Cities

navlist.gif (330 bytes) Beijing
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 The capital of China, in the northeast part of the country. Founded c. 700 B.C., it is a major commercial, industrial, and cultural center. The Inner City contains the Imperial, or Forbidden, City. Population, 5,860,000.

c_beijing_s.jpg (9449 bytes)Renowned in the world as an ancient capital with a brilliant culture, Beijing has a history of more than 3,000 years and has been the capital of the Jin - 1115 to 1234, Yuan - 1271 to 1368, Ming - 1368 to 1644 and Qing - 1644 to 1911 dynasties over 700 years. The rise and fall of the dynasties left behind a host of cultural relics and ruins. The city now possesses 2,600 temples, 51 historic sites and 24 key units under the state preservation program. Beijing is a hub of transportation and communication in China. Hotels, multi-fare restaurants and services of international standards are available here for local and overseas tourists to Beijing. The Capital International Airport is 30 kilometers northeast of the city center.

THE GREAT WALL
The best preserved and most imposing section of the wall is at Badaling, 80 kilometers north of Beijing, but the magnitude and beauty of the wall can also be seen at Jinshanling, Mutianyu, and Simatai. The Great Wall is about 70 km from the city centre and is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. (see attractions)

THE FORBIDDEN CITY
The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors in its over 500 years of history. This is also China's largest cultural museum, where more than 900,000 pieces of cultural relics and ancient art are kept and displayed. Located in the city center, open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. (see attractions)

THE SUMMER PALACE
The Summer Palace, a classical imperial garden, was originally a temporary abode for Qing royalties during hot summers. They often held their birthday celebrations here. Within the Palace are towering hills, meandering paths and long corridors. Over 3,000 architectures are scattered among its hills and around lakes. The Summer Palace is about 20 km from the city center, open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
Where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties made sacrifices and worshipped Heaven. They also performed their prayers for good harvests here. The main architectures of the Tiantan Park are the Qinian Hall, the Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Qianlong, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. The famous Echo Wall and Triple-Sound Stones are housed within the Imperial Vault of Heaven. Tiantan Park, situated on the south of the city, is open from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm.

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