Beijing has been on my bucket list for a long time, and as a history nerd it is a great starting point for delving into China's imperial past and its ancient traditions. So after a few days in Shanghai, I spent a good week in the capital taking in some of its most renowned historical sights. If you're thinking of visiting Beijing and it is your first time, be sure to check them out! 

But first a little history about Beijing. Beijing has been the capital city of China since the Ming Dynasty, after the third Ming emperor moved the capital from modern day Nanjing to Beiping, which he later renamed to Beijing, meaning northern capital. Thus most of the imperial architecture and imperial gardens are remnants from both the Ming Dynasty and the subsequent Qing Dynasty. Almost every local I spoke to had a story of Beijing passed down from their ancestors; stories about the Imperial family, lost treasures and much more. 

Yuanmingyuan Park

Jianbi Pavilion, Juchi Lake.

First stop is Yuanmingyuan Park or the Old Summer Palace. It was the Imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty from Emperor Qianlong and his successors, and also a place where the Emperor conducted state affairs, received foreign dignitaries and held various ceremonies. The entire park consists of three main gardens:

- Garden of Perfect Brightness (Yuanmingyuan)
- Garden of Eternal Spring (Changchunyuan)
- Elegant Spring Garden

Ever since I was a child, I heard stories about the grandeur of the Yuanmingyuan gardens, its collection of both Chinese and European-style gardens and perhaps its most famous attraction – the Western-style mansions/palaces and fountains in the Garden of Eternal Spring, hence it was once known as the 'Versailles of the East'. However, very little of the original architecture survived after British and French sackings during the second Opium War, which led to the eventual burning of the entire park that lasted up to three days. 

What survived the great fire of Yuanmingyuan are the stone ruins of the Western-style mansions and pieces of what once were magnificent fountains and labyrinths. Though little remain, it still inspires and instils a sense of awe and pride in the Chinese people today. 

Ruins of Dashuifa Waterworks, Xiyang Lou.

Ruins of Haiyantang, Xiyang Lou.

The Summer Palace

Meridian Gate - Entry to the Forbidden City, Beijing

The only entrance into The Forbidden City is through Meridian Gate. Once inside, The Forbidden City is divided into two main courts; the outer court and the inner court. The outer court was where the Emperor once carried out formal duties, whilst the inner court was his private quarters and where all the Imperial women resided.

Hall of Supreme Harmony, The Forbidden City.

Bronze lion guard The Gate of Heavenly Purity.

View of Shoin Drawing Room, Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto.

Tenryuji Temple & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

In my post Travel Japan – Tokyo Imperial Palace,  I wasn't able to tour the palace being on a Sunday. Well, this time I was fortunate enough to book a free guided tour of Kyoto Imperial Palace. The entire palace complex covers an area of approximately 27 acres, and consists of various buildings constructed in many distinct architectural styles such as the Shinden, Shoin and Sukiya styles. 

View of Shishinden from Nikkamon Gate.

Shishinden, is perhaps the most important and symbolic building within the Palace complex. It is constructed entirely out of timber with layers of Japanese Cypress bark covering its roof structure, it was once used for important ceremonies such as enthronements. In the forecourt, a Cherry Tree is planted to the east and a Mandarin Orange Tree is planted to the west. 

My recommendation:
If you're into history and traditional architecture, this tour is a must! If you want to step inside an ancient Japanese castle, Nijo-jo Castle is only about 15mins bus ride away.

The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion.

There's no mention of Kyoto without mentioning The Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji, its name is synonymous with the city itself and its rich history. Unlike other Japanese temples, The Golden Pavilion is actually a Buddhist hall housing the relics of Buddha. Its surrounding garden and buildings were said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The pavilion itself is constructed in the Muromachi period architecture, with gold foil covering the upper two levels and crowned with a golden phoenix.

Tip:
Make sure you get there early! By 9am, the line can be seen extending all the way out to the street. The area in front of the lake is rather small and crowded with people, so make sure you stake a good vantage point!

If you have time, The Silver Pavilion or Ginkakuji is also worth a visit. Though if you're expecting a building decked out in shining silver, you may be disappointed, however, its more humble architecture and surrounding gardens are worth a visit.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Last but not least is Fushimi Inari Shrine or Thousand Torii Gates located in southern Kyoto. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice – Inari. It is quite a spectacle to behold as you first enter the Torii gate covered trail to begin your 2-3 hour ascent up Mount Inari, so be prepared! Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the gates bear inscriptions of its donors ranging from private citizens or organisations. Along the trail, there are also many fox statues as they are believed to be messengers of the god Inari.  

Thousand Torii Gates.

Of course this is just but the tip of the iceberg, for Kyoto is a city steeped in history and culture. There were countless temples and shrines I visited on my trip and there are many more I would like to visit. Until next time...

If you've been to any interesting places in and around Kyoto, drop me a comment!