Beijing
INTRO
Previously called Beiping, literally "Northern Peace", today's capital of China, Beijing, has maintained a peaceful combination of ancient past and modern development. Surprisingly or not, the city has been the country's political, educational, economic and cultural centre and with its fashionable architecture, perfectly preserved history and contemporary everyday life it is far from a typical Chinese town. The unique blend of authentic teahouses, commercial pedestrian streets, palaces and restaurants will certainly capture any visitor's attention and provide many possibilities for personal satisfaction.
City Profile
City: Beijing
Country: China
Area: 16, 410 km2
Population: 15 million
Districts: 18
Mayor: Wang Qishan
Language:Mandarin(official)
Rating:
LOCATION
The "Northern Capital" is situated at the northern part of the China Plain and is encompassed to the north, northwest and west by Jundu and Xishan Mountains. The city neighbours Hebei Province and Tianjin Municipality, guarded by the Great Wall of China on the north: one of the world's most fascinating tourist attractions. Beijing is the second largest metropolitan city in China in terms of population after Shanghai, excluding the thousands of visitors every day that could make you reckless if you are not used to crowded spaces.
TIME TO VISIT
Beijing has a humid continental climate, characterised by hot summers that result from the Asian monsoons and dry, cold winters due to Siberian winds. Luckily, there are also spring and autumn so as to facilitate your visit from the physiological viewpoint. Therefore, unless you prefer weather extremes of humidity and heat or harsh winds, it is recommended that you plan your trip either in May or in the early autumn. September and October are considered the "golden" months for tourism in Beijing although you might as well choose another time of the year when it isn't too crowded and you could experience some relative tranquility.
POPULATION
The total number of people who reside on the territory of Beijing is approximately estimated at around 15mln people. However, there are many unregistered migrant workers from various ethnic minority groups who live illegally. The capital's economic and commercial success has also attracted international workers from South Korea and other countries. The number of the city's inhabitants increases also when adding the university and Tibetan high-school students. As for communication, the native people speak a Beijing dialect that originates from the official Mandarin language and only few people, mostly the young, speak some English.
DISTRICTS
The metropolis of Beijing is divided into 18 districts governed directly by the municipality, of which two are counties. Some of the districts encompass the urban and suburban areas, others comprise of more distant satellite towns or semi-rural and rural places. Here are some of the biggest and most important districts:
- Chaoyang District is the homeland of Beijing's diplomatic life, with a number of embassies situated there. It is also the biggest area and consequently it has the Beijing Capital International Airport on its territory. Chaoyang will as well welcome the Olympic Park that is being built for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Haidian District is frequently called "The University District" by the foreigners who live there because it is the place where most of the universities are situated. Many of Haidian inhabitants don't have residential certificates since they are students and yet it is the second-largest district and a home of Beijing's Municipality.
- Yanqing County is intriguing tourists with a number of ancient tombs and caves as well as the famous and probably one of the most visited Badaling part of the Great Wall. This section of the Wall has undergone thorough restoration and this makes it a preferable spot for hiking.
- Dongcheng District is the second largest part of the old city and it attracts many tourists with its authentically preserved historical sights, among which are Tian'anmen Square, The Forbidden City, the National Museum and Ditan Park. It used to be home of aristocratic society.
- Chongwen Distrist is renown mainly because of the Temple of Heaven and the authentic experience it provides with its two most popular Peking Duck Restaurants. Peking duck is a delighful dish that should be certainly tasted while in Beijing.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Beijing offers wide variety of attractions suitable for anyone who appreciates Asian culture. Many of them are not only domestically but also internationally valued. Whatever your personal interests are, you will definitely be satisfied by the magnificent Asian treasures.
- The Great Wall is truly one of the "Eight Wonders of the World" and once you've climbed one of its sections it will surely become one of the "Wonders of Your Life". The memorable panoramic view will fascinate your sense of esthetics and will make you wonder as to how far the human need for security could lead people to. Build some 2000 years ago so as to keep invaders away, The Great Wall of China is one of the great human accomplishments in the search for privacy.More info on how to get there: http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/News/ACulture/t766305.htm
- The Forbidden City was declared to a World Heritage Site as the "Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties" and was listed by UNESCO as the largest and best preserved collection of ancient heritage. The construction of the Palace was not finished until 1421 and it has served as an administrative centre of three dynasties for about 500 years. Only those who had official business with the emperor were allowed to enter the Forbidden City. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket desks at the entrance: do not buy tickets from people selling on the streets. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.chinatourist.org/travel-china/forbidden-city/
- The Tiananmen Square is the world's biggest central square that had been the site of dramatic historical events in 1989 when the students' protests was brutally put down by the troops. Tiananmen Square or literally "The Gate of Heavenly Peace" serves as an entrance to the Imperial City.
- The Summer Palace is another famous and warmly recommended sight to be explored when being in Beijing. The Palace is a huge garden that comprises of flourishing gardens, small lake, a river and numerous buildings that served for the various leisure activities of the emperor. If you are lucky, you might catch a live show of original Chinese Art.
- The Temple of Heaven's construction began in 1420 and is today included into the World Heritage List. The purpose of the Taoist buildings, of which the Temple consists, was to serve as a holy place for prayers for harvest and glory of Heaven. Colorful ornaments cover the walls and surprise the inexperienced eye of the foreign visitor.
AIRPORT
Beijing is both an international and domestic destination for many tourists, which has contributed to its accessibility. There is one International and another smaller airport close to the Chinese capital. The most convenient way to reach your Beijing destination from the airport is by taking a Taxi. Helpful Chinese workers will help you once you get out of the airport building in case you didn't see the long line of passengers waiting for their turn.
- Beijing Capital International Airport is China's biggest and busiest airport that is build around 25 km from downtown. More info at: http://www.bcia.com.cn/en/index.jsp
- Nanyuan Airport is a bit closer to the city centre than the International Airport, approximately 15 km from Tiananmen Square. More info at: http://gc.kls2.com/airport/NAY
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Depending on your desires and financial resources you can choose among the three means of transport offered in Beijing.
- The Subway is the fastest public transport in Beijing that works from 5 am till 23 pm. The price varies from 2 to 6 Yuan.
- Public buses are probably the cheapest way of getting around. Fares: 1Yuan.
- Taxis charge 10-12 Yuan for the first 3 km and then continue by 1.5-2 Yuan per kilometre. Be careful not to stumble at an illegal taxi driver because then you will probably get ripped off.
HISTORY
Beijing's history started half a million years ago when ancient Peking man used to inhabit caves. The city has undergone powerful wars, battles leading to the devastating falls and proud rises of the Chinese dynasties. Beijing was a capital for more than half a century and was ruled by more than thirty emperors, beginning with the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) through the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The rulers had succeeded in maintaining its power and transferring in into an unbeatable symbol of their will. This metropolis has managed to preserve the spirit of the past and to combine it with the modern atmosphere of a fast development and flourishing economy.
CITY LINKS
- Interesting Places in Beijing: http://travelchinaguide.com/
- Useful Travel Tips: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/fast-facts.htm /
- Tourist Information: http://www.chinatour.com/
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- China Education Centre, all about studying in China http://www.chinaeducenter.com/en/university.php