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Checked out of Inlodge hotel early in the morning and had my luggage deposited at Courtyard Marriott Beijing because the room at Courtyard Marriott would only be ready at noon. Thus my day itinerary began soon after.
National Grand Theatre (国家大剧院)
The National Grand Theatre can be reached by alighting at Tiananmen West Station (天安门西站) of Subway Line 2. Construction of the Grand Theatre began in 2001 and only completed in 2007. It is an ellipsoid dome made of titanium and glass surrounded by an artificial lake. From far, it looked like an 'egg floating on water' (photo below). This futuristic design created some controversies as the building does not blend with its surrounding buildings.
Tickets can be purchased at RMB 30 per adult from the box office (between 0930 to 1100 hours) for visitors who are interested in taking a look without watching any performance inside the dome.
Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)
Tiananmen Square is the world's largest public square covering an area of 40.5-hectares (765 x 282 meters). It is the site of several important events in modern Chinese history. Important buildings are layed in the central axis of the square: Flag Pole, Monument to the People's Heroes and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Flanked east and west are National Museum of China and Great Hall of the People. Two gates, Tiananmen Gate and Zhengyang Gate are located on the north and south of the square, respectively.
The satellite photo illustrates the layout of important buildings in Tiananmen Square (photo below).
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong (毛主席纪念堂)
- Mausoleum of Mao Zedong (left photo below) is the final resting place for the 'First Chairman of the People's Republic'. The mausoleum was completed in 1977 and ever since then people from all over China come to pay tribute to their former leader. The queue is longest in the morning (right photo below) especially immediately after the flag raising ceremony.
A pair of sculptures (photos below) located near the South entrance of the mausoleum.
Opening hours of the mausoleum starts from 0800 to 1130 hours (Tuesday to Sunday). There is no admission charge needed, however a handling charge of RMB 2 is required for depositing hand-carry bags for security purposes. Also security screening can be long, therefore do plan for extra time if you intend to visit the mausoleum.
Monument to the People's Heroes (人民英雄纪念碑)
- The 'Monument to the People's Heroes' is located north of the mausoleum and measured at a height of about 37.94-meters (left photo below). The monument was completed in 1958 and has 8 bas-relieves carved out of white marble with each covering a revolutionary episode of modern Chinese history. For an instance on the side facing West are two relieves (right photo below); right relief (1st episode): describing the 'Burning of Opium at Humen in 1840' (虎门销烟) and left relief (2nd episode): describing the 'Jintian Village Uprising during Taiping Revolution in 1851' (金田起义).
Flag Raising Ceremony
| Daily flag raising and lowering ceremonies held in the Tiananmen Square are very popular among local Chinese and tourists. The flag pole is located directly opposite the Tiananmen Gate (left photo). The flag raising and lowering ceremonies occur at different times throughout the year according to the sunrise and sunset timing. The exact timing can be confirmed via the website of Beijing Meteorological Bureau. Do note that most subway lines operate only from around 0515 hours; therefore it is not feasible for visitors planning to take subway to watch the flag raising ceremony during the summer period. Alternatively visitors could watch flag lowering ceremony during this period. |
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- The National Museum of China is located at the Eastern side of the Tiananmen Square (left photo below). Previously two separate museums were located inside the building, namely the Museum of Chinese Revolution and National Museum of Chinese History. This museum has many important treasures such as Jade burial suit sewn with gold thread (金缕玉衣) of Han Dynasty, a comprehensive collection of tri-colored glazed ceramics of the Tang Dynasty (唐三彩) and ceramics from the Song Dynasty (宋瓷). However the National Museum is currently closed for internal renovation and expansion until 2010. Once the renovation has completed, it will be the world's largest museum in terms of exhibition area.
Great Hall of the People (人民大会堂)
- The Great Hall of the People is located at the Western side of the Tiananmen Square (right photo below). Refer to the blog entry on the visit to this building that I had made on my first day.
Tiananmen Gate (天安门)
Tiananmen Gate (天安门) literally means 'Gate of Heavenly Peace' and is an important building in the hearts of the people of the People's Republic. Many visitors often have mistaken Tiananmen Gate (left photo below) to be the first entrance to the Forbidden City, in fact the Meridian Gate (午门) is the main gate to the palace. Tiananmen Gate is the southern gate to the former Imperial City, together with the Northern Gate: Dianmen (地安门), Eastern Gate: Donganmen (东安门) and Western Gate: Xianmen (西安门). Walls of the imperial city were long demolished after the founding of the People's Republic; however the names of these gates still remain.
