Tiananmen Square is a large open area in the city of Beijing adjacent to the Forbidden City. It was built in 1651, and has grown 4 times in size since its original design. In 1974 after the leader Mao passed away, the people built a mausoleum under the square. There his body lays embalmed and open for public viewing. Seeing Mao's body didn't really tickle my fancy, so I skipped out on that.
The square is most popular for the number of protests and demonstrations that have occurred on the square. The most famous occurring in 1989. Students went on hunger strikes and occupied the area for several weeks, and at the end of the debacle hundreds to thousands of protesters were killed. The media often referred to it as a "massacre." When people are being randomly shot, being run over by military tanks, and being burned alive, I think the media has every right to call it that.
Nowadays, apparently the square is used as a meeting place for some locals, although I don't see how you can find anyone in the vast sea of people. It's like finding a needle in a two ton haystack.
A view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park
North of Tiananmen Square is the Forbidden City, and it is faaaaaar more impressive than the Square. Built during the Ming Dynasty and housing 24 emperors over a course of hundreds of years, the Forbidden City is located in the heart of Beijing.
The Forbidden City consists of almost 1000 buildings, and nearly 9000 rooms! Imagine having to clean that place! I have a difficult enough time with my 3 bedroom home! The city is also surrounded by a high wall and moats.
It is mind boggling to think that the Forbidden City took only 14 years to be built considering how massive it is. La Sagrada Familia in Spain has been under construction since 1882, and even with modern technology it will still take an approximate 15 more years to complete!! The manpower to build the City was an apparent million hard working souls!
Walking through the city was majestic. The ornate construction of the buildings, and just the sheer size of the place would make anyone stop with awe. Most of the city is off limits, and you are not allowed to see much of the interior of the buildings (besides going through the buildings to get to the next square). Even though most of the city is restricted it still took 3 hours to walk one end to the other.
If you are a history buff, I suggest getting the audio guide or hiring a local guide. The buildings do start to look alike otherwise; and getting a history lesson of each help in deciphering the buildings.
Date Accomplished: March 5th 2012
The Forbidden City consists of almost 1000 buildings, and nearly 9000 rooms! Imagine having to clean that place! I have a difficult enough time with my 3 bedroom home! The city is also surrounded by a high wall and moats.
It is mind boggling to think that the Forbidden City took only 14 years to be built considering how massive it is. La Sagrada Familia in Spain has been under construction since 1882, and even with modern technology it will still take an approximate 15 more years to complete!! The manpower to build the City was an apparent million hard working souls!
Walking through the city was majestic. The ornate construction of the buildings, and just the sheer size of the place would make anyone stop with awe. Most of the city is off limits, and you are not allowed to see much of the interior of the buildings (besides going through the buildings to get to the next square). Even though most of the city is restricted it still took 3 hours to walk one end to the other.
If you are a history buff, I suggest getting the audio guide or hiring a local guide. The buildings do start to look alike otherwise; and getting a history lesson of each help in deciphering the buildings.
Date Accomplished: March 5th 2012
