Despite much recent construction, Beijing remains a city of great monuments, palaces, temples and other reminders of the past glory of imperial China. The Palace Museum, located within the Forbidden City, was the former residence and official site of the imperial family and court. Built more than 500 years ago, this complex comprises a series of great halls and palaces which served for official and ceremonial occasions of state, banquets, and residential purposes. To the west of this complex is Zhongnan Hai, a large park and cluster of lakes that is walled and serves today as the residential compound for China's top leadership. Immediately south of the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square. This is the site of large celebrations and rallies, such as the National Day celebrations held each year on October 1. On the east side of the square is the Museum of China's History and Revolution, and in the center is the Monument to the Heroes of the People and the tomb of Mao Zedong, who established the Communist form of government in China in 1949. In 1989 the square was the site of massive student demonstrations which were violently suppressed by the army.
In the northwestern suburbs are tombs of most emperors of the Ming dynasty, who ruled in China from 1368 to 1644. The tombs are approached by the long Avenue of the Animals, lined with marble lions, elephants, camels, and horses. Northwest of the Ming Tombs, within the municipal boundaries, is a portion of the Great Wall.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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