Overview
Beijing, the capital of the Peoples Republic of China, is the nations
political and cultural center.
Beijing is situated at 40 degrees north latitude and 116degrees east
longitude. It lies at approximately the same latitude as Philadelphia in the
U.S. and Madrid in Spain. It is 43 meters above sea level and 183 kilometers
from the sea. Beijing covers an area of 16,800 square kilometer, 38% of it is
flat land and 62% mountains. Surrounded by the Yanshan Mountains on the west,
north and east, Beijing stands on the alluvial plain of the Yongding River and
faces the Bohai Sea.
Beijing has a continental climate. Annual rainfall averages nearly 700
millimeters; most of it comes in July and August. Winter is dry and cold. The
frost-free period is 185 days. The best time to visit Beijing is May, September
and October, when people enjoy bright sunny sky.
Beijing has a population of over 13 million; about 6 million live in the
city proper and the rest on the outskirts. It is divided into 13 districts and 5
counties.
Beijing is the cultural cradle of the Chinese nation and also a birthplace
of human civilization. It was here that the Peking man lived and multiplied in
primitive communities 700,000 years ago.
Beginning to take shape during the later period of the Shang Dynasty,
Beijing existed as a city more than 3,000 years ago. A small town appeared on
the present site of southwestern Beijing in 1045 B.C. It was named Ji and then
changed to Yan. At the beginning of the 10th century, it was the second capital
of the Liao Dynasty. From then on, the city had been the capital of the Jin,
Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties until 1911, and it turned into a central city for
all nationalities across the country.
In the early twenties, Beijing became the cradle of Chinas new democratic
revolution. The May Forth Movement against imperialism and feudalism began here
in 1919.
On October 1st, 1949, Chairman Mao proclaimed to the whole world the
founding of the Peoples Republic of China.
Beijing witnessed centuries of prosperity, many major historical events and
various nationalities achievements. And now, Beijing is rising as a modern
city, where ancient Chinese civilization meets with modern achievements of human
society, creating a new spirit and charm.
Beijing Attractions
Forbidden City
The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved
imperial palace complex in the world. It has 9,999 rooms in flourishing period
with just a single room short of the number that ancient Chinese belief
represents Divine Perfection and surrounded by a moat six meters deep and
ten-meter high wall. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the
administrative center of the country.
Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is one of the Eight Wonders of the World and is
enlisted in the World Heritage Directory. This immense wall was built to keep
out invaders as well as to retain the inhabitants. It spans five provinces from
Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west, looking like a
gigantic dragon across deserts, grasslands and mountains. In the downtown area
of Beijing, it is possible to climb Badaling Great Wall.
Tiananmen square
The solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city
square in the world, which serves not only Beijings symbol but also the whole
of China. This immense courtyard is the site of various historical events, which
is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices such as the Great Hall of the
People, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and the Monument to the Peoples
Heroes.
Temple of Heaven
Due to religion was always related with the supreme imperial power, Beijing
at one time served as the focus of religious life with lots of beautiful
temples. The Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors paid homage to the glory of
heaven, is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals.
To be opposite, the Altar of Earth was used to worship the God of the Earth. The
Great Bell Temple, where the Emperor prayed for rainfall in the Qing
Dynasty.
Dining
Beijing Roast Duck
It is said that there are two things that you must do when visiting
Beijing: One is to enjoy the roast duck and the other is to take a stroll on the
Great Wall. There is simply quite nothing like a perfectly roasted duck with
bronzed crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. There are literally dozens of
restaurants that serve this famous dish, but perhaps the best known are Quanjude
and Bianyifang.
Beijing Imperial Court Food
Imperial Cuisine has evolved over time to be enjoyed by all of the
countrys people, characterized by complex preparation techniques, the freshest
ingredients and elaborate presentation including colorful vegetable carvings. It
is the foundation of Beijing cuisine. Probably the finest expression of classic
imperial cooking is the Tan Jia cuisine served at the Beijing Hotel.
Beijing Snack
Fancy Beijing snack is a must in tasting the authentic Beijing flavor.
These dishes emanate from many different cuisines, but the Chinese Muslim
influenceis the most apparent. There are probably 200 varieties of snacks in
Beijing. Most of the snacks can be found throughout the city. Here, let us begin
a snack tourto seek most delicious snacks of Beijing.
Beijing Tradition
Beijing tradition is usually shown in its custom, festivals, religion, and
local people’s daily life. Beijing local people extremely emphasize significance
of custom and festival. On some important festivals or big days, their happiest
thing is cooking together and all family members have a dinner together.
Especially in different festivals, they have different custom. Most local people
believe in Buddhism and Taoism, so traditionally in their family, people can
easily find the small-size Buddha statues, and most statues are themed with
Kwan-yin. Beijing local people are also influenced deeply by Confucianism; so
many elders are the excellent learners or experts of Confucianism. Beijing
people like eating snacks very much. Tanghulu, stinky tofu, lamb shashlik
bean-curd jelly and others are all their favorite. People in Beijing
conventionally are the fans of Peking opera, also they like shadow boxing or
taiji. Many elders like liuniao(Walking with caged bird ) and Chinese chess as
well. Tradition in Beijing is colorful thanks to the diversity of their
life.
Beijing Shopping
As the capital city of the Five Dynasties of China, Beijing has a history
of over thousands of years. It was known as a metropolis with developed
businesses and a prosperous economy since ancient times. Many skillful craftsmen
settled the area long ago, and passed down their excellent skills generation by
generation. We can still find the traditional handcrafts with typical eastern
features in the many business streets and markets. Cloisonné, Ivory Carving,
Jade and Lacquer are known as the four best traditional handiworks of Beijing.
In addition, Curios, Silk, Pearls, Snuff Bottles with Pictures Inside, and
Artificial Flowers are also worth buying and well liked by tourists. Candied
Fruits and confectionaries of all kinds will make your mouth water, and are
wonderful presents for friends.
Four largest business zones in Beijing: Wangfujing Dajie, Qianmen, Xidan
Commercial Street and DongsiSome featured business streets: Hongqiao Pearl
Market, Xiushui (Silk) Street, Other Pedestrian Streets