A pair of large stone lions was seen guarding the Tiananmen Gate (left photo below). One gigantic portrait of Mao Zedong is centrally positioned in the gate and two placards are hung on both sides of the portrait that reads "Long Live the People's Republic of China" (中华人民共和国万岁) on the left and "Long Live the Great Unity of the World's Peoples" (世界人民大团结万岁) on the right (right photo below).
A pair of ceremonial stone columns called 'Huabiao' (华表) stands in front of the gate (left photo below). A horizontal stone board of auspicious cloud crossed through the column and on the top of the column is a mythical creature called 'hou' (犼) which has a habit of watching the sky and able to communicate the mood of the people to the heaven. Tiananmen is featured in the emblem of the People's Republic (right photo below) which makes it even more interesting to look at the emblem hanging on the roof of Tiananmen Gate.
Visitors are allowed to visit the Tiananmen Gate at an admission of RMB 15. Ticket booth is located behind the Tiananmen Gate and the opening hours from 0830 to 1700 hours. Ticketing stops after 1630 hours.
Duan Gate (端门)
Proceeding further is the Duan Gate (端门) or literally 'Upright Gate'. Design of this gate is exactly the same as Tiananmen Gate where its function was more for ceremonial purposes during the imperial times (photos below).
Ticketing Booths
- At the courtyard in front of this Upright Gate, admission tickets to the Tiananmen Gate are sold at RMB 15 (left photo below). While admission tickets to Duan Gate are sold at another corner of the gate at RMB 10.
There are special exhibitions inside 2 side-rows of one-storey court-houses after Duan Gate (端门朝房). During my visit, at least 10 different exhibitions on Chinese or Egyptian histories were available for visitors to choose from. For example there were exhibitions on 'Lady Yang of Tang Dynasty' (杨贵妃展), 'Empress Xiao Zhuang of Qing Dynasty' (孝庄皇太后展), 'Real life of court ladies' (宫女真实生活展), just to name a few. Admission to these exhibitions ranged from RMB 5 to RMB 10 and could be bought at the ticket booth in-between the court-houses (right photo below).
Special Exhibitions
- Out of curiosity, I bought a ticket to the exhibition on 'Lady Emperor Wu and Empress Dowager Cixi' (女皇武则天展 / 慈禧宫廷生活展) for RMB 5 (photo below).
This exhibition was located at the western court-house (left photo below) and featuring two Chinese ladies that each played an important role in the history of China. Wu Zetian (武则天) was the only lady Emperor in Chinese history where most historians credited her contribution to the prosperities of early Tang dynasty, whereas Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧) was accused to be responsible to the downfall of Qing dynasty. Photographs and replicas were displayed inside exhibition to illustrate the life of the two significant women (right photo below).
Beijing Palace Museum (故宫博物院)
Construction of the Forbidden City began in 1406 and only completed in 1420 during the reign of Ming Emperor Yongle. Since then, it had been the Imperial Palace for 24 Emperors from Ming and Qing Dynasties; 14 Ming Emperors and 10 Qing Emperors. The last owner, Emperor Xuantong (known better as Emperor Puyi) was forced to leave the Forbidden City in 1924. The Palace Museum was immediately set up and opened to public in the same year. Incredibly, most buildings survived during the Japanese Occupation (1937 till 1945) and Cultural Revolution (1966 till 1976).
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The Forbidden City was declared as World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. |
Museum Tickets
- Tickets to Beijing Palace Museum can be bought at the western court-houses in front of the Meridian Gate (left photo below). There is also rental of automatic guide (right photo below) near the ticket counter. Each of these devices has little LED lights on the map of the Palace Museum to indicate which buildings you've not visit, and will be turned off once you've visited the building. Audio commentaries will be played once you entered the indicated building. More information on the history and interesting stories are provided by these automatic guide compared to the signage on the buildings, therefore I highly recommend such device to make the visit more informative and enjoyable.
Meridian Gate (午门)
- The Meridian Gate is located at the Southern part of the Palace. Together with North Gate: Gate of Divine Might (神武门), the West Glorious Gate (西华门) and East Glorious Gate (东华门), they formed the four gates of the Forbidden City.
