Beijing Facts

Beijing Tian'anmen OverviewTian'anmen Overview

Name: Beijing (北京Běijīng /bay-jing/)
Previous names: Peking, Beiping, Dadu, Jingcheng, and Yanjing

Features

  • The world's longest wall and biggest ancient architecture, the Great Wall
  • The world's largest palace, the Forbidden City
  • Northern terminus of China's Grand Canal

Main Attractions

Also read How to eat like a local in Beijing? .

History

Capital of 8 notable dynasties and governments:

  • 221 BC Yan State Capital, Warring States Period
  • 1271 first a national capital for the Yuan Dynasty
  • 1402 Became Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) capital
  • 1644 Qing Dynasty capital
  • 1912 Republic of China capital
  • October 1, 1949 People's Republic of China inaugurated by Mao Zedong
  • 2008: hosted the Olympic Games

Geography

The Great Wall The Great Wall Overview
  • Significance of city: capital of the People's Republic of China; political, educational and cultural center, China's No.1 tourist city, China's second largest city.
  • Nearby cities: Tianjin (120km/75mi), Shijiazhuang (230km/140mi), Qinhuangdao (270km/170mi).
  • Municipality terrain: Huabei Plain, 32% plain, 68% mountains, 180 km (110 mi) from the Bohai Sea at Tianjin.
  • Average altitude: 44 meters (144 feet)
  • Main rivers: Yongding, Chaobai and the North Canal.
Also Read Beijing's Top 10 Shopping Areas

Location Information

  • Municipality location: 39.45N to 41.06N, 115.42 to 117.26E, North China
  • Municipality Population: 19,600,000
  • Municipality Area: 16,800 sq km (6,487 sq mi)
  • Built up area: 3,200 sq km (1,200 sq mi)
  • Core districts and inner suburbs area: 1,400 sq km (540 sq mi)
  • City proper population: 11,700,000
  • City proper population density: 7,400/sq km
  • North to south distance (including suburbs): 64 km (40 mi)
  • East to west distance (including suburbs): 64 km (40 mi)
  • City center: Tian'anmen (39.9087N, 116.3974E), between Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City

Climate

  • Highest temperature: 42 °C (109 °F)
  • Lowest temperature: -27 °C (-17 °F)
  • Dry, annual precipitation: 570 mm (22 in)
  • Known for air pollution (improved dramatically since the 2008 Olympics) and dust storms

Economy

Wangfujing Walking Street Wangfujing Walking Street
  • Average annual income (2008): 36,000 RMB (4,600 USD)
  • Development: rich and well-developed, behind only Shanghai and Hong Kong
  • Industry: 73% tertiary industry (especially finance), also automobile and real estate, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and materials engineering.
  • CBD: Guomao Area (39.91N, 116.46E), Chaoyang District
  • Shopping Streets: Wangfujing Street

Transportation

Facts of major cities and attractions in China

How to Plan a Beijing Tour
Hi, I'm Candice Song
I updated this article on April 9, 2013
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Q: JHJH Asked on 2013-01-28 Reply
is it worth it to come to beijing?
Hi JHJH, absolutely yes. The Great Wall is one the 8 wonders in the world. And the forbidden city is one of the best preserved palaces in the world. Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-01-29
Q: adel Asked on 2013-01-23 Reply
hi,i am looking for oil body massage in beijing, any help please
Deaer Sir or Madam, I am not familiar with this thing, but the hotel will provide this service in general. You could check it when you arrive in Beijing. Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-01-24
Q: maya Asked on 2012-11-19 Reply
is there any natural habitat around Beijing like lake or river or any pretty scene?

Hi Maya, you can visit the Summer Palace, Beihai Park, Jingdong Grand Canyon, etc.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-11-20
Q: mimi Asked on 2012-09-18 Reply
shunyi district in Beijing is which part of Beijing?

Hello mimi, yes, shunyi district is part of Beijing. It is at the northeast of Beijing. The Beijing Capital  Airport is also in shunyi district. Will you go to shunyi district? Please let me know if there is anything i can help you.

Simon Huang Replied on 2012-10-09