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Beijing

Beijing-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

Beijing, the capital of China, is a vast metropolis with a population surpassing 22 million, rendering it the most populous national capital globally and the second-largest city in China after Shanghai. Deeply ingrained in more than three millennia of rich history, this historic city is evidence of China’s ongoing cultural legacy and fast modernizing might.

Beijing, one of the top worldwide cities, is a central hub for politics, commerce, finance, culture, diplomacy, and economics. Its impact also reaches into education, research, language, travel, journalism, sports, science, technology, transportation, and art. The fact that most of China’s biggest state-owned businesses’ headquarters are located in the city and that Fortune Global 500 corporations abound there clearly show its economic strength. Beijing also ranks as a financial powerhouse as it hosts the four largest financial institutions in the world based on total assets.

Beijing’s strategic relevance is underlined even further by its central hub for both national and foreign transportation systems. Connecting the city to the rest of China and beyond, its vast roadway, expressway, railway, and high-speed rail system Beijing Capital International Airport was second busiest worldwide from 2010 to 2019 and Asia’s busiest airport for ten years before the COVID-19 epidemic. As of 2020, the city’s subway system is also really remarkable; it ranks fourth busiest and second longest in the globe. Complementing its capacity for transportation, the second international airport in Beijing Daxing International Airport has the distinction of biggest single-structure airport terminal worldwide.

The city’s worldwide profile goes beyond just transportation and business. Beijing has shown again and again that it can hold big international events, most famously the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Beijing became the first city ever to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics in 2022 as well as both Paralympic editions in a historic triumph. This achievement emphasizes the adaptability of the city to several sports disciplines and seasons.

Beijing’s architecture offers an amazing mix of old and new forms. The city deftly balances its rich historical legacy against modern urban growth. On one side, guests may tour rebuilt and refurbished areas reflecting the forward-looking mentality of the city. Conversely, classic hutong areas preserve the beauty and spirit of ancient China, therefore providing a window into Beijing’s history. From an old imperial capital to a contemporary global metropolis, Beijing’s trip throughout time is visually shown by its architectural variety.

One cannot exaggerate Beijing’s historical importance. For much of the previous eight centuries, it has been China’s political hub as the last of its Four Great Ancient Capitals. Beijing stood as the biggest city in the world by population for most of the second millennium CE. Surrounded on three sides by mountains and guarded by both inner and outside city walls, its strategic position made it the perfect site for the imperial capital. Carefully designed to fit the emperor’s house and the intricate machinery of imperial government, the city’s architecture and layout

There are many and amazing cultural and historical jewels in the city. Beijing’s extravagant palaces, temples, parks, gardens, tombs, walls, and gates are well known. These architectural wonders are windows into China’s imperial history as well as tourist draws. Among the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites the city boasts are parts of the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the famous Forbidden City, and elements of the Summer Palace. Beijing is among the most visited cities worldwide thanks in great part to these landmarks as well as several national monuments and museums. The city’s tourism sector boomed in 2018; Beijing ranked second among all the tourist cities worldwide, just behind Shanghai.

Siheyuans, the city’s classic dwelling form, and hutongs—the little alleyways winding between these courtyard homes—define traditional Beijing architecture. Still key attractions for tourists, these architectural elements provide visitors a real feel of ancient Beijing. They provide a clear contrast to the contemporary skyline of the city and insight into the everyday lives of Beijing’s citizens during past years.

One other area where Beijing shines is education. More than one-fifth of China’s Double First-Class Construction universities, a national endeavor aiming at establishing world-class higher education institutions, are public universities of the city. Many of these colleges routinely rank among the finest in the Asia-Pacific area and worldwide. Renowned universities such Tsinghua University and Peking University call Beijing home, drawing top scholars and students from all throughout China and beyond.

Beijing’s economic impact goes beyond of conventional industries. With several skyscrapers either recently built or under development, the Beijing Central Business District (CBD) becomes the center of attention for the economic growth of the city. Beijing’s ambition and its acceptance of contemporary urban development are symbolized by its upward rise. Concurrently, the Zhongguancun region is becoming a global leader in scientific and technical innovation as well as in entrepreneurship. Beijing’s scientific research output has been much enhanced by this tech cluster; the city often ranks first in the Nature Index since the list’s launch in 2016.

Beijing’s significance on a global scene is clearly shown by its function as a diplomatic center. The city has 175 foreign embassies and acts as the headquarters for many worldwide agencies. These call for the Silk Road Fund, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Further confirming Beijing’s reputation as a hub of knowledge and expertise are important national institutions such the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences there.

Renminbi (CNY)

Currency

1045 BCE (as Ji)

Founded

+86 (Country)10 (Local)

Calling code

21,893,095

Population

16,410.54 km² (6,336.14 sq mi)

Area

Standard Chinese

Official language

43.5 m (142.7 ft)

Elevation

China Standard Time (UTC+8)

Time zone

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