Location

The capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, is the country's political, economic, cultural and transportation center as well as being a famous historic city with over 3,000 years of cultural history.

Beijing is geographically located in the northwest part of the North China Plain and claims to be the second largest city in China covering an area of 16,807 square km with a population of around 12 million.

The ancient city of Beijing is the most concentrated location in the country for scenic spots and historical sites since the four feudal dynasties, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing all set up their headquarters here.

Among the city's best known sites are:

• Palace Museum
• The Summer Palace
• The Great Wall
• Temple of Heaven

The city also offers an endless mix of theatres, museums, nightlife, restaurants and shopping malls. Beijing, the 2008 Olympic host, is a city with fast development and modernization and aims to develop into a modern international metropolis carving the way to its future.

China/Beijing quick facts