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At the heart of Beijing is tradition, given physical form in the mighty Forbidden City, from where successive imperial dynasties have ruled since the 15th century. Neighboring Tian’an Men Square is the China of recent history, of red-flag socialism and Mao. But this is also a city on the move, as an all-pervading spirit of change makes Beijing the most 21st-century of capitals.
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Sometimes called 'the Underground Great Wall', the Beijing Underground City is a relic from the Sino-Soviet border conflict in 1969, and was built to withstand a nuclear attack. A warren of tunnels and living quarters to house some 300,000 people is spread over an area of 85 sq km, it includes stores, restaurants, clinics, schools, theatres, reading rooms, factories and a roller skating rink. The tunnels link all areas of central Beijing, from Xidan and Xuanwumen to Qianmen and Chongwen districts, to as far as the Western Hills.
The city was thankfully never needed and a small section is open to the public as a subterranean museum, the cool temperatures inside the tunnels are worth the admission alone if you are visiting the during the humidity of summer.
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Lama Temple, aslo called Yonghe Temple, is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it'd been used as the residence of the Emperor Yongzheng, so this resplendent architectural complex is endowed with the style of an imperial palace, distinctive from others.
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