Beijing Hotels and the Monument to the People's Heroes: Places to Honor Important People

By Efrenn Larson

As the seat of national cultural and political affairs, the city of Beijing has long become a silent observer to the changes of the times. She was born from thousands of years of mystery, risen from the flames of the past, continues to live with certainty and is looking forward to a seemingly greater and definable future.

The wonders of Beijing never fail to enthrall her visitors. This influx of tourists from every race and creed gave rise to numerous Beijing Hotels, which are spread across the metropolis. These various accommodations offer you many choices, from the simple and standard ones to those that define grandiosity and luxury. Wherever you are, you are sure to choose one that will fit your needs and liking.

Beijing has experienced several rebellions throughout her history. Among these, a significant uprising led to the collapse of the Dynastic era and the eventual rise of the People's Republic. Some monuments have been made to remember the importance and the virtues of those people who fought for Chinese freedom. Undeniably, the Monument to the People's Heroes is one of the most visited since it can be found in a few minutes' walk from some of the hotels in Beijing. This obelisk stands ten-storeys high and was built in memory of the martyrs who offered their lives for the revolutionary struggles of the Chinese people during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The monument is strategically located at the southern edge of Tiananmen Square. Designed by architects Liang Sicheng and his wife, Lin Huiyin, it has a height of about 37.94 meters and covers an area of 32,000 square feet.

This 10,000 metric ton obelisk was made from 17,000 pieces of granite and marble, which were taken from the provinces of Qingdao and Shandong and from Fangshan District, just outside the city.

There are eight large bas relieves on the tablet's pedestal which depict scenes from the revolution and can be read clockwise from the east. Some of these include the burning of opium in the Opium War in 1840, the Jintian Village Uprising in the Taiping Revolution in 1851 and crossing the Yangtze River Campaign, or Successful Crossing of the Yangtze River in 1949.

On the front of the monument, you can readily see an inscription in Mao Zedong's handwriting, which reads "Eternal glory to the people's heroes!" On the back, there is a message which was drafted by Mao Zedong and written by Zhou Enlai, which also revered the efforts of the heroes of the past.

The Monument to the People's Heroes is truly a sight to behold, especially for tourists who are staying in different Beijing hotels. They should not miss this chance because the monument is a symbol of national pride for the Chinese. Traveling to this place from many Beijing hotels can be done within minutes since transportation is readily accessible. The best time to visit is in the morning so that you can truly explore this landmark because many people come in the afternoon. So what are you waiting for? This wonderful piece of history is ready to welcome you! - 30294

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