In a symmetrical arrangement like a "vermilion bird" spreading its wings, the Meridian Gate has soaring towers and low verandas (photos below). Imperial edicts were issued here and also on the first day of the twelve lunar months, the Emperor would preside at the almanac-issuing ceremony. When an imperial army returned victoriously from battle, it was here that the Emperor presided over the ceremony to accept prisoners of war.
During my visit, there was a special exhibition on 'Splendor of the White Eagle: Arts and Power of the Saxon-Polish Court (1670 – 1763)' (白鹰之光：萨克森-波兰宫廷文物精品展) held at the Meridian Gate. The exhibition hall could be reached by walking up the stairs (left photo below) after passing through the Meridian Gate. View from the Gate was amazing especially looking at the visitors crowding at the square from the 12-meters tall brick wall (right photo below).
Upon entering the exhibition hall, I was given another automatic guide (left photo below) to explain the history behind these German relics from Saxon court. Admission to this special exhibition was included in the general admission to the Palace Museum. This exhibition hall has been acclaimed for its unique design in protecting the restored wooden structure and paintings by constructing a 'glass-cage' inside the hall (right photo below). This design also allows visitors to admire the original paintings on the ceiling and at the same time created a suitable environment (in terms of controlled humidity, lighting and temperature) for the exhibited relics.
After the Meridian Gate, visitors would have to cross over any of the 5 Inner Golden water bridges (内金水桥) (left photo below), in which the Gate of Supreme Harmony (太和门) could be seen in front of the Meridian Gate (right photo below).
Three Grand Halls (三大殿)
- Behind the 'Gate of Supreme Harmony' lies the most important building in the Forbidden City; where a 3-tier white marble terrace rises in the middle of a huge square and the three main halls were built on this terrace. These three halls (in sequential order of South to North) are 'Hall of Supreme Harmony' (太和殿), the 'Hall of Central Harmony' (中和殿), and the 'Hall of Preserving Harmony' (保和殿).
Interestingly the names of these three grand halls were named thrice throughout its history:
| Period | Southern Hall | Middle Hall | Northern Hall |
|---|---|---|---|
The Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿)
Traditional techniques were employed during the restoration of the hall and one such method was to use gold foil to coat onto the dragons on the building beams (left photo below). This makes the building glitters in the sun. There are many symbolic objects found at the square of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. For an instance a Sundial (日晷) was placed in front of the hall (right photo below) to symbolize the Emperor had the highest power to grant time to all the people in the country.
Another symbolic design of this building is the line of statuettes on the sloping ridges of the roof (right photo below). These statuettes are lead by a man riding a phoenix and followed by a dragon, and the number of these statuettes represents the status of the building. The Hall of Supreme Harmony has 10 statuettes, in which the 10th statuette, called 'Hangshi' (行什), is found only on this building and unique in whole China.
However not all objects were just for symbolic reasons, most of them were for functional purposes. For example the huge 'Copper-Iron' water-tanks (铜铁缸) located in front of the hall (right photo below). These water-tanks were part of the fire-fighting equipment in the palace. During winter period, the water-tanks were covered with quilts to prevent the water from freezing and on extreme cold temperature the water-tanks were heated by charcoal fires. The palace museum has a total of 308 water tanks, and among them, 18 were inlaid with gold which are located on both sides of Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿), Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿) and Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门). However the gold were scraped off by the Japanese soldiers during their invasion and these scratch marks remained as evidence of such treacherous act.
The dragon throne (left photo below) is the main focus inside the hall and many local Chinese are crowding in front of the throne to take its picture which symbolized the absolute power of the Emperor. Directly above the throne is the intricate caisson decorated with a coiled dragon and a chandelier-like set of metal balls (right photo below), known as 'Xuanyuan' mirror (轩辕镜), hanging from the dragon mouth. It is believed that these metal balls are able to differentiate the real 'Son of Heaven', and will drop down if the one sitting below does not have the Heaven's mandate.
Hall of Central Harmony (中和殿)
Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿)
Another awesome piece of structure is the walkway (left photo below) carved out from a single piece of marble measuring 16.75-meters long and 3.07-meters wide. This piece of marble was transported from Fang Mountain near Beijing only during winter period where water was poured onto the ground to form ice in order for the heavy marble to be dragged all the way to Beijing.
