during the Anglo-French invasion of Beijing and subsequently rebuilt in 1888. The corridor boasts numerous scrolls of diverse styles, vividly depicting characters and lively stories, each step a story, a journey worth taking in.
Leaving the Summer Palace, the rain was still falling. After waiting in line for Didi for half an hour, we were finally able to return to the hotel. Xiaobao had walked quite a bit today and fell asleep in the car, so our plans to visit Peking University and Tsinghua University were dashed.
As for the Old Summer Palace, we'll save it for another visit.
4. Day 4: July 13
We stayed near the Bird's Nest and had previously booked tickets and a movie for Xiaobao at the China Science and Technology Museum. In addition to numerous science and technology exhibits, the museum also has a children's science park where children can learn about science through interactive games.
We spent the entire morning in the Children's Pavilion and enjoyed it immensely. At noon, I took my little one to see the 4D movie "Bacteria Warfare." Afterward, she said to me, "Mom, why did I feel like someone was stabbing me while watching the movie?" The Science and Technology Museum gave my little one a wonderful experience, hopefully sparking her interest and potential in exploring science. There was one slight regret: I had originally booked a dome movie, but I accidentally forgot the time and didn't pay attention to my phone messages, so I missed it. After leaving the Science and Technology Museum, we saw the Bird's Nest (National Stadium), the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), and the Linglong Tower from afar. We were very satisfied. Of course, the view would have been even more beautiful at night. I had a classmate meeting up with me that evening. Although it had been 14 years since we last saw each other in July 2007, we felt familiar and at peace. The child said she absolutely loved the little auntie and immediately started playing with her. She was lively, generous, and outgoing, a stark contrast to the Xiaobao I remembered. Despite her age, Yanqing remains the same, undeterred by the passage of time. 5. D5: July 14th This morning, we moved to the Rui'an Hotel, drawn to its safety and convenient access to National Flag Square. After settling in, we headed to the Beijing Planetarium. Haha, it felt like our trip to Beijing had become a cultural journey. The child was very interested in the planetarium exhibits. To make up for the lack of a full-dome movie at the Science and Technology Museum, we watched "Amazing Starry Sky" today. It focused on the changing astrological landscapes of the seasons and introduced the names and positions of the major constellations throughout the sky. The afternoon was a bit hot, so I returned to the hotel and rested until almost 7:00, then headed out to watch the flag-lowering ceremony. After the ceremony, the lights came on, and the city tower, illuminated with landscape lights, blended beautifully with the other buildings in Tiananmen Square, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. 6.D6: July 15th It was barely dawn, just before 4:00, when I woke Xiaobao. We were going to Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony. Honestly, during my graduate studies in Beijing, I only saw the flag-lowering ceremony once, but never a flag-raising ceremony. This was my first time watching a flag-raising ceremony. I was just as excited as Xiaobao. At 4:58, accompanied by the March of the Volunteers, the five-star red flag rose slowly, and a sense of Chinese national pride welled up. 6.1. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) The Forbidden City in Beijing, formerly known as the Purple Forbidden City, served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It now houses the Palace Museum in Beijing, located in the heart of the city. It is an unparalleled masterpiece of ancient architecture. The palace buildings are all wooden structures with yellow glazed tile roofs and blue-white stone bases, adorned with magnificent golden paintings. The entire building is arranged along a north-south central axis, extending in both directions, with the north and south aligned and symmetrical. Based on its layout and function, it is divided into two major sections: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court is south of the Qianqing Gate, and the Inner Court is north of it. The architectural atmospheres of the Outer Court and the Inner Court are distinct. The Outer Court is centered around the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the "Golden Throne Hall," was where the emperor held court and is also known as the "Front Court." In addition, the two wings to the east house Wenhua Hall, Wenyuan Pavilion, Shangsi Courtyard, and Nansansuo; and to the west house Wuying Hall and the Imperial Household Department. The magnificent architecture and spacious courtyards symbolize the supremacy of the feudal regime. The Inner Court is centered around the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Jiaotai Hall, and Kunning Palace, with the two wings containing the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the East Six Palaces, the West Six Palaces, the Zhai Palace, and the Yuqing Palace. The Imperial Garden is located in the rear. This was the residence of the feudal emperor and his concubines. The children, having heard about the movie "Monsters in the Forbidden City," were filled with curiosity and yearning for the Forbidden City, and it was they who requested a visit. Considering the children's physical strength, a full day was allocated for the Forbidden City tour, but the tour essentially followed the central axis of the Forbidden City: Meridian Gate - Taihe Gate - Hongyi Pavilion (Exhibition of Imperial Rituals and Music) - Hall of Supreme Harmony - Hall of Central Harmony - Hall of Preserving Harmony - Gate of Heavenly Purity - Palace of Heavenly Purity - Jiaotai Hall - Kunning Palace - Imperial Garden - Gate of Divine Prowess. Most of the Forbidden City's highlights are located along this route, making it a relatively short walk.
