|
Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is the nation's political and cultural centre. Located in the North, Beijing is the most modern city of China as well as a worldrenowned historical, cultural and educational city.
Beijing City is an independently administered municipal district. She is situated in the northeastern part of China at an elevation of 43.5m above sea level and 183 kilometres from the sea. It has a whole area of 16808 sq km (about 6500 sq mi), stretching 160 kilometres from east to west and over 180 kilometres north to south, of which 38% is flat land and 62% mountains. She has 18 districts and counties with Dongcheng, Xicheng, Xuanwu, Chongwen, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai and Shijingshan in the surburbs and Fangshan, Mengtougou, Changping, Tongxian, Shunyi, Daxing, Huairou, Miyun, Pinggu and Yianqing in the outer suburbs. Population in Beijing is about 12 million. |
A small town appeared on the present site of southwestern Beijing in 1045 B. C. It was named Ji and then changed to Yan. At the beginning of the 10th century, it was the second capital of the Liao Dynasty. From then on, the city had been the capital of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties until 1911. In the early twenties, Beijing became the cradle of China's new democratic revolution. The May Fourth Movement against imperialism and feudalism began here in 1919. On October Ist, 1949, Chairman Mao proclaimed to the whole world the founding of the People's Republic of China. Subsequently, the city has gone by the names of Ji, Zhongdu, Dadu, and finally Beijing when the Ming Dynasty Emperor ChengZu chose the name in 1421. Beijing was also known as Peking by the Western world before 1949.
In the past 20 years, Beijing has developed rapidly in an all-round way. Now Beijing is a modern metropolis with charm of an ancient city in the East. Under the blue sky and white clouds, red walls, glazed tiles and skyscrapers add radiance and beauty each other.
Beijing has not only countless ancient palaces, imperial gardens, altars, temples, tombs and other historical and cultural sites which retains plenty of evidence of its royal past, but also many picturesque natural scenic spots. Beijing has been well known in the world for its numerous historical sites, elegant gardens and beautiful landscape. It is home to an incredible cultural display of art and historical artifacts in more than 50 museums, folk traditions that flourish in theaters, delicious dining in exotic settings, and cultural centers with fascinating demonstrations of centuries-old art and craft-making.
Nowhere else can you get a more concentrated impression of the old and new China. Beijing is the treasure trove of Chinese culture, where many of the sights that make China a world-class destination are located.
Beijing enjoys a moderate continental climate. The average yearly rainfall is about 600 to 700 millimeters. Much of it falls in the late June, July and August. Spring in Beijing is dry and dusty, summer rainy, winter long, sunny and dry. The frost-free period is 185 days.January is the coldest month (-4 Celsius), while July the warmest (26 Celsius).The best season to visit Beijing, as many other parts of China, is autumn. |
