The Beijing Zoo Combining Imperial Beauty And Exotic Fauna
The Beijing Zoo is a world-renowned facility and one of the top attractions in the city
. However, its journey to world-wide acclaim and recognition has been a very long and arduous one.
Originally founded as the Sanbeizi Gardens after a Prince of the Qing Dynasty, the grounds still bear the markers of traditional imperial landscaping in the form of exquisite flower gardens, lotus pools, halls and pavilions interspersed with groves of trees and grasslands. It was only at the turn of the 20th century that it was converted into an experimental farm and zoo, named the Garden of Ten Thousand Animals. Unfortunately, the following eras of wars saw the park brought to wrack and ruin, especially after occupation by the Japanese during the Second World War, when they poisoned the exotic tigers, lions and leopards that remained in the grounds.
The zoo was rechristened the Western Suburbs Park after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. The tides of fortune again turned in 1987, as rapid redevelopment of the park was commenced. Today, the 40,000 square meter grounds are home to 500 animal and avian species and thousands of creatures. The indigenous and endangered animals of China such as golden monkeys, northeast tigers, red-crowned cranes and milu deer claim pride of place, and the Panda Hall which encompasses fully one-fourth of the grounds is a particularly beloved site. The zoo is hardly limited to local treasures, however; polar bears, American bison, Indian elephants and gibbons, African giraffes, rhinos and chimpanzees all live in comfort under the care of the zoo.
The zoo houses 16 distinctive exhibition halls and sites, including the Panda Hall. The Gorilla Hall, decorated with gorilla murals, rockeries and pools is one of the most aesthetically pleasing animal enclosures while the Beijing Aquarium is the worlds largest inland aquarium. Home to thousands of aquatic life ranging from massive sea elephants to sharks and Chinese sturgeons, the aquarium also contains an Ocean Theatre where children and tourists can delight in the antics of sea lions, dolphins and whales.
Historical relics and memorials strewn about the landscape are also of special interest. The Lemarck Hall is dedicated to celebrating the life of the French natural historian and doubles as the Chinese Botanical Science Research Base. The Song Jiaoren Memorial Tower stands in memory of Chinas former premier and the residences of both the Empress Dowager Ci Xi and Nationalist leader Sun Yat-Sen are well worth a visit.
Travellers looking for a centralized
Beijing hotel within proximity to both the zoo and other historical and natural attractions in the city will find no lack of choice. Those on the lookout for a
luxury hotel Beijing should find Raffles Beijing Hotel, China at the top of their list, in terms of reputation and service.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
What Should I look For on the Box of Hair Color? Facial Exercises vs. Surgery Staunton Chess Pieces A Thing Of Beauty How To Pay For Plastic Surgery Skin Care Regimen Dilemmas For Asians What is Facial Laser Surgery? How To Look Beautiful Without Makeup Pointers on Anti-Aging Skin Care For Aging Adults Types Of Liposuction For Plastic Surgery Patients Santa Rosa Apartments: Living In The Beauty Of Santa Rosa Travertine – The Unique And Beautiful Italian Traditional Stone Beauty Hospitals In Lisbon, Portugal The Beautiful And Unique Rubber Silicone Bracelets