Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It lies in the north of the North China Plain, 62% of the city's landmass are mountains. Together with Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing and Hangzhou, Beijing is one of the six ancient cities in China. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its exciting modern development.
Beijing's climate belongs to the warm temperate zone with a semi-humid climate. It has four distinctive seasons, with short springs and autumns while summers and winters are always long. Annual temperatures average 12.8 C. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -6.4C,and July, the hottest with an average temperature of 29.6C.
The Great Wall, symbolizing China's ancient civilization, is one of the world's most renowned projects. The Wall first began during the period of the Warring States (476 - 221 BC) for the strategic points by different kingdoms to protect their northern territories. Its total length is more than 6,700 kilometers, so we call it "Wan Li Chang Cheng.
Forbidden City is the largest and most well preserved imperial residence in China today. The construction of it began in 1406, under Ming Emperor Yongle which took 14 years. It becomes a world cultural legacy from 1987.
The Temple of Heaven, built in 1420,is one of the most strictly protected and preserved cultural heritages of China, and is the largest sacrificial complex in the world. The ancient Chinese believed that Heaven was the supreme ruler of the universe and the fate of mankind, and thus worshiping rites dedicated to Heaven came into being.
The construction of the Summer Palace first started in 1750.In 1860, this vast royal garden was burnt down along with the Yuanming Yuan (Garden of Perfection and Brightness) by Anglo-French allied forces. In 1888, Empress Dowager Cixi reconstructed the garden on the same site and renamed it the Garden of Nurtured Harmony (Summer Palace). Characterized by its vast scope and rich cultural embodiments, the Summer Palace has become one of the most famous tourist sites in the world.
Besides all the spots mention above, there are still many places worth seeing, such as The Ming Tombs, the Beihai Part, and National Museum, Shichahai and Hutong tours, etc.
Of course, while you visit Beijing, you can't miss the traditional performances such as the Beijing Opera, acrobatics and martial arts and the modern ones including concerts, ballroom dancin
g, pubs and clubs.
Great taste
Beijing cuisine is famous for its hundreds of dishes with special flavors that are unmatched by any other cuisine. Dishes prepared by Beijing chefs are soft, crisp, fresh and tender. The well-known Beijing Roast Duck is a representative of Beijing delicacies; it is favored at home and abroad. Others famous dishes are available at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Snacks include Small Steamed Corn Bread, Baked Cakes and Dumplings, etc.
Having a tour at Beijing is a must for most of the initial visitors to China and they usually stay here at least 3 or 4 nights so as to cover the highlights of the City. Your stay will be rewarded with a good impression of this old country and friendly people.
4
