Beijing, the capital of China, is one of the world’s largest cities with a population of over 14 million. Beijing first became an imperial capital during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), and both the Ming and Qing emperors ruled from the Forbidden City at its heart. Today, an all-pervading spirit of change has added an exciting new dimension to the city.

Expanding in concentric rings from the Forbidden City at its core, the grid-like layout of modern-day Beijing still echoes its Ming dynasty blueprint. Old Beijing survives in its temples, palaces, and old alleyways (hutong) that crisscross the city outside the second ring road, which itself charts the loop of the demolished City Wall. Within this ancient outline are huge avenues, vaulting flyovers, towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square. The city that the 13th-century Genghis Khan once put to the torch is undergoing a new, dramatic face-lift, as a result of a culmination of a quarter-century of reform, the pressures of a growing population, and the 2008 Olympics.

Beijing is a microcosm of modern China, a bustling mix of affluent shoppers, trendy youths, and entertainment options range from traditional Beijing opera and spectacular acrobatics to modern jazz. And in the capital’s many restaurants, China’s diverse cuisine can be sampled across its range - from the fierce spices of Sichuan to the dainty morsels of Cantonese dim sum.

There are most significant sights and districts in Beijing. At the core is the Forbidden City, with Tiananmen Square and Qian Men, and the shopping district of Wangfujing to its east. North of the Forbidden City stand the Drum and Bell Towers and farther northeast is the Buddhist Lama Temple. North of Beihai Park, the Mansion of Prince Gong stands in a historic hutong quarter, the old alleyways that riddle the city. To the south, Tian Tan, known as the Temple of Heaven, is a majestic example of Ming Dynasty design. Beijing’s environs are also dotted with sites including the magnificent Great Wall and the scenic Ming Tombs.

A system of ring roads encircles the city center, and the best way to explore this area is by taxi or by subway. The bus service, though extensive, is generally slow and overcrowded. Organized tours are another option for a quick overview of the sights. Most hotels and agencies operate tour buses for visiting sights outside Beijing, although hiring a taxi for the day allows for greater flexibility.

The following are complete Beijing travel guide:

Tiananmen Square Beijing Travel Guide

Forbidden City Beijing Travel Guide

Temple of Heaven Beijing Travel Guide

Summer Palace Beijing Travel Guide

The Ming Tombs Travel Guide

The Great Wall of China Travel Guide

Eastern Qing Tombs Travel

Yuanming Yuan Travel

Beijing Siheyuan and Hutong Travel

Beijing Parks Travel

Temple Travel in Beijing

Other Tourist Destinations in Beijing