Beijing Bites, CHINA
Airing Date: Aug 7th, 2006
Come 2008, Beijing will be in the international spotlight as the Olympic city. But what do you really know about Beijing? Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall. But then what? This is Beijing, behind the scenes.
Beijing thrives today as the political and cultural capital of China. Great changes have taken place since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
The city walls were demolished to facilitate transportation and allow for general expansion.
By 2004, the population exceeded 14.9 million, and the total municipal area was increased to over 16,800 square kilometers. China's cuisine is renowned for being "in your face" - from the skinned dogs displayed at food markets to the kebabbed scorpions sold on street stalls - and there is no polite way of describing Guo-li-zhuang. Situated in a restored house beside Beijing's West Lake, it is China's first speciality penis restaurant.
Here, businessmen and government officials can sample the organs of yaks, donkeys, oxen and even seals. In fact, they have to, since they form part of every dish - except for those containing testicles. The Chaoyang Theatre is one of the Beijing theatres to present acrobatics all year round. Top acrobatic artists invited from all over the country perform for Chinese and foreign tourists. The programme features trick cycling, leaping through hoops and Chinese magic tricks. Some of the artists have won prizes in international competitions.
Tian'anmen Gate was the principal entry to the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is one of the finest monumental gates in the world, extraordinary for its imposing size. Ornamental Columns (huabiao), stone lions and white marble bridges decorate the front. With the exception of the Imperial Palace, nearly all the structures were built in and around Tian'anmen Square after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, gates with three openings each stood at the southern, eastern and western extremes of a narrow plaza south of Tian'anmen Gate. The Palace Museum, former home to the Ming and Qing emperors, is also known as the Forbidden City (Zijincheng). For centuries the Forbidden city was off limits to anyone but the Emperor and his court - now it's open to the public.
China's used to revolutions.. but this one's different. A 23 billion dollar Olympic-sized overhaul. They're spending two billion alone on Olympic venues that are just mind blowing. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. Since then, many cities have played host to the Summer, Winter and Paralympic Games.
Beijing won their bid on a platform of being 'Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics' as core themes, while determining that the Games be organised in a frugal manner to bring about social and economic development to both the capital and to the country, creating a unique legacy for China.
FURTHER INFORMATION
10 day Highlights of China small group journey from $2795 a person twin share. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Includes 3 nights at Novotel Xinqiao. Prices correct at 07/8/06. Travel Indochina - PH: 1300 365 355, WEB: www.travelindochina.com
Qantas return to Beijing from $1405 ex Sydney, $1444 ex Melbourne, $1486 ex Perth, $1511 ex Brisbane, $1532 ex Adelaide
Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 19/7/06. Web: www.qantas.com
