Beijing - The Perfect Starting Point |
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Beijing is where most visitors to the Great Wall of China will arrive. This bustling megapolis of a city is the perfect introduction into this country which is finally opening its' doors to mass tourism and commercialism. China may still be a communist country but you would n't know it on first appearances. There are plenty of attractions in Beijing (formally known as Peking) to immerse yourself in China's rich history and culture. For a taste of the communist past and present one should head straight for the historic Tiananmen Square where you can watch a lot of impressive marching and general showing of military might that this super-power in waiting has. Onward to the Forbidden City, Beijing's next big tourist attraction. The Forbidden City actually got it's name because the Chinese emperors lived there and any lesser mortals entering without permission would be killed. Luckily this does apply today. Getting around China is much easier now and the use of the English language is on the increase so communicating is not the problem it was. No doubt the 2008 Olympic games will have a massive impact on the city and the rest of China to some lesser extent. Like the soldiers in Tiananmen Square the country marches relentlessly towards capitalism. Maybe there is no better time to see China. |