Could you imagine the history of Beijing stretching back 3,000 years? Today we are at Lin Yuan Guan Yu, a viewpoint to capture some of that history. Beijing stands as one of the world’s oldest cities. It is six times older than New York.
Lin Yuan Guan Yu offers more than just a view. It provides a connection to a city that has been the capital for six notable Chinese governments. Imagine China being ruled from Beijing for over 700 years. That is why there are so many historical sites to explore.
Beijing has not always been called Beijing. Before settling on that name in 1403, it bore a series of names. These include Jicheng, Yanjing, and Dadu. Beijing means Northern Capital and was the 16th name given to the city.
Beijing is a cultural hub. It offers unique architecture, arts, and cuisine. The Forbidden City shows imperial architecture. Narrow hutong lanes are lined with traditional courtyard houses. You can glimpse Chinese culture through the lens of its capital from Lin Yuan Guan Yu.
Beijing is the second-largest city in China. Its municipality has a population of almost 22.5 million. That is almost as many people as in Australia. The city spans 16,800 square kilometers.
The best times to visit Beijing are May or October. Beijing experiences temperature extremes. The highest recorded temperature is 42 degrees Celsius. The lowest is -27 degrees Celsius.
Beijing has hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The Olympic Park, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, is a major sight. China’s National Stadium and National Aquatics Center are outstanding marvels.
Air quality in Beijing is improving. Breathing Beijing’s air for six average days is the equivalent of smoking one cigarette. The city has made great strides in improving its air quality.
Beijing is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace. The Temple of Heaven and Ming Tombs are also UNESCO sites. You can also find the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian and the Grand Canal here.
From Lin Yuan Guan Yu, remember that you are looking at a city with layers of history. It is a city of ancient wonders and modern achievements. Take in the view and consider all that Beijing has been and continues to be.