Old Summer Palace

How to Explore Beijing's History and Avoid the Crowds This October Holiday

How to Explore Beijing's History and Avoid the Crowds This October Holiday

Beijing's famous sites will be heaving from today onwards, but you can beat the crowds and find quiet spaces to explore the city's past.

Story of the 'Jing: What's Behind the Name "Summer Palace"?

Story of the 'Jing: What's Behind the Name "Summer Palace"?

The Summer Palace in Beijing and its neighbor, the Old Summer Palace, are two of the city’s most beloved parks, but the English names for these popular attractions are a little more simplistic than their Chinese variations. The terms most commonly used in Chinese, 颐和园 yiheyuan for the Summer Palace, and 圆明园 yuanmingyuan for the Old Summer Palace, are a bit clearer, and it’s worth noting that nothing in the Chinese names references the relative age or seasonal preference.

New Year Special: A Look Back at China’s Purloined Pekingese

New Year Special: A Look Back at China’s Purloined Pekingese

Bronze animal statues weren’t the only thing looted from the Old Summer Palace when it was put to the torch by British and French troops at the conclusion of the Arrow War in 1860; the imperial kennel was robbed as well

Not Just for Tourists: How to Make the Most of Beijing's Scenic Spots

Not Just for Tourists: How to Make the Most of Beijing's Scenic Spots

Beijing’s scenic spots are often dismissed as touristy by those of us who have called this city home for longer than, say, six months. This summer, however, you may want to pay them another visit bearing these alternative activities in mind.

Audio: Lakes and canals of historic Haidian

Audio: Lakes and canals of historic Haidian

My conversation with Bruce Connolly of Radio Beijing AM774 on the Summer Palaces and the the waterways of imperial Beijing.