Beijing, China

Few things can describe the scale of the city of Beijing. It is not a vertical maze of wonders like Hong Kong, nor the spectacular riverfront extravaganza of Shanghai. No, Beijing is a beast all on its own with over six thousand square miles, six concentric ring roads and lots of traffic. Beijing is well worth the honor of being the capital city of the PRC.

Our bus ride took three and a half hours to the center of the city. Riding a rickshaw we paraded through the hutongs, a maze of old alleys and houses that make up the old city. Under the watchful eye of dozens of cameras, we talked to locals and learned about their lives and culture. The jewel of the day was the summer palace. A humble vacation home of Empress Dowager Cixi. Originally a concubine of the third rank, Cixi placed herself on the Dragon Throne and ruled as Regent for 50 years. The summer palace spans 1.1 sq miles and comes with its own lake, marble boat and three thousand buildings for your quiet enjoyment.Read more