“Northern Capital” might seem like a straightforward name. Beijing wasn’t always called that. Before settling on “Beijing” in 1403, the city had many names. Names like Jicheng, Yanjing, Nanjing, Zhongdu, Dadu and Beiping all came before. Now, let’s focus on the bridge before us. This is \u4ed3\u5ec9\u6865.
Beijing stands as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its history stretches back 3,000 years. That is six times older than New York. This long history has made Beijing a cultural hub.
Beijing has served as the capital for six notable Chinese governments. China has been ruled from here for over 700 years. That is why there are so many historical sites.
Beijing boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. They also include the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. The Ming Tombs, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, and the Grand Canal also rank among them.
Beijing is the second-largest city in China. Its municipality has a population of almost 22.5 million. This is within an area of 16,800 square kilometers. Navigating this vast city can be challenging.
Beijing Capital International Airport serves as a major gateway to China. It is often the first and last stop for travelers. The city’s air quality has improved. Efforts have been made to combat pollution.
Beijing first hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The Olympic Park showcases modern architectural marvels. The Bird’s Nest and Water Cube stand as testaments to engineering.
Beijing is arranged in rings. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are at its center. The city expanded outward over the decades. Each ring is marked by a circular road.
The Beijing pronunciation became standard Mandarin. The style of Chinese spoken in the capital became the standard dialect. Yet Beijing still has its own unique dialect. Speakers often add an “er” sound to the end of words.
Beijing is one of four province-level cities. It operates directly under the central government. The city manages its economy and makes policy decisions.
Beijing boasts the most billionaires in the world. It surpasses New York City and Hong Kong in its uber-rich population. The first KFC in China was built in Beijing in 1987. It sold over 2,200 buckets of chicken in 24 hours.