Beijing (Běijīng [北京]), literally the "north capital," is also sometimes referred to as "Peking". It has been the capital of China at various times in the country’s long history, and most recently since the founding of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国) in 1949. This fascinating capital city, at first glance, seems to effortlessly blend tradition with modernism - first time visitors will immediately be struck by the contrasts between old and new and the inescapable sense that change is happening at an accelerated pace.
Beijing has something for everyone. For the history buffs, Beijing is a living museum, filled with countless palaces, tombs, and temples left from centuries of Imperial rule. For foreign students and scholars, Beijing boasts two world-renowned universities as well as dozens of top-tier language institutions. For culinary enthusiasts, Beijing greets you with her mouth-watering Peking duck. For the culturally inclined, Beijing offers the bright faces and unique sounds of the Beijing Opera (京剧). For those seeking retail therapy, Beijing is a shopping haven. For nature lovers, Beijing has hiking trails, many tranquil parks, and of course you can climb the greatest wall in the world! For sports fans, Beijing bustles with the preparations of the 2008 Olympics.
No matter what you’re looking for, Beijing has it. And the best part is - there is always more to explore as the city is constantly evolving in the race to modernise and beautify ahead of the 2008 Olympics. Contrasts and contradictions await you at every turn - exclusive apartment buildings next to dilapidated old-style buildings, luxury cars driving alongside hawkers transporting their goods on the back of their bikes, ancient temples surrounded by modern high-rises. Whatever comfort zone you happen to be in, be prepared to be shaken out of it by this relentless but exciting city.
You could spend a year in Beijing and still find that you’ve only scratched the surface. So what are you waiting for? Beijing beckons!
Fast Facts About Beijing
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Northeastern corner of China
Estimates start at 11 million
Predominantly Han Chinese
Mandarin (Pǔtōnghuà [普通话])
"+86 (0)10" from abroad. "010" from within China.
Peking Duck
About 50 000 and growing.
Hub of China. Plentiful air, rail, bus transport.
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Taxi, subway, bus, bicycle.
Freezing winter, hot and rainy in summer. Most pleasant during autumn.
Capital of China, Great Wall of China, Home of 2008 Olympics, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
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Carrefour Chuang Yi Jia Store, B6, Beisanhuan Donglu, Chaoyang District
When you need to replenish household goods, Carrefour is the place to go as there seems to be nothing that you cannot find here. This French-owned supermarket giant, which has a number of outlets in Beijing, stocks everything from groceries, alcohol, and canned goods, household items, toiletries and cosmetics to clothing, shoes, electrical appliances, plants, computers and
Tags: supermarkets
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North of Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District
The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, the National Palace Museum, the Purple Forbidden City and Gugong （故宫）, is probably Beijing’s top tourist attraction. This huge palace complex (one full square kilometer), previously home to 23 successive Emperors, is located in the heart of Beijing, on the north side of
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In the centre of Beijing, literally
Forming the exact heart and center of the city, Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) is usually a first port of call on any Beijing tourist’s itinerary. Like the Forbidden City (紫禁城), the words Tiananmen Square are almost synonymous with Beijing. It is worth a visit not just for its
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No. 1 Wenjinjie, north-western corner of Forbidden City, Beijing
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Apr.-Oct. 10 Yuan/ticket, Nov.-Mar. 5 Yuan/ticket
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Park open 6:30am - 7:00pm. Cable car open 8:00am - 5:30pm.
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90 kilometers north of Beijing
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35 yuan per person
Construction of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall began in the 6th century and was later overhauled and rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. Although this section is a bit tougher to get to and tougher to climb, it allows visitors to truly feel the history of The Great Wall.
Tags: Great Wall of China
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No.28 Qinghua Xi Lu, Haidian Dist.
Yuan Ming Yuan (otherwise known as the Old Summer Palace) is situated between Qinghua University and the Yi He Yuan (New Summer Palace). It was constructed between 1709 and 1859, although there had been imperial gardens and summer palaces in the area since at least the Liao dynasty (~1125AD).
Tags: Cultural, Historical
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Any time of the day
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Houhai, Xicheng District
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8:00am to 5:30pm (although the park opens at 6:00am to 8:00pm)
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Tiantan Gongyuan
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30-35 yuan all inclusive
The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) is one of Beijing’s most distinctive landmarks and often appears on the cover of city and tourist guides. The most impressive building in the park is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
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110km Northeast of Beijing
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Simatai hasn’t been renovated in recent history. It is known for being a harder climb than some of the other sections. Steep inclines and high winds test visitors on the hike from one watchtower to the next.
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Open about 4:30pm to 10:30pm depending on the weather.
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Wangfujing Street
Little boothes covered by red and white striped canopies one right next to the other line Wang Fu Jing Food Street as far as the eye can see. The best part about eating here is that it’s all on-the-go eating, like having a hot dog in New York - you eat on the street. There is a wide variety of food here, much of which originates from Xinjiang province, such as squid,
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Business card-sized guide to Beijing!