Opposite this walkway is the Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门) (right photo below). Gate of Heavenly Purity is the main gate to the inner court of the Forbidden City. With a single-eave gable and hip roof, the Gate of Heavenly Purity is five bays wide, three bays deep and 16-meters high. It sits on a 1.5-meters high marble terrace circled by carved stone balustrades. During the Qing Dynasty, this was where the Emperor handled state affairs, listened to reports by officials, and held rituals of fasting and using imperial seals.
Inner Court
- The Inner Court mirrors the layout of the outer court with the 'Palace of Heavenly Purity' (乾清宫), the 'Hall of Union' (交泰殿) and the 'Palace of Earthly Tranquility' (坤宁宫) straddling the central axis, and surrounded by 'Six Eastern and Six Western Palaces' (东西六宫) and the 'Imperial Garden' (御花园) to the North. Other important buildings for religious ritual and administrative activities are also located inside this inner court.
During Ming and Qing dynasties, the Palace of Heavenly Purity (乾清宫) experienced several reconstructions because it was burnt down several times. The existing building (left photo below) was built in 3rd year of Jiaqing reign (1798) and used as bed chamber by all Ming Emperors and Qing Emperors until Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Yongzheng moved his bedchamber to 'Hall of Mental Cultivation' (养心殿) and since then this building became an important place for the Emperor to meet with summoned officials and with representatives of vassal states, read memorials, deal with state affairs, receive felicitations and hold banquets. The installation in this palace recreates the court life during Qing dynasty (right photo below).
Hall of Union (交泰殿) is square in shape with pyramidal roof of single eave (left photo below). Stored inside this hall are 25 Imperial Seals and other ceremonial items of Qing court (right photo below).
Palace of Earthly Tranquility (坤宁宫) has a double eaves and a hipped roof that is covered with yellow-glazed tiles. During Ming dynasty, this palace was the residence of the Empress. However in 1655, it was rebuilt during Emperor Shunzi's reign to be converted into the main ritual place for Shamanism (left photo below). In 1665, Emperor Kangxi held his wedding ceremony in this palace. Since then, Emperor Tongzhi, Guangxu and Xuantong also held their wedding in this palace (right photo below).
Palace of Tranquil Longevity (宁寿宫)
- This is a complex of buildings built for Emperor Qianlong in anticipation of his retirement. The entrance to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity is marked by a glazed-tile Nine-Dragon screen (left photo below). This palace complex mirrors the setup of Forbidden City with an outer court, inner court, gardens and temples. The outer court is the 'Hall of Imperial Supremacy' (皇极殿) which has the similar structure as the Palace of Heavenly Purity (right photo below). Interestingly after its completion, Emperor Qianlong did not move into this palace complex during his retirement but continued to stay in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Hall of Mental Cultivation (养心殿)
- This hall had become the de factor residence and office of Qing Emperors since Emperor Yongzheng. The Gate of Mental Cultivation (养心门) marks the main entrance to the hall (left photo below). The front hall was where the Emperor discussed court business with his officials (right photo below).
The rear hall served as the bedchamber for the Emperor. A side chamber was setup as reading corner for the Emperor (left photo below). Another famous chamber is this 'Sanxitang' (三希堂) where Emperor Qianlong would sit and admire his 3 precious calligraphic works (right photo below).
Six Eastern and Six Western Palaces (东西六宫)
- Well of Imperial Consort Zhen (珍妃井) retold a sad story between Imperial Consort Zhen and Emperor Guangxu. It was out of hatred where Empress Dowager Cixi ordered to push her "daughter in-law" Consort Zhen into this well during the invasion of the Eight-Nation Alliance in 1900 (left photo below).
Another interesting place is the western styled 'Crystal Palace' (水晶宫) located within the Yanxi Palace (延禧宫) of Eastern Six Palaces (right photo below). This 2 storey building, including the basement, was built during the reign of Emperor Xuantong (better known as Puyi) in 1909 that plan to consist of glass covering the wall and floor with water submerging the basement where fishes could be seen. However Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命) broke out in 1911 and thus construction had to stop where this incomplete state remains till now.
Court life exhibition of Last Emperor Puyi could be seen in the Palace of Enchanting Scenery (丽景轩) located within the Eastern Six Palaces (photos below).
