Beijing, China - Tiananmen Square

Date: 20th September 2007

Fact: Tiananmen Square is the large plaza near the center of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace) which sits to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. It has great cultural significance as a symbol because it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. Outside of China, the square is widely known for the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The square is 880 metres (2887 feet) south to north and 500 metres (1640 feet) east to west, a total area of 440,000 square metres (108.7 acres), which makes it the largest open-urban square in the world.

More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square

Beijing, China - Tiananmen Gate

Beijing, China - Tiananmen Gate #1

Date: 20th September 2007

Fact: Tiananmen Gate, or the Gate of Heavenly Peace, bounds the northern end of Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing. It was first built in 1417 during the Ming Emperor Yongle’s reign as the principal entrance leading to the Forbidden City. At that time the gate was named Chengtianmen, but the wooden structure burned down in 1457 and was reerected in 1651 and renamed Tiananmen.

The gate stands 34 meters (112ft) high, has red stone walls, a wooden roof and contains five arched passages leading through its white marble base. The gate is surrounded by a moat, the Golden Water River, which was formed to guard the Imperial Palace. Five white marble bridges cross the river and lead to the passages of the gate. Ornamental marble and columns and stone lions decorate the front of the gate.

Beijing, China - The People

Beijing, China - Big Bell Temple Museum #2

Date: 18th September 2007

Location: 31 Beisanhuan West Road, Hai Dian DistrictTel: 62550843 Open Time: 8:30~16:30

Beijing, China - Big Bell Temple Museum #1

Date: 18th September 2007

Fact: The Big Bell Temple was built in the Qing Dynasty (AD 1733), covering an area of 30,000 square metres. It is the only museum in China specialized in the collection, exhibition, study and exploitation of ancient bells and data on such bells and the dissemination of ancient bell culture. When the Yongle Bell is struck for the New Year, the Spring Festival or other great occasions, the deep and powerful sound reverberates far and near, echoing the good wishes of the people of Beijing.