6.1.1. Golden Water Bridge
The Forbidden City's magnificent stone bridges—the Golden Water Bridges
There are five Golden Water Bridges in the square in front of the Gate of Supreme Harmony. These single-arch bridges are beautifully designed, creating a captivating contrast with the majestic Meridian Gate Tower and the magnificent Hall of Supreme Harmony.
My child, having seen the film "100 Years of the Forbidden City," knew about the Golden Water Bridges. Before even entering the Forbidden City, he told me, "Mom, we crossed the outer Golden Water Bridge." It seems the initial preparation was quite effective.
6.1.2. Meridian Gate
The Meridian Gate is the southern gate of the Forbidden City, the main entrance to the imperial city, and the largest of its four gates. Built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, it boasts a history of nearly 600 years. The Meridian Gate's plan is shaped like a Chinese character "瑩". Two square pavilions, each jutting outward from the terraces on the east and west sides of the main tower, echo the central main tower. The resulting shape resembles a Vermilion Bird spreading its wings, leading to its nickname, the "Five Phoenix Tower." This echoes the tradition of Chinese dynastic palaces, where the Vermilion Bird Gate in the south served as the main entrance to the imperial palace. The Meridian Gate boasts five gates leading to the inner city: three in the center and two side gates on either side of the terrace. The central gate served as the "Imperial Road Gate," the gate through which the emperor entered and exited. Apart from the current emperor, only the empress, on her wedding day, could enter the palace in her sedan chair, and the top three winners of the imperial examinations could leave the palace once, a special privilege bestowed upon them by the emperor. Princes and other nobles entered and exited through the central, slightly west-facing West Gate, while civil and military officials used the slightly easterly East Gate. The side gates at the left and right corners of the terrace were only opened for grand court days. The Meridian Gate was also the site where the emperor frequently held important ceremonies. During large-scale triumphal returns and captive presentations, the emperor would ascend the Meridian Gate tower to receive homage, a display of imperial majesty. During the Ming Dynasty, the emperor's punishment of ministers, the "court caning," was also carried out here. The common depiction of "being pushed out of the Meridian Gate and beheaded" in film and television dramas is an adaptation of this practice, though the actual beheadings took place at Xisi and Caishikou in Beijing. The central tower of the Meridian Gate is now a major exhibition hall at the Palace Museum. The Meridian Gate is the main entrance to the Forbidden City, situated on the city's north-south axis. Centrally located and facing the sun, it sits at the meridian, hence the name Meridian Gate. The east, west, and north gates connect to form a square plaza. The north gatehouse, nine bays wide, features a double-eaved, yellow-tiled, hipped roof. The majestic Meridian Gate, resembling three mountains with five protruding peaks, exudes a majestic aura, earning it the nickname "Five-Phoenix Tower." 6.1.3. Gate of Supreme Harmony 6.1.4. Hongyi Pavilion 6.1.5. Hall of Supreme Harmony The Hall of Supreme Harmony, commonly known as the "Golden Throne Hall," was the venue for grand ceremonies held by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. On the days of grand ceremonies, a massive ceremonial procession stretched from the Hall of Supreme Harmony to Tiananmen Square. Zhonghe Shao music was performed under the front eaves of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, while Danbi Da music was performed inside the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Imperial nobles stood on the Danbi steps, while civil and military officials of the first to ninth ranks gathered on either side of the Imperial Road, which was decorated with the "Pinji Mountain" within the Danchi. 6.1.6. Hall of Central Harmony 6.1.7. Hall of Preserving Harmony The Hall of Preserving Harmony, where the "Palace Examination" was held, was the epitome of traditional Chinese palace architecture and a palace-style structure within the Forbidden City in Beijing. Every New Year's Eve, the emperor entertained minority princes and ministers here. Since the late Qianlong period, this place has served as the venue for the "Palace Examination." The existing main beams and frames are still from the Ming Dynasty. In the center of the steps behind the palace, there is an imperial road stone carved with clouds, dragons, seawater, and cliffs, known as the Cloud Dragon Stone Sculpture. Whenever it rains, rainwater is discharged from the dragon's mouth, organically combining the practical function of rainwater diversion with the aesthetic value of architectural art. 6.1.8. Qianqing Gate 6.1.9. Qianqing Palace Qianqing Palace is one of the three palaces at the rear of the inner court. Construction began in 1420, the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty. The Palace of Heavenly Purity features a double-eaved, yellow-glazed tile roof and stands atop a single-story white marble platform. On the spacious platform in front of the hall are a bronze tortoise and crane, a sundial, and a measuring scale, respectively, on either side. Four gilded incense burners stand in front. Danbi steps extend from the center, connecting to a high corridor and the Qianqing Gate. The Palace of Heavenly Purity is the largest of the inner courts, hosting 14 Ming emperors. The Hall of Mental Cultivation, where the emperor held court, is a Chinese character "工" (G-shaped) building divided into two halls, front and back. After the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, the emperor's sleeping quarters were moved to the rear hall, while the front hall became the place where the emperor handled daily government affairs and met with his ministers.
