Beijing Introduction: Attractions, Dining, History, Travel Toolkits

Beijing, as the capital city of China, is the political and cultural center of the country. The city’s history can be traced back to the earliest inhabitation by Beijing Man in prehistoric times, 700,000 years ago. Beijing’s history as an imperial capital dates from the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C. - 476 B.C.). It served as the political and cultural center in the successive dynasties of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing in China’s long history and consequently gave rise to a great number of historical and cultural relics and antiquities. Many visitors from all over the world come to explore the splendid history of both the capital and the country.

Take a Beijing tour is absolutely worthwhile! The Great Wall of China, the grandest ancient military fortification in the world, is a must for every traveler to China. The Forbidden City, a splendid complex of imperial palaces from China's Ming and Qing dynasties in the center of the city, shows the luxurious life of the Chinese emperors. Other imperial structures that are worth visiting include Summer Palace, Beihai Park and Temple of Heaven.

In addition to its historical wonders, Beijing's hutongs and courtyard complexes give visitors a feeling for the traditional daily life of the ordinary Beijing people.

Beijing is a gourmand's paradise with a full range of delicious cuisines from different regions at home and abroad. Restaurants in the city provide everything including the well-known Roast Duck , the gourmet Imperial Court Cuisine, flavored Mongolia Hotpot and hundreds of local snacks. There are also numerous western food restaurants providing a range of American, Brazilian, French, German, Indian and other cuisines catering for those who miss their home dishes.

Today, Beijing is becoming a sparkling metropolis with modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, efficient transport routes and numerous foreign investment enterprises. The near future is dominated by the Olympic Games, which will be hosted in Beijing in 2008.