As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's center of government, economy, culture, and international activities, as well as serving as a transportation hub to the entire country. With a population of 11 million people, Beijing contains 18 districts and countries covering an area of 10,450 square miles. The suburbs contain: Dongcheng, Xicheng, Xuanwu, Chongwen, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai, and Shijingshan. An outer suburban area consists of: Fangshan, Mengtougou, Changping, Tongxian, Shunyi, Daxing, Huairou, Miyun, Pinggu, and Yianqing.

 

Places to Visit

Forbidden City: The Forbidden City, located at the center of Beijing's central axis, is the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, formerly known as the Imperial Palace. This palace complex, with its magnificent scale and unique architectural style, stands as an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese royal palace architecture and one of the largest and most intact wooden ancient buildings in the world.

The construction of the Forbidden City began in the fourth year of Yongle's reign in the Ming Dynasty (1406) and was modeled after the Nanjing Imperial Palace. It took 14 years to complete and was officially finished in the 18th year of Yongle's reign (1420). Covering an area of approximately 720,000 square meters and boasting a building area of around 150,000 square meters, the Forbidden City boasts over 70 palaces and countless rooms. Its architectural style is full of traditional Chinese elements, such as wooden structures, glazed tiles, stone carvings, and brick carvings, showcasing the charm of ancient Chinese architecture. Additionally, its architectural structure is scientifically designed, reflecting the sophistication of ancient building techniques.

The Forbidden City is divided into two parts: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court, centered around the Taihe Hall, Zhonghe Hall, and Baohe Hall, collectively known as the Three Main Halls, is where the state held grand ceremonies. The Inner Court, centered around the Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Palace, and Kunning Palace, collectively known as the Three Rear Palaces, is the official residence of the emperor and empress. Furthermore, the Forbidden City boasts beautiful landscapes and precious cultural relics, adding rich cultural connotations and artistic value to the palace.

As an important carrier of ancient Chinese culture, the buildings, artifacts, paintings, and calligraphy in the Forbidden City possess extremely high artistic and historical significance. Its architectural layout and style embody the profound cultural heritage of ancient China and showcase the remarkable achievements of ancient Chinese architecture. Additionally, as the political center of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City has witnessed many significant historical events and stories, making it invaluable for historical research.

Therefore, the Forbidden City is not only a treasure of ancient Chinese palace architecture but also an essential part of the cultural heritage of the Chinese nation and the world's cultural heritage. Nowadays, the Forbidden City has become one of China's major tourist attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience its unique charm.

 

The Great Wall at Badaling: Badaling Great Wall is an important component of the Great Wall of China, located at the northern exit of Guan'gou Ancient Path in Jundu Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing. It is a crucial part of the ancient and magnificent defensive project known as the Great Wall, serving as a strategic pass of the Ming Great Wall. Badaling Great Wall, known as "the danger of Jūyong lies not in the pass but in Badaling", stands as an important military stronghold and shield for the capital, Beijing.

With its precipitous terrain and commanding position, Badaling Great Wall played a significant role in military defense during the Ming Dynasty. Its pass city, built in the 18th year of the Hongzhi reign (1505) and repaired during the Jiajing and Wanli reigns, is trapezoidal in shape, narrower on the east and wider on the west. The east gate is inscribed with "Jūyong Outer Fortress" and dates back to the 18th year of the Jiajing reign (1539), while the west gate, inscribed with "The Key to the North Gate" and dating to the 10th year of the Wanli reign (1582), displays similar historical significance. Both gates are constructed of brick and stone, with platforms above the arched entrances that lead to passageways connecting to the walls of the pass city. Enemy towers and fortifications are situated on both sides of the north and south walls, while the surrounding walls extend approximately 760 meters in length with an average height of 7.8 meters. The top of the wall serves as a horse path, measuring 5.8 meters in width.

