Beijing

Beijing is one of the oldest cities and the current capital of China. It was formerly known as Beijing between English speaking people. The term, 'Beijing', literally means the capital of the North. According to Chinese legends, it is one of the "Four major capitals of China", the three other capitals are, Nanjing, Luoyan and Chang 'un. Beijing has been a capital in almost all the major dynasties of China, as the State of Yan, Liao Dynasty, Jin Dynasty, the Yuan dynasty, the Ming Dynasty and the Qing dynasty.

The city of Beijing has been asked by many names through the ages, like Beiping, Beijing and Yanjing, and even as Khanbaliq by the Mongols. Currently, Beijing is regarded as the cultural, political and educational capital of China. With China emerging as a leader in the global economy, Beijing is gaining importance and became the headquarters of a major world power. Beijing will host the Olympic Games in 2008. In addition to being the capital of China, Beijing is also a major Chinese

city, which is the equivalent of a province. The municipality of Beijing is surrounded by Hebin province in the north, west and east, the municipality of Tianjin is in its south-east.

Beijing can be a paradise for connoisseurs of oriental art. The alien hand 'batik', forcing the dyeing and printing works blue silk or any other tissue Beijing is a place for art lover would like to visit again and again. The artifacts and ornaments of jade and pearls are sure to attract your attention. Other brilliant works of art include Beijing dark pot of red sand, ivory ceramic sculpture. The collection of Chinese fabric collage and gold jewelry in the stores of Beijing is also commendable.

Beijing has many magnificent palaces, bazaars and museums, which attract hordes of tourists each year. The number of tourist sites within Beijing is more than 200. Beijing is home to the famous 'prohibited city ", the royal palace in Beijing is the largest royal residence in the world. It also has many places as Liulichang market, Xiushui Dongjie and flea market Panjiayuan. The most famous monument Beijing is probably the Temple of Heaven. Other attractions include Beijing Mutianyu, Simatai and the world’s highest court and the residence of Prince Gong.