Beijing Travel and Tourism Guide

The capital of China with 11 million people, blends the ancient and modern worlds. Yet, economic reforms and preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympics have accelerated the pace of change. Hutongs (ancient city dwellings) are being destroyed to make way for stadiums and attractions.
Beijing is incomparable; no other Chinese city offers so many marvels.Where else can you walk the Great Wall like a sentinel, crisscross the haunting expanses of Tiananmen Square,explore the splendors of the Forbidden City and gorge yourself on crispy Peking duck? The city is careening headlong into the 21st century; but just outside, you can still find wonderful mountain villages,rivers,waterfalls and lakes.

Highlights:
•The Great Wall-Its origins go back 2500 years. Contrary to popular opinion, it isn't one long wall, but broken into many pieces. The most popular section is Badaling; however, the most spectacular, unspoilt views can be found at Jiankou or Simatai.
•The Summer Palace-China's grand Imperial garden has been the site of Imperial palaces for 8 centuries, but this present-day retreat was created in the 18th century and fully restored just over 100 years ago.
•The Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)-China's most popular attraction was the inner city of 24 emperors for almost 500 years (1421-1911).
•Tiananmen Square-The center of the People's Republic of China and the world’s largest public square (the size of 90 football fields).
.The Olympic games in Aug 2008