Beijing, an ancient city, and the capital of People's Republic of China, is the political, cultural, domestic and international communication center of China, and is a famous, ancient historical and cultural city in the world. In 1040 B.C., Beijing was built in the current Guang'anmen, Xuanwu District, So it has over three thousand years history. In 938 A.D., the kingdom of Liao, which reigns over north China, takes Beijing (called Yanjing at that time) as the provisional capital; Being capital of Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasty, Beijing has over eight hundred and fifty years history as the capital; On Oct. 1, 1949, the P.R.C was founded and Beijing is decided as the capital of new China.

The long history endows Beijing with rich and intensive culture and numerous historical relics. The well-known scenic spots and historical sites are the Palace Museum (the most complete complex of palace in wooden structure), the elegant and magnificent Temple of Heaven, the fairyland Beihai in the real life, Guozijian, the Imperial College (the highest institution in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasty), Prince Gong's Mansion with the life track of the royal families and nobles.

The charm of Beijng also lies in the dense and particular cultural atmosphere. The Beijing-style culture takes in every other culture to become colorful and intensive. The charm and characteristics of Beijing are shown everywhere, including Hutong, the Courtyard Houses, the Culture Street; Beijing Opera, folk arts, folk crafts; food with Beijing flavor, century-old restaurants, etc. The continuous development of CBD, the construction of the new scenes, the buildings of large business, entertainment, and consumption centers in line with the international practice enrich Beijing with flourishing and modern international flavor.

Things You Must Do in Beijing

1. Vist the Six Cultural Heritages of the World: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs and the Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site.



2. Visit the Tian'anmen Square, the biggest city square of the world.

3. Visit Shichahai, Dashilaner, Liulichang to experience the cultural custom of Beijing Hutongs.

4. Visit the Olympic sites.

5. Visit the special performing places for enjoying Beijing opera and the talking and singing art of Beijing.

6. Taste Beijing Duck at Quanjude as well as all kinds of Beijing snacks.

7. Visit time-honored shops and buy Beijing folk craftworks.