Beijing's popularity as a tourism destination grows after historic Macy's Parade appearance

NEW YORK - The beauty of China's capital, Beijing, with its rich history, culture and rising cosmopolitan appeal, is coming to one of the most popular entertaining television channels this holiday.

On the heels of the "Beauty of Beijing" float, which appeared for the first time at the 88th Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on November 27th, 'Visit Beijing' will again be in the American spotlight this holiday, this time on Dec.20th at 7:30 p.m. on WABC television New York. Additionally, a massive Beijing tourism promotion will be rolled out throughout the WABC website as well as on New York City taxies during the Christmas season.

The imperial history of Beijing, dating back more than 3,000 years, with more than 860 years as the capital of China, along with its 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famed Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, The Summer Palace, the magnificent Great Wall of China as well the art, food and traditions of this city of over 21 million, will be featured in a half-hour special show that is sure to thrill you with its visual appeal.

Viewers will get a chance to 'tour' The Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, home to more than 9,000 rooms - which makes it one of the largest and best preserved Imperial Palace Complex in the world. Learn about the building of this City, which housed 24 Emperors over the 500 years of the Ming and Qing dynasties and see where they gave prayers for abundant harvests for their inhabitants.

Get an insiders' view of the Palace Museum, which attracts almost 10 million visitors annually, while also visiting the Hutong, the unique Beijing cultural lanes, the shoe shop where Emperors had their shoes made, the many antique markets and Beijing's prestigious silk shops.

Travel with us to the Temple of Heaven, located in the southeastern part of central Beijing and constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor and climb the famed Great Wall of China with us, the world's largest military and longest man-made structure ever built.

Experience the stunning gardens, magnificent mountain landscapes and famed restaurants in Beijing, one of the most visited cities in the world.

This showcase of Beijing's seamless blend of the historical with the contemporary will truly bring the spirit of warmth and opulence to your living room this holiday.

"We hope you will tell your family and friends to tune in to WABC this December 20th at 7:30 p.m. to watch 'Beijing-A Modern City with an Imperial Past,' which will feature all of the varied aspects of Imperial Beijing," said Li Li, Executive Vice President of the Sino-American Friendship Association, (SAFA). "It certainly is a can't miss program, especially if you are looking to visit Beijing, China and educate your children on its history or simply seeking to reminisce on its splendor. We know at the end of this show you will be booking your trip to Beijing and starting your journey with exploration."

Beijing gained global acclaim in 2008 as host of the Summer Olympic Games. Every year, the world's top sporting events such as the Tour of Beijing, Beijing International Marathon and China Open Tennis take place there. Beijing is seeking to host the 2022 Winter Olympic and if it wins, will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Games with Zhangjiakou.

sourced:travelailynews.asia