“Northern Capital”. That’s Beijing’s name. We are standing before the Nan Sha He Xi Bridge. Beijing itself is one of the oldest cities in the world.
The Nan Sha He Xi Bridge stands as a testament to Beijing’s enduring spirit. The city’s history stretches back some 3000 years. Think about that for a moment. That is as old as London. Beijing is six times older than New York. It’s even ten times older than Sydney.
Beijing has not always been called Beijing. Before settling on “Beijing” in 1403, the city had many names. It was called Jicheng “City of Ji”. Other names were Yanjing and Nanjing. It was also called Zhongdu “Central Capital”. Beijing which means “Northern Capital” was the 16th name given to the city.
For over 700 years China has been ruled from Beijing. That is why there are so many historical sites to explore here. Beijing is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. There is also the Summer Palace. Let’s not forget the Temple of Heaven. You could spend weeks exploring them all.
Beijing is also a cultural hub. It offers a unique collection of architecture, arts and cuisine. A visit isn’t complete without seeing imperial architecture. The Forbidden City is a must-see. Explore the narrow hutong lanes. Enjoy the Beijing opera. Taste the Beijing roast duck. Beijing offers glimpses into Chinese culture.
It is China’s second-largest city. Beijing Municipality has a population of almost 22.5 million people. That’s almost as many as Australia. It’s important to plan your time well. The crowds and traffic can be challenging.
The best times to visit Beijing are May or October. The highest recorded temperature is 42°C. The lowest is -27°C. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather.
Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. It was also the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The Olympic Park is a major attraction. Don’t miss the Bird’s Nest. The Water Cube is also worth a visit.
Beijing is a city constantly evolving. It blends ancient traditions with modern developments. As we stand here by the Nan Sha He Xi Bridge remember that Beijing leaves a lasting impression on all visitors.