Beijing

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Entry to the Imperial City of Beijing is through the Gates Of Heavenly Peace and suddenly the largest square in the world becomes a contemporary symbol of the enormity of China and the irresistible fascination, both ancient and modern, of its people, history and culture. The Forbidden City, home to 24 Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is a supreme spectacle of power, and the enormous dimensions of the Emperor's Palace demonstrate the Emperor's time-honoured function as being mediator between Heaven and Earth. The Emperor's Garden, The Confucius Temple, The Garden of Harmonious Unity, The Perfumed Mountain and The Temple of the White Pagoda, are but a few of the enchanting names associated with China's most enigmatic, yet revealing, city.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. China has one of the worlds oldest civilizations. The capital, Beijing, with its 11 million inhabitants, is now a modern city with skyscrapers, highways and shopping malls. Its several ancient monuments are all oases of silence. The Tien'anmen square is possibly the largest and most famous square in the world. The former imperial palace, surrounded by a wall, was called `the forbidden city' because a commoner could not enter. Also beautiful are the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, where masterpieces from ancient artists await visitors. When in Beijing, one must not forget the Buddhist temples, and the zoo, wherevery rare panda bears live. Let us not forget about the gastronomical aspects of China, since the country's cuisine is world famous. From Beijing we can travel to the old capital, Xian, where the famous clay soldiers can be seen. The Ming Dinasty Tombs are only 50 kilometres from Beijing;and the Great Wall of China is also a manageable distance.

DVD. Globe Trekker Video. China's capital, Beijing, is located in the northeast of this vast country. Divided into north and south by Chang'an Avenue and into east and west by the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, Beijing's vibrant links of ancient monument and bustling modern life make it an intriguing destination. Traveler Megan McCormick begins her journey in infamous Tiananmen Square, the former stage of the cultural revolution rallies. From here she travels to the Forbidden City, kept out of bounds for 500 years. Following a climb to the roof of the ancient observatory she samples Mao's revolutionary cooking prepared by the locals. She ends her journey at Beijing's Ice Lantern festival amidst a colorful fiesta of ice and light. 55 minutes Along the way.... $_$_START_LIST ? Admire the beautiful gardens and stunning frescoes of the Lama temple. ? Try scorpion from a local street vendor. ? Sightsee by bike - Beijing's favorite mode of transport. ? Experience a traditional Chinese massage. ? Take a hike along the Great Wall of China. $_$_END_LIST

DVD. Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys. 60 Minutes. The Places Beijing (Peking), the capital of China, has been the site of various cities with different names. Under Kubla Khan, who established the Mongolian Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), a new city, Khanbalik (Cambaluc) was built, to be destroyed by the Ming Emperors, the second of whom made Beijing once again the capital. Many of the historical remains come from the period of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and the following Qing (1644-1911). These include the former imperial palace, known as the Forbidden City, and other palaces, parks and dwellings. The Great Wall is represented by the well known sight of the Jinshanling section of this ancient structure, built during the early years of the Ming dynasty. The Music The music chosen for this tour of Beijing is played on Chinese instruments, and makes use of traditional works and more modern arrangements, in traditional style. The instruments to be heard include the Chinese flute (dizi), the zither (qin), the Chinese lute (pipa), the three-string lute (sanxian) and the two-string Chinese fiddle (erhu). The Shepherd and His Flute, for example, is played on the Chinese dulcimer (yangqin), The Moon Over Guanshan on the sanxian and Song of the Tea-Pickers, taken from Yue Opera, is arranged for an instrumental ensemble. As with Chinese traditional visual arts, the titles of pieces explain their mood and origin.

DVD. Travelogue. 30 Minutes. On this episode of Travelogue, we’ll be taking you on an adventure in Beijing’s outskirts, from ancient culture at the Yunju Temple to a perfectly preserved traditional village called Cuandixia. We’ll be making lanterns in Hongmiao before heading to Huairou for some food and lots of fun filled activates like rock climbing. Finally the star of the show, the Great Wall of China. Travelogue takes you on a 30-minute journey to a dynamic, exciting country with over 5000 years of history. Explore China from east to west, but catch a glimpse of other countries as well. Our travelers/hosts´ energetic, fun-loving, (and sometimes crazy), pack their intimate knowledge of China into their odyssey. Remember to join us for an insider’s look at the real China you’ve only heard about in your history textbook.

