As the world's most populous country and one of the oldest civilized nation, China has a long cultural and national history.  That makes China as one of the most interesting places to visit.  I went to China in late March with my parent (using the travel agent service for sure).  The tour compiled 6 cities within 10 days, it's packed, but it is how it is if you decide to use travel agent services.

Our first stop is Beijing, the capital city.  It's a must-visit city if it's your first time in China, the city has a super long history since 3 millenia ago.  It has both modernity and ancient sides.  We visited Summer Palace, Tian An Men, and Forbidden City on our first day.  Oh, we also watched the Acrobatic Show later that day.

1.  Summer Palace 

Summer Palace, Beijing

It is located in northwest Beijing, around 15 km from central Beijing.  When I got there, I was like, woaaahh..it's tremendously large and yes, Summer Palace is the largest royal parks in the country.  I only spent one hour because you know (travel agent) :) The weather was really nice, although it's a little bit cloudy, well, no complaints from me because then I got to wear my leather jacket :p One hour is impossible to explore such a huge place, I will probably visit this place again, because when you google it, inside of the palace is quite amazing.

Kunming Lake, Beijing

2. Tian An Men

Tian An Men is often referred as national symbol of China, as my Local Guide told use that time "One is not a Chinese if one doesn't visit Tian An Men".  What came thru my mind when I arrived at Tian An Men Square, boy oh boy, haha..it's huge! It is true what people say, China isn't a light touring, it is traveling. The touristy places are huge and visitors require to walk and walk and walk. I thought I wore a friendly pair of boots, since the heels are only 3 inches, but man, after 2-3 hours of walking, they did bite.

Tian An Men Monument, Beijing

Tian An Men Square, Beijing

One thing the visitors must pay attention, when reaching the gate, don't take the photograph too close, the guards might not like it. Tian An Men is also a gate to the Forbidden City, my next destination.

3. Forbidden City

Forbidden City was Chinese Imperial Palace from Ming Dynasty to Qing Dynasty (1420-1912).  It is also known as the Palace Museum.  People weren't allowed to enter this place, otherwise they'd be beheaded, hence 'Forbidden City'.  But now, that the dynasty era is over, this place became one of the most touristy place in Beijing.  You can see it from the picture. It was not easy to get 'people free' picture, I could if had more time then, but I didn't because, the Local Guide kept yelling "not too looonnggg, guys! We have to watch Acrobatic Show at 4" haha...a bit annoying that guy :p
 

Forbidden City, Beijing

 But I was grateful  because we didn't spend much time there, because oh my, the boots were killing me ;(  According to Chinaguide.com, the palace is 960 metres long and 750 metres wide.  It has 9,999 rooms (what?!!) yeah..enormous, so if you want to explore this place, I'd say 2-3 hours, and wear comfortable shoes. ;)


3. The Acrobatic Show

As part of the tour package, we got to watch the Acrobatic show by Chaoyang Theatre .  I was really exhausted and sleepy, and the host spoke only in Chinese, I didn't understand a word, unless the part he wanted us to clap, I fell asleep just after the 2 performances (there were 9 or 10 in total) Then I woke up, when the stunning bicycling began.  Well, I got to admit, it was stunning, really stunning.  I got a video, so you get the idea :D