Not only does Badaling Great Wall possess significant military strategic importance, but it also serves as a symbol of Chinese culture and history. Every year, countless tourists visit this location to admire its majestic scenery and immerse themselves in the profound heritage of ancient Chinese civilization. Additionally, Badaling Great Wall is a prominent tourist attraction in China, drawing a large number of domestic and international visitors.

 

798 Art Zone: The 798 Art District, located at No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, is a cultural and creative industry cluster that serves as an important showcase for contemporary Chinese art. Originally part of the 718 Joint Factory, a key industrial project constructed with Soviet aid and designed by East Germany, from 1952 to 1964, 798 has transformed over the years. Starting in 2002, due to its low rent, the area attracted a large number of artist studios and contemporary art institutions, gradually evolving into a vibrant artistic community.

Covering an area of over 600,000 square meters, the 798 Art District can be roughly divided into six sections, each with its unique artistic atmosphere. In particular, the D and E zones along the 798 Road are densely populated with cultural institutions, including galleries, design studios, art exhibition spaces, and artist studios, totaling over 400. This area is not only a platform for displaying artworks but also a hotspot for cultural exchange and creative collision.

In terms of design, the 798 Art District retains the characteristics of industrial heritage, with a clear road network and distinct spatial structures of factories and courtyards. Some of the old factory buildings have been preserved intact and transformed into contemporary art exhibition spaces, leveraging the large-scale interior workshops. This perfect fusion of industrial and artistic elements provides a unique and creative environment for artists.

Furthermore, the 798 Art District regularly hosts various artistic events, such as art exhibitions and cultural exchange activities, attracting numerous artists, scholars, and tourists. It also gathers numerous fashion stores, restaurants, bars, as well as institutions related to animation, film and television media, publishing, design consulting, and more, offering visitors a comprehensive artistic experience.

In terms of honors, the 798 Art District has also received numerous awards. On December 19, 2007, the modern and contemporary architectural complex of 798 was announced as part of the "First Batch of Excellent Modern and Contemporary Buildings in Beijing" by the Beijing Municipal Planning Commission and the Beijing Municipal Cultural Relics Bureau. On December 25, 2020, it was designated as a second-batch national cultural industry demonstration park by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. More recently, in October 2023, the 798 Art District in Beijing was confirmed as a national industrial tourism demonstration base, further testament to its outstanding achievements in cultural and creative industries and industrial tourism.

Overall, the 798 Art District, with its unique industrial heritage background, rich artistic resources, and vibrant cultural atmosphere, has become an important cultural icon of Beijing and even China. Whether for artists, scholars, or ordinary tourists, it is a must-visit artistic destination.

 

USEFUL INFORMATION

Dial these numbers:

· Emergency Services: For police assistance, dial 110. For fire services, call 119. And for ambulances, dial 120.

· Weather Forecast: Stay updated on the latest weather conditions by calling 12121 or visiting the official website of the Beijing Meteorological Bureau.

Beijing Health Information:

Beijing boasts a range of top-notch hospitals and clinics that cater to the needs of international patients. It’s advisable to carry your insurance information and any relevant medical records during your stay. Additionally, pharmacies are easily accessible throughout the city, providing convenient access to medication and other healthcare products.

Electrical Receptacles, Electrical Outlets, Electrical Plugs, Adapter Plugs and Voltage:

Beijing uses the standard Chinese two-pin plugs. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. It’s essential to bring along appropriate adapters or converters for your electronic devices to ensure compatibility with the local electrical system.

Means of Transportation:

· Metro: Beijing’s subway system is efficient, convenient, and extensive, connecting all major attractions and business areas. With multiple lines and stations, it’s an excellent way to navigate the city quickly and easily.

· Taxi: Taxis are a common and affordable mode of transportation in Beijing. They are easily available on the streets or can be booked through mobile apps.

· Bus: Beijing’s bus network covers the entire city, providing a cost-effective way to get around. With various routes and frequent services, buses are a convenient option for exploring the city.