What is Beijing?

Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China, the world’s most populous country with over 1.4 billion people. It’s located in North-east China, on the nation’s largest border with Mongolia. Beijing is a city of immense importance historically, culturally, and politically, being the site of the Chinese imperial throne, the Great Wall of China, and the Tiananmen Square protests.

Beijing is split into two sections, east and west. The majority of the city lies in the eastern part and is known as the ancient core. It contains many important landmarks dating back to different dynasties throughout the centuries. It’s home to modern luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and some of the finest restaurants in China. The western part of the city is much larger and includes a mix of old and modern architecture. This is where many government buildings, universities, hospitals, and businesses are located.

Beijing has a huge population – over 21 million people – and a long history stretching back over 3,000 years. It’s home to some of the most iconic sights in China – the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven – reminders of its imperial past. Beijing is also an important administrative and financial center, being home to numerous government departments, embassies, investment banks, and pharmaceutical companies.

In terms of climate, Beijing is a generally dry and hot city due to its steppe climate. Summers are hot with an average temperature ranging between 23°C (73°F) and 35°C (95°F ) while winters are cold and relatively dry with temperatures averaging -5ºC (23ºF). In spring and autumn, temperatures are milder but rainy, often with the city engulfed by sandstorms from the Gobi Desert to the north.

The people of Beijing are known as “Jingjon” or “natives of Beijing” and are a diverse group speaking many different languages. Most citizens are Han Chinese but there are also significant Hui Muslim and Mongolian communities.

Beijing is renowned for its wide selection of street food with some dishes dating back centuries. The most famous specialties include Peking duck, jianbing (savory crepes), and chaogan (grilled spiced chicken). All these dishes can be found in restaurant chains scattered around the city.

Contrary to common perception, Beijing is one of the most developed cities in China and offers a wide range of entertainment activities from modern shopping malls with impressive architecture, KTV lounges playing karaoke songs all night long, as well as historical places for a cultural immersion. Travel China Guide is a great resource for learning more about the sights to visit in Beijing.

All in all, Beijing is an important historical and cultural center that offers plenty of entertainment and cultural opportunities for tourists and a unique blend of western materialism and traditional Chinese values for locals. It’s no wonder that it remains one of China’s most visited cities with visitors regularly marveling at its incredible history that can be found every corner they turn. The many different areas in Beijing each have something special to offer, so it’s definitely worth taking some time to explore its many treasures.

An Insider’s Guide to Beijing, China

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city steeped in history and culture, with modern touches that make it a destination worth exploring. With its well-preserved palaces, temples, and cultural landmarks, it’s the perfect location to immerse yourself in ancient Chinese culture and history. This guide will give you insight into the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and hidden gems that Beijing has to offer.

Local Attractions

Visiting Beijing wouldn’t be complete without exploring the iconic attractions that define the city’s history and culture. A trip to the Forbidden City is a must. This palace served as the residence for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Great Wall of China, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, is another must-see attraction. The wall stretches over 13,000 miles, however, visiting the section nearest to the city lets visitors experience exceptional views. Other top attractions include the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square.

Dining Spots

Beijing is renowned for its cuisine, and no visit to the city is complete without sampling its most popular dishes. Make sure to visit Peking Duck, which Beijing is famous for, prepared with crispy skin, tender meat, and served with pancakes and scallions. Other must-try local dishes include dumplings (jiaozi), hotpot, Beijing-style noodles (zhajiangmian), and sesame cakes. Head to Wangfujing Street for lively street food stalls or explore the restaurants in Hutong for a more authentic experience.

Cultural Experiences

When it comes to immersing oneself in Chinese culture and traditions, there is no better place than Beijing. Get up early to practice tai chi or qigong with locals in the parks, knowing Beijing is an early rising city. For an authentic insight, avail of the chance to visit a local’s home and partake in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. Another popular cultural experience is exploring the street of Dashilan, which immersed in history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Here, visitors can witness traditional craft-making, such as paper-cutting, cloisonne-style enamel, and brewing Chinese medicine.

Local History

Beijing’s rich history is replete with captivating stories. Visit the National Museum of China, which showcases China’s history from ancient times to the present day. The Beijing Capital Museum hosts a vast collection of artefacts from excavations in and around the city. The China National Film Museum is home to an extensive collection of documentaries, movie posters, and pictures dating back to China’s first movie. Head to the hutongs, alleyways preserved within the city’s modernization, to get a glimpse of what life used to be like in traditional Beijing.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

While Beijing is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover off the beaten path. A few of these include 798 Art District, an artistic hub filled with galleries, sculpture parks, and small shops, and Jingshan Park, a place to escape the crowds and enjoy panoramic views of Forbidden City. Travelers can choose to stay with locals and get a taste of traditional hutong life. A visit to the Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple dating back to 1694, is also an outstanding experience that most visitors tend to miss.

In conclusion, Beijing is one of the most captivating cities in the world, with a rich history, culture, and traditions that remind visitors of its past and present. Use this guide to make the most of your trip, explore everything Beijing has to offer, and immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural heritage.