Xizhimen Hotel in

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and is the nation's center of government, economy, culture, and international activities. It has 18 districts and counties, with an area of 16,800 square kilometers and a population of 11 million. Beijing (meaning Northern Capital ) is a place of both ancient history and dazzling modernity. The city itself is traversed by freeways and hundreds of flyovers. High-rises adorn the length of this city making it a major metropolis within China. Beijing, however, is a city of bewildering juxtapositions. Despite the urban construction that makes it modern, Beijing has a long history. I4s history started as early as 500 000 years ago, when Peking Man lived there. It is an ancient cultural city that served for more than 800 years as the capital of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Beijing is now known for its many special places of interest. While the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square represent the heart of Beijing, Beijing is a sprawling city wi