Beijing is the second largest city in China, after Shanghai, and is the political and cultural capital of the country. Beijing covers and area of almost 17,000 square kilometers and has a population of almost 18 million people. Traditionally called Peking in English, Beijing's population is comprised of all of China's many ethnic groups as well as a large international population.

Located in the North China Plain, Beijing is ringed by mountains and enjoys warm, typically humid, summers. Winters tend to be cold and dry, with most of the city's annual precipitation falling in June and August. Occasional dust storms, blowing in from China's northern deserts, reach the city in late spring.

Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City form the center of the city. During Imperial China this area was thought to be the center of the Chinese Empire and, by default, the universe. From this center, a series of five concentric highways, or "ring roads" move out towards the perimeter. An extensive transportation system consisting of Beijing trains, Beijing buses, and Beijing taxis cover the entire metropolitan area and provide connections to outlying areas like the Great Wall and Ming Tombs.

The Beijing subway system currently features five lines, with most of the city serviced only by the crowded and sometimes complicated bus system. A large number of taxis service the entire city and usually charge 2 yuan, about US$0.30, per kilometer.

A major transportation hub for all of China, Beijing also features connections via train, bus, and airplane to almost all other cities in China. Beijing also serves as the major entrance point for travelers entering China from abroad.

The center of Beijing is built around a grid pattern and divided into seven main sections. Fengtai Disctrict and Xuanwu District make up the city's southwest, home of the Beijing South train station. In the southeast, Chongwen District is home to the iconic Temple of Heaven Park and the lively Beijing Dirt Market as well as two famous Beijing restaurants, known for their roast duck, Quanjude and Bianyifang.

In the northeast of Beijing is Chaoyang District. This area is home to much of the Beijing nightlife, particularly in the Sanlitun and Worker's Stadium areas. Much of Beijing's foreign population, embassies, and the Olympic park can be found in this area. The Bejing airport and the popular Silk Market can also be found in Chaoyang District.

To the west of Chaoyang District is Dongcheng District. Wangfujing street, a famous pedestrian shopping street and the central Beijing Train station can be found here. The Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square, and Zhongshan Park are also located withing Dongcheng District.

West of Dongcheng District is Xichang District, home of the Xidan Commercial Area, a good place for up-scale shopping. Beihai Park and the second largest Beijing bars area, Houhai Park, are also located within Xichang District.

Finally, in the northwest of Beijing is Haidian District, home of the Summer Palace and many of Beijing's universities.

The Great Wall of China is located on the edge of the greater Beijing municipality limit, to the north of the city center. To the southwest is the Marco Polo Bridge and to the southeast is the coastal city of Tianjin.

Beijing is in the north of China at the northern end of the North China Plain. Beijing spreads over nearly 17,000 square kilometers and a population approaching 15 million. Beijing is made up of 16 urban districts and 2 rural counties.

Beijing is the capital of China and the political centre of China. Beijing inner city is square in shape with the outer city being a rectangle and The Forbidden City in the centre. Central Beijing is made up of wide tree lined boulevards and highways with little alleyways running off. Parks and gardens are spread around the city.

Beijing history goes back over 700,000 years starting with the Peking man. Thirty-four emperors have lived in Beijing and meant that there are many palaces, tombs that that can be explored today.

Beijing is a modern 21st Century city and being prepared to show itself to the world with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Skyscrapers, shopping malls and traffic contrast with “Old Beijing” with teahouses, Opera, local markets and street life. Beijing centre is dominated by the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Nighttime has plenty of possibilities with restaurants, Beijing Opera, acrobatics, martial concerts, bars and clubs.

The main attractions are Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Beihai Park, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Fragrant Hill, The Peking Man, Big Bell Temple, Ming Tombs, Lugou Bridge and Grand View Garden.

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