Beijing

General information

Beijing (北京 Běijīng) is the capital of the most populous country in the world, the People's Republic of China, and also it is the second largest city after Shanghai. It was also the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors until the formation of a republic in 1911. Beijing is the political, educational, and cultural centre of the country and as such it is rich in historical sites and important government and cultural institutions.

Like the configuration of the Forbidden City, Beijing has concentric "ring roads", which are actually rectangular, that go around the metropolis. Few cities in the world besides Beijing have served as the political and cultural centre of an area as immense as China for so long. It is often described as one of the world's great cities and has been an integral part of China’s history for centuries; there is scarcely a major building of any age in Beijing that doesn't have at least some national historical significance. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and universities have long made the city a centre of culture and art in China.

Beijing houses all the important national governmental and political institutions, including the National People's Congress. In addition, Beijing is amongst the most developed cities in China with tertiary industry accounting for 73.2% of its GDP; it was the first post industrial city in mainland China. Finance is one of the most important industries of Beijing. By the end of 2007, there were 751 financial organizations in Beijing. It is home to 26 Fortune Global 500 companies, the third most in the world behind Tokyo and Paris. Beijing is increasingly becoming known for its innovative entrepreneurs and high-growth start-ups. This culture is backed by a large community of both Chinese and foreign venture capital firms. Beijing was host to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

Get in Beijing

Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场 Běijīng Shǒudū Guójì Jīchǎng, IATA: PEK) [1] is located to the northeast of the central districts, 26 km from the city centre. The airport, which was expanded at a furious pace to be ready in time for the 2008 Olympics, now has three terminals.

Climate

Beijing's climate is a monsoon influenced continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The best time to visit is in September and October, the "Golden Autumn". Spring is the season for dust storms. Summer can be oppressively hot and the tourist crowds tend to be the largest as well. Winter is cold and dry with infrequent, but beautiful snow.

Language

The language of Beijing is Mandarin Chinese. Standard Mandarin itself was the administrative language of the Ming and Qing dynasties and was based mainly on the Beijing dialect. For language students this makes studying in Beijing an excellent chance to learn the language in a relatively pure form.

Do

The centre of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square in Dongcheng District. This is the world's largest public square and a must see for all visitors from abroad and from elsewhere in China. The square is surrounded by grand buildings including the Great Hall of the People, the Museum of Chinese History, the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, Qianmen Gate, and the Forbidden City. It is also home to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People's Martyrs.

The National Stadium or Bird's Nest in Chaoyang District is a new major landmark and the symbol of the 2008 Olympic Games. Two contemporary buildings in Chaoyang District are remarkable landmarks: the CCTV Building and the World Trade Center Tower III. Both are outstanding examples of contemporary architecture.

The most important palace, bar none, is the Forbidden city in Dongcheng District. The Forbidden City was home to the Imperial Court during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The Great Wall of China about a 1 hour train trip or 1.5 hour bus ride from the city. The Badaling section is the most famous, but also over-restored and crowded. Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng, and Simatai are more distant but offer a better view of the wall away from the crowds. Mutianyu has been restored, but is far less crowded than Badaling. You may want to bring a jacket against the wind or cold in the chillier season - in the summer you will need lots of water.

Hutongs. Beijing's ancient alleyways, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture. They date back to when Beijing was the capitol of the Yuan dynasty (1266-1368). Most buildings in hutongs are made in the traditional courtyard style. Most popular among tourists are the hutongs near Qianmen and Houhai.

The Beijing Opera is considered the most famous of all the traditional opera performed around China. Some of the best places to watch Beijing Opera are found in Xuanwu District including Huguang Huguang Theatre and Lao She Teahouse. There are also a number in Dongcheng District including Chang'an Grand Theatre.