“Northern Capital” is what Beijing means. Today, we explore a viewpoint here at 林海晨光, offering stunning views of this ancient city. Beijing boasts a history stretching back 3,000 years. It rivals London in age and dwarfs New York and Sydney.
Beijing has been the capital for six notable Chinese governments. For over 700 years, China has been ruled from here. This long history explains the numerous historical sites waiting to be discovered. The city wasn’t always known as Beijing. Before settling on this name in 1403, it went through a series of names. Jicheng, Yanjing and Dadu were all former names.
Beijing is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Great Wall stands as the longest wall in the world. It shows the incredible achievement of ancient defensive architecture. The Forbidden City is the largest palace worldwide. It is also China’s best-preserved imperial palace. The Temple of Heaven is considered Beijing’s holiest imperial temple. Emperors once spent their summers at the Summer Palace. It is the world’s largest imperial garden.
Beijing is a cultural hub with unique architecture, arts and cuisine. No cultural tour is complete without seeing the Forbidden City. Wander through the narrow hutong lanes lined with courtyard houses. Enjoy performing arts like the Beijing opera. Savor local cuisine such as Peking roast duck.
Beijing is China’s second-largest city, with a population of almost 22.5 million. Its area covers 16,800 square kilometers. Beijing Capital International Airport is the world’s second-busiest airport. It serves as a major entry and exit point for China.
The best times to visit are May and October. Beijing experiences extreme temperatures. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather. Beijing was the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The Olympic Park, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, is a sight to behold. Marvel at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
Beijing’s air quality has improved in recent years. The city has implemented measures to combat pollution. Breathing Beijing’s air for six average days equals smoking one cigarette. China Highlights even provides masks for bad air days. They are flexible to change your itinerary too.
Beijing is also one of the world’s oldest cities. Fossils indicate that Peking Man lived here. That was from 770,000 to 230,000 years ago. With the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square at its center, Beijing has expanded in rings outward. Beijing’s pronunciation became standard Mandarin. However, Beijing still has its own dialect.
The first KFC in China was built in Beijing on November 12, 1987. It sold over 2,200 buckets of chicken in 24 hours. Today, as you stand here at 林海晨光, remember Beijing’s rich history. It has transformed from an ancient city to a modern metropolis. It has retained its cultural heritage. Take in the view and reflect on the stories of this captivating city.