6.1.12. Kunning Palace
The Emperor's wedding chamber—Kunning Palace
Kunning Palace is one of the three inner palaces of the Forbidden City in Beijing. During the Ming Dynasty, it served as the Empress's bedroom, but during the Qing Dynasty, it gradually became a place for worship.
6.1.13. Imperial Garden
Located on the central axis of the Forbidden City, the Imperial Garden has long been a place for the Emperor, Empress, and concubines to rest and play after meals. The Imperial Garden is not large, but it boasts many beautiful flowers and trees and is meticulously crafted. Pavilions and terraces complement the plants, creating a quaint and tranquil garden that retains an imperial atmosphere.
6.1.14. Shenwu Gate
The weather was a bit hot. After leaving the Forbidden City, I wanted to visit Jingshan Park for a panoramic view, but the children were too tired, so we had to return to the hotel. 6.2. Wangfujing Wangfujing, located east of the Forbidden City, refers to the area centered around Wangfujing Street. Home to numerous large-scale shopping malls, it's a long-standing shopping destination in Beijing. It also boasts snack streets showcasing regional delicacies and the historic Wangfujing Church, making it a popular destination for shopping, strolling, and dining in Beijing. We came simply to eat. After trying traditional Beijing-style baodu (stir-fried tripe) and Tianjin's Goubuli steamed buns, we headed back. 7. D7: July 16th 7.1. National Museum of China The National Museum of China was planned before our trip to Beijing. The National Museum of China is one of China's largest comprehensive museums, showcasing the cultural essence of various regions. It houses numerous precious exhibits, such as the Terracotta Warriors from Shaanxi, the Sanxingdui masks from Sichuan, and the animal heads from the Old Summer Palace. A visit here is like flipping through a living textbook, a wonderful place for scientific education.
Since our appointment was in the afternoon, time was tight. After we finished exploring "Ancient China," the area began to clear.
The "Ancient China" exhibition hall is located on the basement level. The exhibits are arranged chronologically from ancient times to the Ming and Qing dynasties, resembling a comprehensive history of China. Remember to enter through the entrance to the prologue hall on the north side of the exhibition hall and explore the area starting from ancient times.
Even if you're not familiar with cultural relics, you'll definitely see many familiar artifacts here, such as a painted pottery basin with a human face and fish pattern, a Yangshao eagle-shaped pottery tripod, a Hongshan culture jade dragon, a pottery figurine with drumming and rapping, a Shang Dynasty four-ram square zun, painted terracotta warriors and horses from the Western Han Dynasty, a Chenghua doucai jar, and the Phoenix crown of the Empress Dowager Wanli of the Ming Dynasty. These exquisite artifacts are truly the essence of Chinese civilization and are truly pleasing to the eye.
7.2. Nanluoguxiang
Nanluoguxiang is not far from the Ningxia Building where we stayed, just a few minutes' walk away. This hutong, a charming blend of hipster charm and the charm of old Beijing, is a trendy landmark in Beijing, home to many artistic and unique shops and a wide variety of snacks. Young people, especially those in the arts, often make it a must-see destination during their visit to Beijing.
The children had a great time trying out sugar figurines here.
In the evening, we found a Chaoshan porridge place; it wasn't crowded, but the food was delicious and reasonably priced.
8.D8: July 17
8.1. Beihai Park
Beihai Park is located northwest of the Forbidden City and is one of the Three Seas, along with Zhonghai Park and Nanhai Park. Once an imperial garden, the park boasts scattered pavilions and terraces, and lush lakeside trees create breathtaking scenery.
As soon as you enter the park, you'll be greeted by a dazzling display of lotus blossoms, each in full bloom, a truly stunning sight. The White Pagoda comes into view in the distance. "Let's row our oars, the boat pushes through the waves..." A rafting trip to the Beihai Sea was a must. It was a huge regret not to visit the Geological Museum this afternoon. I had planned to meet up with my classmates, but they all went, and I missed the date. I'm so sorry. The class reunion was held at the University of Mining and Technology. First of all, thank you for your hospitality. This is the first time we've met since graduating in 2009. All of my classmates are doing very well. The kids did really well today, too; they had a blast playing with their older and younger brothers. 9. D9: July 18th Return high-speed train back to Chengdu. 10. Summary: Because I have a high level of self-esteem, I'm generally satisfied with the itinerary. We had originally planned to visit a lot of attractions, but we actually visited one, or at most two, per day, mainly because we didn't want to overwork the kids. There are a few minor regrets, but they're few: one is that traveling during the rainy season creates many restrictions, so I didn't get to visit the Great Wall. If possible, avoid rainy season. Second, I changed hotels three or four times, which was a bit tedious; next time I go to Beijing, I'll only have to change once. Third, I didn't visit the Lama Temple, the Imperial College, or the Confucius Temple near the Ningxia Building... Without these little regrets, how would I be motivated to go again?
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