Imperial Garden (御花园)
- The Imperial Garden is a rectangular in shape and covering approximately 12,000-square meters. It is a worthy tribute to the art of the designers that so much can be achieved in so small a space. There are 4 pavilions within the imperial garden symbolizing the four seasons. The most famous is the Pavilion of Myriad Spring-times (万春亭) where it was built in 1535 and restored during Qing Dynasty (left photo below). This pavilion has a circular and edged double eaves that is unique in the traditional architecture. The Hill of Gathering Beauty (堆秀山) is an artificial hill made up of stones from Tai Lake which took various shapes (right photo below) and Pavilion of Imperial View (御景亭) sits on top of this hill.
Gate of Divine Might (神武门)
- Behind the Imperial Garden is the Gate of Divine Might. This gate (left photo below) was originally named as 'Xuanwumen' (玄武门) or Gate of the Water God. However it was renamed to its present name to avoid a taboo of using the name of Emperor Kangxi, i.e. 'Xuanye' (玄烨).
Corner Watchtowers (角楼)
- The Corner Watchtowers at the four edges of the Forbidden City served as part of the defenses, along with the moat, the high wall and the massive gates. The height of the watchtower from its base to the top is about 27.5-meters, and covered with yellow glazed-tiles capped by a complicated structure of multiple gable and hip roofs (right photo below). Its architecture combines functional and decorative approaches which display an outstanding skills and superb talents of ancient Chinese craftsmen.
Photo Compilation
- Not all my photos on buildings and collections of the Palace Museum are covered in this blog. Please view the following two clips compiled by me to find out more (videos below):
Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Beijing
Imperial Treasures of Forbidden City
Imperial Treasures of Forbidden City
Simple Lunch and Souvenirs
- Probably didn't feel that hungry during my visit, I only had a 'Spinach-Egg cup soup' at RMB 5 in one of the eateries (left photo below). Taste wasn't that bad for this clear soup based. Besides cup noodles / soups, there are also restaurants and Chinese-style fast food for visitors to choose from inside the museum.
I also bought a souvenir book on Forbidden City at RMB 15 and a huge printed map (illustrated by hand) at RMB 10 (right photo below) from a souvenir shop. These two book and map are very informative in helping me to better understand the history of Forbidden City.
Opening hours of the Palace Museum is 0830 to 1700 hours (mid-Apr to mid-Oct) or 0830 to 1630 hours (late Oct to late Apr). Rental of each automatic guide in Chinese language cost RMB 10 while other languages (such as English, Germany etc) cost RMB 40. This was where I find that it is advantage to be able to listen and understand Chinese. Also do note that a deposit of RMB 100 is required during rental but can be refunded upon returning the devices.
Adult admission to the main museum was RMB 60 (Apr to Oct) or RMB 40 (Nov to Mar) (left photo below). Separate admission of RMB 10 is required to enter 'Clocks & Watches exhibition' (钟表馆) or 'Imperial Treasures exhibition' (珍宝馆) (right photo below). Other exhibitions within the museum are free of charge.
Jingshan Park (景山公园)
Jingshan Park is located directly behind Gate of Divine Might of Palace Museum, separated only by a road. This is an artificial hill constructed during 'Yongle' era of Ming Dynasty from the soil excavated to form the moats and canals of the Forbidden City. Since then, pavilions were built for gathering and leisure purposes. This was also where the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen (崇祯), hanged himself in 1644 after his capital was taken by the rebel army led by Li Zhicheng. In 1655, Emperor Shunzhi renamed this hill behind the Forbidden City from Longevity Hill (万岁山) to its present name Jingshan (景山) or literally 'Prospect Hill'.
There are several magnificent buildings within the park, such as Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭) (left photo below) and Qiwan Tower (绮望楼) (right photo below). Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in 1750, Qiwang Tower is 15-meters in height consisting of 2 storeys and covers a floor space of 1,000 square meters. Images of Confucius and his four disciples are enshrined and worshipped in this hall.
Other sight worth visiting includes the 'Hall of Imperial Ancestors' (寿皇殿), 'Site where Emperor Chongzhen Hanged himself' (崇祯皇帝自缢处) and 'Garden of Various Species of Peonies' (牡丹品种园).
Standing from the peak of JingShan Park, the Forbidden City could be seen in South direction (left photo below) and the Hall of Imperial Ancestors together with Drum Tower (right photo below) in the North direction.
