Tiananmen Square was built in 1652. During the reign of Mao the square was often used to host various performances. However, the square became really famous in Europe after the student unrest of 1989, which was cruelly settled by the government. Tiananmen Square is located in the centre of Beijing. If you cross the street in the direction of the Forbidden City, you will see the gates of the square. This is where visitors will find the marvellous image of Manchuria. Unfortunately, just a little has been left from the Old Summer Palace, that used to be one of the most fabulous and attractive buildings of China. It was almost completely ruined by French and British army during the Second Opium War in 1860. The palace was built in 12th century as a part of an enormously large park territory on the north-west of Beijing.
The Summer Palace used to be the favourite place of Empress Ci Xi. She spent hours there, thinking about the future of the country, or simply having rest. It would be a mistake to think that the real beauty of the palace can be seen in summer only. In winter the palace still attracts many people, who enjoy the harmony of its gardens, beautiful lake landscapes, hills and pavilions.
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