Beijing is located in the North and is China's capital and its most modern city. This bustling city is home to over 10 million people, while remaining steeped in China's rich, royal past. China's two final dynasties (1368-1911) and 26 emperors have bestowed Beijing with the richest dynastic heritage in the world.

Beijing is also home to an incredible cultural display of artistic and historical artefacts in more than 50 museums, while folk traditions flourish in theatres, delicious dining can be found in exotic settings, and cultural centres offer fascinating demonstrations of centuries old art and craft making.

On July 13^th 2001 Beijing was selected to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. With the motto "New Beijing, Great Olympics" and the goal to host a "Green Olympics", a "Hi-tech Olympics" and the "People's Olympics", Beijing is ready to become a truly international city. Beijing is planning to build the Olympic Green, and the Olympic Park that will set an example for how the Olympic Agenda in the 21^st century can be implemented.

Beijing, as a city dating back more than 3,000 years, is striding into the new century with a brand new image and a warm welcome to friends from the rest of the world. At the same time, the unique charm of the modern Olympics will embrace the people worldwide.

Attractions In Beijing

View the Beijing slide show

The Great Wall of China
As you first look upon the Great Wall, it is impossible not to be awestruck at this man-made structure. Construction started in the 7th century BC, with additions and rebuilding continuing until the 16th century AD. The Great Wall was built to keep out the warring invaders of the north, but additional sections were extended eastward for nearly 6,700 kilometres. The Badaling section is the most well-preserved section of the Wall. Climb to its top and walk for a mile in either direction: the Great Wall snakes ahead though the mountains as far as you can see. At the rugged, beautiful Mutianyu section, a cable car whisks you quickly to the top of the Wall.
The Forbidden City (the Palace Museum)
In the heart of the capital lies the Forbidden City, built during the Ming dynasty in 1406. The Forbidden City is actually a city-within-a-city; with 9999 rooms spread over 250 acres. During the Ming and Qing dynasty, 24 emperors made their home in the Forbidden City and forbade commoners from entering. The Emperor's Palace has been transformed into a museum that holds many treasures of the Imperial Family. Puyi, the last Emperor, occupied the Inner Palace as a royal residence until 1924.
Tian'anmen Square
Known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, is located across the street from the main entrance to the Forbidden City.
The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)
This masterpiece of Ming architecture is one of the most photographed buildings in the world due to its elegant beauty and symmetry. Built in 1420, it was the place where Ming and Qing emperors (Sons of Heaven) prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Music plays softly through the day in a 660-acre park surrounding the temple.
The Summer Palace
Built in 1750, the Palace overlooks tranquil Kunming Lake. There you can stroll along corridors where royal families spent their summers hundreds of years ago.
The Ming Tombs
Large stone animals and human figures line the famous Sacred Way, the entrance to the burial grounds. Set into the hillside is a complex of tombs of 13 emperors from the Ming dynasty.