On a clear day, great view of the entire Forbidden City (photo below) could be seen from Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭) (photo below).
Beihai Park (北海公园)
Beihai Park can be reached by walking along Jinshan West Street (景山西街) for about 10-mins from Palace Museum to its East Gate.
This park had been an Imperial Park since Liao Dynasty (in 938) till Qing Dynasty spanning a period of a thousand years. The park was constructed out of Chinese mythological fairyland of one lake and three hills and displays the architecture of traditional Chinese classical gardens. Currently Beihai is in possession of following cultural relics: Genyue Rocks (艮岳石) of Jin Dynasty, Dushan Dayuhai (渎山大玉海) or the Grand Jade Vase of Yuan Dynasty, White Jade Buddha (白玉佛) and Immortal Fairy Dew Plate (铜仙承露盘) of Qing Dynasty, and the most authentically preserved collections of Chinese calligraphy stone carvings – Yuegulou (阅古楼) and Kuaixuetang (快雪堂) Stone Carvings.
Taiye Pool (太液池), also known as Beihai, is the largest lake (left photo below) connecting to the Middle Sea and South Sea (中南海). At the centre of the lake lies an island called 'Qionghua' (琼华) Island with a height of 32-meters (right photo below).
The White Pagoda (白塔) was originally built in 1651 and it was last rebuilt in 1976 after Tangshan earthquake. This lamaist pagoda (left photo below) is 35.9-meters high with a tiered based and a body like an upturned bowl. Sutras in Tibetan language are carved inside the front gate. Below the pagoda is the Hall of Reward (善因殿) where it is covered by about 400 glazed-tile Buddha sculptures on its wall (right photo below).
The Nine-Dragon Screen (九龙壁) was erected in 1756 during the Qianlong era. The screen is about 25.52-meters long, 5.96-meters high and 1.6-meters thick, and covered with 424 seven-color glazed tiles. Nine huge coiling dragons on each side of the screen and other big and small dragons in different postures decorate the two ends and the eaves, making a surprising total of 635 dragons (photos below).
Note: there are 3 such Nine-Dragon screens in China, and this screen in Beihai is the only one with dragons on both sides. Other 2 Nine-Dragon screens are the one in Beijing Forbidden City and Datong of Shanxi Province.
Opening hours of the park is 0600 to 2200 hours (during Apr to Oct) or 0900 to 1600 hours (during Nov to Mar). Do note that the buildings within Qionghua Island only open from 0900 till 1800 hours. Admission was RMB 20 (photo below).
Beijing Book Building (北京图书大厦)
After existing from the North gate of Beihai park, I then took a slow walk along Dianmen West street (地安门西大街) for about 20-mins towards the Zhangzizhonglu (张自忠路站) Subway station of Line 5. Took subway to Xidan station (西单站) of Line 1 or 4, and had my dinner at a KFC fast-food restaurant near the Beijing Book Building.
Ordered a set meal that included a beef wrap, some fish fingers and a cup of soft-drink at a total of RMB 27 (photos below). Taste wasn't that bad and actually I do quite like the crispy fish fingers. As for the price, there was not much difference from the outlets in Singapore.
After dinner I proceeded to the Beijing Book Building (again) to get all the books I wanted because it was my second last night and would be staying in my final hotel.
Beijing Courtyard Marriott hotel (北京万怡酒店)
Courtyard Marriott Hotel can be reached by alighting at Chongwenmen station (崇文门站) of Subway Line 2 or 5 and it is just 1-min walk from the nearest subway exit.
Booked this hotel through the internet for SGD 121.30 (about RMB 570) per standard room per night without breakfast. The corridor was brightly led (left photo below) compared to other hotels I had stayed in Beijing. Also standard toiletries of a 4-star hotel were provided in the bathroom (right photo below).
What I liked was the spacious room with a huge LCD television with many international channels (including Channel NewsAsia), and the soft couch at the corner of the room (left photo below). The mattress was rather soft probably to accommodate to its western guests (right photo below). Service provided by this hotel was satisfactory; for an instance I called housekeeping for a power-socket adaptor and their staff sent it to my room within 5-mins.
The hotel is well situated beside a shopping mall, and there are many eateries and even a grocery market located in opposite lane. No problem for me to find a place for breakfast and get my necessary mineral water and snacks.