Guide to Beijing

Beijing

A real ancient citadel Beijing served as the capital for four dynasties - the Jins, the Yuans, the Mings and the Qings. Presently the city of Beijing is beautiful and advanced as well. It is both the hub of the Chinese communist political power and an architectural paradise. It is a welcoming destination for tourists.

Whether you come across a Soviet-style monument or a shimmering tower emerging from the ruins of an ancient temple, Beijing houses it all. Above all, Beijing has a rich cultural past, while its present status depicts modernity at its best. But Beijing has not always been a bed of roses. It has been the witness to several wars and invasions that has left it devastated from time to time. Beijing also hosted the 29th Olympic Games in 2008.

The people of Beijing speak in Beijinghuà and enjoy their leisure playing a game of chess or watching the world go by. Beijing has a huge population though much of it comprises of non-natives. While the main city consists of 4 districts, the suburban area is made up of 12 districts. There are two counties as well. The city has a total area of 16,807.8 square kilometres of which 62% is of mountainous region and the rest plain. The grandeur of the city gives it the name 'Curved Beijing' since Beijing is covered by Mt. Taihang and Mt. Yanshan in the west and north respectively making a semicircular ridge like curving with the Nankouguan Ditch in between.

The city lies to the northern most part of the North China Plain and is guarded by Inner Mongolian Plain and Shanxi Province to the northwest and the Bohai Sea on the east. Beijing shares a common time zone with China that is 8 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time. Its city flower is Chrysanthemum or China rose and its city tree is Arborvitae.

Popular Beijing attractions

Beijing offers a wide array of tourist attractions. It is a rich and vibrant city with historical sites, museums, parks, valleys, lakes, caves and gardens. Among the most popular attractions are:

• The Great Wall
• Imperial College
• Prince Gong's Mansion
• Cuandixia Village
• Ancient Cliff House
• Dajue Temple, Yunju Temple, Hongluo Temple

Apart from these there are many parks, museums, tombs, valleys and scenic area. You can also visit the Grand View Garden, Kangxi Grassland, Beijing Zoo, Taipingyang Underwater World, Beijing Aquarium, Shijinglong Ski Resort and Beijing Botanical Garden.

Beijing activities

While at Beijing you can do ice-skating, play golf, practice go-karting or balling. Visits to an amusement park or hiking the Great Wall on a bike are other exciting options. You may also pamper yourself at some luxurious spa.

Dining at Beijing

Beijing presents a typical Chinese spread of food. Visitors may dine at small kiosks or costly restaurants while listening to classical Chinese music. Street food is great at Donghuamen Night Snack Street, Wangfujing Snack Street and Gui Jie. Official Food, Imperial Court Food, snacks and International cuisine are also on offer. Tipping is not mandatory though restaurant bills might include service charge. Payments may be made through cash or credit cards.

Shopping at Beijing

Beijing boasts of huge shopping malls, multi-brand outlets and departmental stores. From clothes to antiques and curios, pottery, handicrafts, carpet, silk fabrics, masks, tea and Opera instruments everything is available at Beijing's markets. You can bargain your price at the Beijing Curio City, Hongqiao Market, Panjiayuan Market or any of the other markets. Silk Street, Wangfujing Street and Liulichang Cultural Street are popular shopping destinations.

Beijing Festivals

Chinese festivals take place according to the lunar calendar. The Chinese New Year, Kai Nien, lantern festival, Ching Ming, Dragon Boat Festival and mid autumn festival are popular Chinese festivals that attract tourists to the city. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and splendour. They form an integral part of Chinese culture and tradition.