Snowy highlights: Daguanyuan, Binhai Park, Beijing Ceremonial Gate Tower of Capital Establishment, Jicheng Monument
In the heart of Beijing, the Daguanyuan has become a legend since the airing of the 1987 TV adaptation of "Dream of the Red Chamber". Famous filming spots like Xiaoxiang Pavilion, Qinfang Bridge, and Longcui Nunnery create an ancient-style garden landscape in southern Beijing. On snowy days, visiting Daguanyuan offers a unique experience of “Red Chamber” dreams amidst the winter wonderland.
Beijing is a place where history and dreams are always within reach.
Leaving Daguanyuan, stroll west along the South City Moat into Binhai Park. Can you sense the essence of the ancient capital? Breathe in the aromas of the earth, stones, and old trees. Here, you’ll find the Ceremonial Gate Tower of Capital Establishment, a tower-like structure symbolizing the historical significance of Beijing. It stands on the site of the Jin Zhongdu’s Da’An Hall, with its unique design featuring a square base and a bronze dragon facing all four directions. The threshold is 12.8 meters high. The Sea Ridge King established his capital in Beijing, marking the beginning of Beijing as the national capital. The center of the Jin Zhongdu city site is located in today’s Xicheng District, south of Guang'anmen.
When we speak of Beijing's 860-year history, we refer to its start as Zhongdu. But what about the 3,000-year history of the city itself?
Continuing north through Binhai Park and crossing the Guang’anmen Qiao (Bridge), you will encounter the tall white Jicheng Monument. “At the beginning of Beijing’s establishment, it was called Jicheng,” and this area is near today’s Guang’anmen. Alongside Jicheng, the ancient Yan state existed around present-day Liuli River in Fangshan District. During the early Western Zhou, King Wu of Zhou granted land to the state of Ji, and King Cheng bestowed the Yan state, although significant archaeological findings have yet to emerge from Jicheng. However, excavations near Liuli River in Dongjialin Village have uncovered the ruins of the ancient Yan capital, marking the origins of Beijing’s 3,000-year history.
As taking in the snow and enjoy a leisurely walk, reflect on the journey from the 300-year-old Daguanyuan to the 800-year-old Zhongdu, and back to the ancient Jicheng over 3,000 years ago, we are connected to the rich history of this ancient capital.
Nearby trendy spot:
Beijing Caibai Gold and Jewelry Museum, certified by the Beijing Cultural Heritage Bureau, showcases nearly a thousand precious gold, jewelry, and gemstone exhibits across various fields such as gemology, paleontology, and mineralogy. The museum features sections on yellow gold, platinum, and K-gold, along with an impressive display of precious gems, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and more. Explore the intelligent exhibit area showcasing rare mineral crystals and the unique amber collection with prehistoric inclusions. The fluorescent mineral exhibit area allows visitors to experience the beauty of natural mineral crystals under ultraviolet light.
The Huguang Guild Hall, in Beijing was established in 1807 (the twelfth year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty) and added a theater in 1830 (the tenth year of the Daoguang reign). With over 200 years of history, it is one of the few famous guild halls in Beijing that still has a theater. It is also the first guild hall to be restored and opened to the public according to its original layout, and it has been recognized as one of the world's four major wooden theaters. The guild hall once served as the residence of high-ranking officials and celebrities during the Qing Dynasty. Historical records indicate that various ministers, such as Liu Quanzhi and Wang Jie, resided here during the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns. The great revolutionary figure Sun Yat-sen visited the Huguang Guild Hall five times, where he held the conference and announced the founding of the Kuomintang. Many renowned performing artists from the Peking Opera, such as Tan Xinpei, Chen Delin, Mei Lanfang, and the famous Peking Opera performer Wang Junzhi, have also performed here. On May 8, 1996, the Huguang Guild Hall reopened to the public after restoration. On September 6, 1997, it was designated as the 100th museum in Beijing, the Beijing Opera Museum. The restored guild hall retains its original architectural style, featuring a quaint and elegant overall design, spacious lofts, intricate carvings, and winding paths that create a serene atmosphere. Its unique antiquity and elegance have made it a beautiful landmark in southern Beijing.
