The Eight Great Sights of Yanjing have been known since the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Yanjing (Chinese: 燕京) is and has been an informal name for Beijing, a reference to the ancient State of Yan that existed here during the Zhou Dynasty (about 1100-256 B.C.). The Eight Great Sights of Yanjing are places of historic interest and scenic beauty in and around the capital of China. Each of them has a name in which their particular qualities are summarized in lyrical four character phrases. In 1751, the eight sights were designated by the Emperor Qianlong, with stone tablets erected at each spot, bearing the emperor’s inscriptions.
"Taiyeqiufeng" (Chinese: 太液秋风): Taiye Lake (Now Zhongnanhai) in Autumn Breeze
Zhongnanhai, central headquarters of the Chinese government, was known as Taiye, or the "Great Secretion" during the Qing Dynasty. The open-air pavilion stands on an island surrounded by water amidst the loveliest setting: bright white clouds are reflected on the water; the pavilion rests on the lake like a lotus blossom permeating the air.
"Qiong Dao Chun Yin" (Chinese: 琼岛春阴): Jade Islet in Springtime
The site is located on the eastern slope of Jade Islet (Qiongdao) in Beihai Park. Here, the buildings are few while the trees around it create an air of tranquility and solitude. Two winding paths lead up from the tablet to the Spring View Pavilion and the Corridor for Viewing Paintings. As you meander through the corridor, the view closely resembles a landscape painting.
"Jin Tai Xi Zhao" (Chinese: 金台夕照): The Golden Terrace in the Glow of the Setting Sun
The Golden Terrace is situated at the former Miao Family Estate near the Altar of the Sun (Ritan Park). During the Qing Dynasty, this area originally served as frill grounds for the Manchurian and Mongolian troops of the Emblazoned White Banner. There was once a tall platform called the "Golden Terrace" within the grounds, and on spring and autumn evenings, the sunlight would continue to fall on this terrace for a few minutes once the sun had set.
"Ji Men Yan Shu" (Chinese: 蓟门烟树): Misty Trees in Jimen (Trees Enveloped in Mist at the Ancient City of Jizhou )
This spot is reputed to be the site of the ancient city of Jizhou, also named the "Earthen Walls" (Tucheng). The remains date from the Liao and Yuan dynasties and are situated about four kilometers northwest of Deshengmen Gate. From the Ming Dynasty onwards this spot has often been extolled in poetry, and on the site itself there is a stone tablet inscribed with calligraphy from the Emperor Qianlong with the four-character phrase, which gives the place its title.
"Xi Shan Qing Xue" (Chinese: 西山晴雪): West Hills after Snow
To find the spot at Fragrant Hills Park one must turn northwards after reaching the Halfway Pavilion and then climb upwards past the Cave Facing the Sun (Chaoyangdong). Here on a winter day, as the weather clears after a fresh snowfall, the glittering silver mantle covering the numerous jutting peaks seems to stretch away boundlessly, offering a spectacle of great beauty. Today some people believe that the "snow" is in fact peach blossoms.
"Yu Quan Chui Hong" (Chinese:玉泉垂虹): Rainbow over the Jade Spring
The Jade Spring was originally called the Baotu Spring in Jude Spring Mountain (after a famous spring in Shandong province). The spring is famous for its pure cool waters, which flow in abundant supply from its underground source, spurting from the dragon-head-shaped stone fountainhead in a fine spray that resembles snowflakes. In the Qing Dynasty, the spring was praised as the "Finest Spring under Heaven."
"Lu Gou Xiao Yue" (Chinese: 卢沟晓月): Moonlight over the Lugou (Marco Polo) Bridge
Ever since Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty (reigned 1190-1208) penned the phrase "The Moon over the Lugou Bridge at Dawn," this site has been known by this poetic name. During that time, the scenery comprised only "a pale moon over a river bridge" with a few "scattered clouds" floating occasionally overhead. However, it attracted "so many travelers passing by this spot that by early dawn the air was filled with the clattering of horses’ hooves."
"Ju Yong Die Cui" (Chinese: 居庸叠翠): Juyongguan Great Wall in Green
The first and finest of the "Eight Great Sights of Yanjing" is the "Great Wall Surrounded by Lush Greenery at the Juyong Pass." This comprises a small river valley approximately 15 kilometers long which is crossed by the lofty peaks and lush mountain vegetation. The undulating mountain tops stretches into the distance like leaping sea waves, creating a scene of outstanding natural beauty. As early as the Jin Dynasty this spot was known by its present title.
Source: chinaculture.com
