Posts Tagged ‘Qing Dynasty’

Shenyang – birthplace of the Qing Dynasty

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Shenyang is most famous for being the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the last dynasty of China. The city now boasts a comprehensive industrial system – hailed by many as the “Ruhr of the East” – and the capital of Liaoning province has developed into a modern and prosperous metropolis. The China Daily article Fit for royalty profiles some of Shenyang’s most attractive places – Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhongjie Street, Nanguan Catholic Church, Qipan Mountain and North Imperial Tomb.

China commemorates centenary of 1911 Revolution

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution, which began with the Wuchang Uprising on 10 October 1911. The great revolution led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and brought an end to the imperial rule in China. Learn more in the CNTV Special Feature 100th Anniversary of 1911 Revolution.

Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen in Nanjing

Saturday, April 9th, 2011

Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), known as the “Father of Modern China”, was a physician and a forebear of the Chinese revolution, which overturned the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), China’s last monarchy. If you are visiting Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen is a must-see. Read more in the China Daily Holiday Travel article Special treat in Nanjing.

Hakka Houses in Longgang

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Did you know that the Shenzhen district of Longgang has about 100 historic walled Hakka villages? These fortified towns were built mainly in the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, and unlike the more famous round “tulou” of Fujian, the villages in Longgang are all built to square plans. To find out more read James Baquet’s Shenzhen Daily article Hakka Houses in Longgang.

Beijing Ancient Observatory, Summer Palace and Jingshan Park

Saturday, January 15th, 2011

In my final days of this trip I visited Beijing Ancient Observatory, the Summer Palace and Jingshan Park.

The Beijing Ancient Observatory was first established in 1442 in the Ming Dynasty, and is one of the oldest and longest operating astronomical observatories in the world. I explored the observatory grounds and buildings where there good interpretive displays on ancient astronomy, the history of the observatory, and the functions and operation of ancient astronomical equipment. I then climbed the ancient stairs to the observatory platform, located on top of a tower that was part of the old city wall, where there are several fascinating well-preserved pieces of historic astronomical equipment.

A journey on subway lines 2 and 4 took me from Dongzhimen station, near where I was staying, to Beigongmen station in Beijing’s north-west suburbs. Beigongmen station is right next to the North Palace Gate of the World Heritage-listed Summer Palace. Entering the gate I followed the steep meandering paths past ancient trees and historic pavilions to the crest of Longevity Hill where a spectacular view over the frozen Kunming Lake opened up.

The Summer Palace was built by Emperor Qianlong in 1750 to celebrate his mother’s birthday. Kunming Lake has a causeway imitating West Lake in Hangzhou. I walked out on the causeway for the stunning view back across the lake to the Tower of the Summer PalaceFragrance of the Buddha which dominates Longevity Hill. I then walked back and strolled along the Long Corridor, an open-sided walkway with ornate roof and ceiling that spans the edge of the lake at the foot of Longevity Hill. On the ornate ceiling of the walkway there are an incredible 14,000 paintings.

I left the Long Corridor and ascended the steep stairs to the beautifully decorated Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha which is a large three-storied octagonal structure with four sets of eaves. There were stunning views over the Summer Palace. After this I descended to the lake edge again to explore the halls and gardens in the eastern part of the Summer Palace, and then walked back to the North Palace Gate for my return journey. The Summer Place has, like the Imperial Palace, been a highlight of this trip.

Jingshan Park is located in central Beijing and covers an area of 230,000 square metres. The dominant feature of the park is a hill with the Wanchun Pavilion on its peak. After a short steep climb I enjoyed magnificent views over Beijing in all directions, including of the directly adjacent Imperial Palace. Built in the Liao and Jin Dynasties, Jingshan has a history of almost one thousand years. The artificial hill was constructed in the 15th century from earth excavated to create the moats for the Imperial Palace.

On a future trip I will explore the attractions outside the Beijing city area including the Great Wall and Ming Tombs.