Beijing Travel Guide
Beijing Municipality | Population: 24,000,000
Beijing, the vast capital city of China, has a 3,000-year-old history of Imperial style and grandeur. The city boasts some of the richest collections of historical, cultural, and royal relics compared to any other city in the nation. During the transition from the times of ancient kingdoms to the modern day People’s Republic, Beijing played a vital role in making China the prosperous country that it is today.
Nearly 297 million domestic and overseas tourists visited Beijing in the year 2017, making it third most-visited city in China after Hong Kong and Shanghai. With foreign dignitaries visiting the city even during the Imperial era, there was and is a palpable aura of hospitality and friendliness in the city.
Nearly 297 million domestic and overseas tourists visited Beijing in the year 2017, making it third most-visited city in China after Hong Kong and Shanghai. With foreign dignitaries visiting the city even during the Imperial era, there was and is a palpable aura of hospitality and friendliness in the city.
The city of Beijing was known as Peking until it was changed in 1958. The Zhoukoudian archaeological site located nearby is a world famous tourist attraction due to its anthropological significance. The remains of Homo erectus, popularly known as “Peking Man” were discovered here. These remains are believed to be 680,000 to 780,000 years old.
The iconic structure that defines Beijing is the Forbidden City. This was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties before China became a People’s Republic. Spread over 720,000 square meters, it is believed to be the largest palace in the world.
At the center of the city, Tiananmen Square has been the scene of both ancient and contemporary history, where the gigantic portrait of Mao Zedong, takes center stage. It was the scene of royal convoys during the Imperial regime as well as major political events and military parades in modern times.
The iconic structure that defines Beijing is the Forbidden City. This was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties before China became a People’s Republic. Spread over 720,000 square meters, it is believed to be the largest palace in the world.
At the center of the city, Tiananmen Square has been the scene of both ancient and contemporary history, where the gigantic portrait of Mao Zedong, takes center stage. It was the scene of royal convoys during the Imperial regime as well as major political events and military parades in modern times.
