As one of the most ancient countries in the world, students will not want to miss out on experiencing traditional Asian culture when studying abroad in Beijing, China.
International Studies Abroad programs in Beijing and Shanghai give students two very different pictures of China, each representing a distinct side of the country: traditional vs. modern. To see the more traditional side of China, consider choosing Beijing for your upcoming study abroad adventure in 2012.
Traditional Beijing Highlights
Beijing is home to some of China’s oldest and most precious historical artifacts, which have been painstakingly preserved over time.
- Nanluo Guxiang
Nanluo Guxiang is approximately 1,000 meters long, and it has eight symmetric Hutong (alleys) in a centipede shape, so it is also known as “Centipede Street.” The Hutong in Beijing are all colored in the same dark gray, which gives the area a neat and clean look. With more than a dozen newly opened restaurants, the area is already beginning to buzz with patrons. You can also find the Central Academy of Drama and National Theater in this area.
- Dashilan
If the Forbidden City has been a symbol of China’s royal culture since the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), then the Dashilan area in Qianmen is a symbol its grassroots culture. Dashilan is known as the oldest street, where you can always have a taste of old Beijing from the nearby traditional Chinese shops and tea houses.
- Beijing Capital Museum
The Beijing Capital Museum is located in the Confucius Temple, a building with a classical design that encapsulates the “harmonious integration of past and present, history and modernism, art and nature.” It contains a vast amount of ancient artifacts from the region around Beijing, as well as frequent exhibitions throughout the year.
- Cuandixia Village
Cuandixia village is located in the older part of west Beijing. The name of the village means “family or home.” In contrast to Beijing, this is a slow and quite village; houses were built up row by row against the mountain, and many artists and painters live here to immerse themselves in the history of Beijing for inspiration and creativity.
- Shichahai
Shichahai is a historical scenic area that consists of three lakes, Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai. Because of a well-designed layout, it has always been famous as the most livable area in Beijing. It also contains about a dozen famous Taoist and Buddhist temples, as well as several formal royal mansions and gardens around the lake, including the Prince Gong Mansion and the Prince Chun Mansion. In addition, this area currently contains numerous Hutong and courtyards.
If you need help with your application or have any questions about studying abroad in Beijing, contact Kimi Shao, China Site Specialist. We’re still accepting applications for Spring 2012 and there are plenty of spaces open for Summer 2012.
