Uploaded on Jan 17, 2008
It is Beijing's fascinating past that makes it such a captivating place to visit. Explore by metro, by taxi or, in areas such as the twisting Back Lakes, on foot. Sites such as the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, nearby chunks of the Great Wall at Badaling and Mutianyu, and the inspiringly named Hall of Preserving Harmony or Temple of Heaven provide glimpses into this great civilization's staggering historical wealth. For more recent history, don't miss Chairman Mao Memorial Hall or Tiananmen Square.