Introduction to Beijing

Beijing, also known as Peking is the national Capital of the Peoples Republic of China, the cultural and political center of the largest Communist country on earth. At the center of the city lies Tiananmen Square, where the communist flag flies high against the back drop of the Forbidden City. Here a western visitor’s preconceived image of communist China’s capital, with its ancient cultural history makes perfect sense. However, hop in to a taxi and travel 5 minutes east, west, north or south and any visitor is hit by the sprawl of one of the top urban centers in the world. Here buildings designed by internationally renowned architects jostle for space with bill boards advertising the latest Motorola phone or Gucci handbags. Night clubs, bars and restaurants that are worthy of comparison with London or New York attract a trendy cosmopolitan crowd that is incomparable with images of China only fifteen years ago.

Nevertheless squeezed in amongst this 21st century landscape is evidence of a 3000 year old history. Examples include the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the numerous traditional ‘hutongs’ which make up many of the cities neighborhoods.

While most of the Olympic events will be held in the north of Beijing (Olympic Green, Ya Yuncun District) venues can be found in almost every part of the city. Furthermore, Qingdao, a picturesque seaside town with fantastic colonial architecture as well as Shanghai and Hong Kong, China's two financial centers will also host numerous events.

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