DVD. Travelogue. 30 Minutes. On this episode of Travelogue we’ll be taking you on a whistle stop tour of northwestern Beijing. First stop is to the Silicon Valley of China, a technological heaven, followed by high altitude views of the entire city at the CCTV tower. We’ll get a little bit nosy by taking a peek at University life of the boys at the Aardvark Rugby Club. Finally, who can’t come to this area without getting a bit of culture at the Summer Palace? Travelogue takes you on a 30-minute journey to a dynamic, exciting country with over 5000 years of history. Explore China from east to west, but catch a glimpse of other countries as well. Our travelers/hosts´ energetic, fun-loving, (and sometimes crazy), pack their intimate knowledge of China into their odyssey. Remember to join us for an insider’s look at the real China you’ve only heard about in your history textbook.

DVD. Bennett-Watt Productions. Featuring Beijing, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, tai chi chuan, Summer Palace, Great Wall, Xi'an Terracotta Warriors, Guilin, Yangshuo City Market, Hong Kong, world's longest open-air escalator, Symphony of Lights, Hangshou & Shanghai.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The Chinese Emperors' Palace known as, `The Forbidden City', is located in the heart of Peking. From here the "Sons of Heaven" ruled the vast Chinese Empire for more than five centuries, although the portrait of Chairman Mao at the Palace's `Noon Gate' makes the influence of China's modern political system apparent to all. The history of the Empire city of which admission to ordinary mortals was denied for centuries, is closely associated with the rulers of the Quing and Ming dynasties. The Forbidden City is a perfect ensemble of classical Chinese architecture which to the present day has been well-protected, a responsibility now the domain of the soldiers of the People's Republic.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Magnificent roofs and archways decorate the impressive entrance of the Temple of Tian Tan in China's capital, Beijing. Tian Tan Park covers an area of around 270 hectares and is one of the largest temple grounds in China. The temple was built toward the beginning of the 15th century by the Ming Emperor, Yongle, and was originally used for the worship of Heaven and Earth. The splendid architecture and design of the buildings demonstrates the former social importance of the temple during the time of the Ming Dynasty. The striking roofs of the Hall Of Harvest Sacrifice are covered with almost 50,000 shining blue glazed tiles that symbolize both sky and heaven and its interior extends to a height of 38m. with four majestic columns supporting the uppermost roof, each one representing the four seasons. During the magical moments of twilight, the ancient Chinese belief that the holy temple of Tian Tan is the one place nearest to heaven, certainly begins to make sense. As the sun touches the towers, roofs and animal imagery of the temple, it creates a magnificent portrait plus an array of beautiful architectural silhouettes. Right up to this day, the temple of TIAN TAN is a magnificent symbol of unity between Heaven and Earth.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The former summer palace of the Late Empire Dynasty of Yihe Yuan is located among the northwestern outskirts of the Chinese capital of Peking. It is also known as `The Garden of Harmonious Pleasures'. However, a number of buildings have managed to survive the ravages of time. In1860 the Opium Wars reached the summer palace of Yihe Yuan. Western colonial troupes devastated the Chinese Garden and destroyed numerous buildings. Reconstruction of the pavilion was due to the Emperor's widow, Cixi. After the death of her husband, Ianfeng, in 1861, the empress took control of the empire and subsequently ordered the restoration of the buildings that were destroyed during the OpiumWars. The dominant `Longevity Hill', known as Wanshou Shan, is crowned by a 41 metre high pavilion, The Tower Of Buddhist Virtue that was built in 1750. For many years a cruise on Kunming Lake has not been reserved solely for the former family of the emperor as it is now frequented by tourists from around the world. The widow's favourite haunt was the Marble Boat from which she enjoyed the magnificent view across the lake. In spite of past military destruction, the natural beauty of the elegant gardens of the Yihe Yuan Palace has been extremely well preserved.