The Political Heart of China
As China’s capital since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Beijing serves as the nation’s political nerve center. The iconic Tiananmen Square (440,000 sqm) hosts the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. Nearby, Zhongnanhai compound houses central government offices. Witness the daily flag-raising ceremony (timed to sunrise) for a patriotic spectacle.
Cultural Tapestry Through Dynasties
Beijing’s UNESCO-listed heritage includes:
- Forbidden City (1420): 980 buildings across 72 hectares
- Temple of Heaven (1420): Imperial prayer complex with perfect acoustics
- Summer Palace (1750): Largest royal garden (2.9 sq km)
Traditional arts thrive in:
- Liulichang Cultural Street: Calligraphy and antique hub
- National Centre for the Performing Arts: Modern titanium dome hosting Peking opera
Historical Timeline Highlights
| Period | Legacy |
| 1045 BC | Earliest settlement (Ji City) |
| 1271-1368 | Yuan Dynasty capital |
| 1406-1420 | Forbidden City construction |
| 1644 | Qing Dynasty conquest |
| 2008 | Olympic Games host |
Must-Visit Attractions
- Great Wall at Mutianyu (Less crowded, cable car available)
- 798 Art Zone (50+ galleries in former factories)
- Hutongs (Nanluoguxiang best preserves Ming-era layout)
- Lama Temple (Tibetan Buddhism’s Beijing outpost)
- National Museum of China (1.4 million artifacts)
Practical Information
- Best Visit Months: April-May; September-October
- Transport: Subway (¥3-9), Didi (Chinese Uber), Bicycle sharing (scan QR codes)
- Etiquette: Remove shoes in temples, no tipping culture
- Emergency: Dial 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance)
