Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is a city where ancient history meets modern innovation. With over 3,000 years of history and serving as the imperial capital for more than 800 years, Beijing is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. It is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and countless historical landmarks that tell the story of China's glorious past. Beijing is the political, cultural, international exchange, and scientific and technological innovation center of China. It is a vibrant metropolis that blends traditional charm with contemporary vitality.

Where Beijing Is Located

Beijing is located in northern China, in the northwestern part of the North China Plain. It is surrounded by the Yanshan Mountains to the north and west, and the Bohai Sea lies about 150 kilometers to the east. Beijing is approximately 1,318 kilometers north of Shanghai by high-speed train, and about 800 kilometers from Xi'an.

The Features of Beijing

▪ Beijing is one of the Four Ancient Capital Cities of China, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It was the capital of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
▪ Beijing boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs, the Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site, and the Grand Canal.
▪ Beijing offers a rich variety of traditional cultures, such as Peking Opera, imperial cuisine, calligraphy, painting, and traditional crafts like cloisonné and jade carving.
▪ Beijing has a highly developed transportation network, including extensive subway lines, high-speed trains, and international airports. It is well-connected to all major cities in China and around the world.

Beijing Is a City of Contrasts

Beijing is a fascinating blend of the ancient and the modern. You can wander through centuries-old hutongs (traditional alleyways) in the morning and marvel at futuristic skyscrapers like the CCTV Headquarters in the afternoon.
When traveling in Beijing, you can walk along the Great Wall, visit the Forbidden City to imagine life in the imperial court, and then relax in one of the city's many parks or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
If you want to feel the authentic local culture, you can explore the hutong neighborhoods. These narrow lanes are lined with traditional courtyard houses and offer a glimpse into old Beijing life. Don't miss trying local snacks like jianbing (Chinese crepe), tanghulu (candied fruit), and Beijing roast duck.
If you want to experience modern Beijing, head to areas like Sanlitun or Wangfujing. Sanlitun is the city's trendiest district with fashionable shops, cafes, and nightlife. Wangfujing is one of Beijing's most famous shopping streets, offering everything from luxury brands to local specialties.

5 Highlights of Beijing

Beijing is a city of endless wonders. When you visit Beijing, don't miss the following highlights.

1. The Great Wall - the Wonder of the World
The Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches over 21,000 kilometers across northern China. The most popular sections near Beijing include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling. Each offers a unique experience, from restored sections suitable for families to wild, unrestored sections for adventurous hikers.
The Great Wall was built over 2,000 years ago to protect China from northern invaders. Its construction is a testament to ancient Chinese engineering and is often described as "the longest cemetery in the world" due to the thousands of workers who lost their lives building it.


2. The Forbidden City - Imperial Palace
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the largest ancient palace complex in the world, covering an area of 72 hectares with 980 buildings and 8,707 rooms.
Visitors can explore the magnificent halls, courtyards, and gardens, and marvel at the exquisite architecture and priceless artifacts. The Forbidden City is a symbol of Chinese imperial power and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.


3. Temple of Heaven - Sacred Altar
The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to heaven for good harvests. The complex is known for its stunning architecture, particularly the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which is famous for its blue-tiled roof.
The Temple of Heaven is not only a historical site but also a popular park where locals practice tai chi, play music, and fly kites. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.


4. Summer Palace - Imperial Garden
The Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the summer retreat for emperors of the Qing dynasty. It is the largest and most complete imperial garden in China, featuring beautiful lakes, gardens, palaces, and temples.
The highlight of the Summer Palace is Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor, a covered walkway over 700 meters long decorated with colorful paintings. Visitors can also climb Longevity Hill for panoramic views of the entire complex.

5. Hutong Culture - Old Beijing
Hutongs are traditional alleyways that are characteristic of old Beijing. These narrow streets are lined with siheyuan (courtyard houses) and offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life. The best way to explore hutongs is by foot or by rickshaw.
Popular hutong areas include Nanluoguxiang and Wudaoying. These areas are filled with traditional shops, cafes, galleries, and restaurants, making them perfect for experiencing both old and new Beijing.

Convenient Transportation Network

Beijing is easily accessible by high-speed trains, flights, and highways from all major cities in China and around the world. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) serve as major international gateways.
Within the city, the subway system is the most convenient way to travel. It covers most tourist attractions and business districts. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and buses are also readily available.
High-speed trains connect Beijing to Shanghai (about 4.5 hours), Xi'an (about 4 hours), and many other major cities in China.

Emergency Phone Numbers

▪ 110 for police
▪ 112 for traffic police (emergency only)
▪ 119 for fire services
▪ 120 for medical assistance or an ambulance
If you encounter a really complex situation, call 110 first.