Steeped in Beijing’s geological tapestry is \u5927\u7c73\u5d16. Let me tell you about this imposing cliff. \u5927\u7c73\u5d16 stands as a testament to the raw power of nature.
Beijing itself is an ancient city. Its history stretches back 3000 years. That’s about as old as London. It is six times older than New York. Beijing has been the capital of China for over 700 years. This is why there are so many historical sites to explore.
The city wasn’t always called Beijing. It held many names before settling on Beijing in 1403. Before that it was Jicheng. It was also called Yanjing and Nanjing. Other names were Zhongdu and Dadu. Beiping was another name. Beijing means Northern Capital. It was the city’s 16th name.
Beijing is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Great Wall. The Forbidden City is also one. You can also find the Summer Palace here. Don’t forget the Temple of Heaven. The Ming Tombs are UNESCO sites too. The Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian and the Grand Canal round out the list.
Beijing is a cultural hub. It has unique architecture and arts. The cuisine is special too. A Beijing culture tour is not complete without seeing imperial architecture. The Forbidden City is a must-see. Don’t forget the hutong lanes. They are lined with traditional courtyard houses. Enjoy performing arts like Beijing opera. Try Beijing cuisine like roast duck.
Beijing is the second-largest city in China after Shanghai. The best times to visit Beijing are May and October.
Beijing has hosted both the summer and winter Olympics. One of the biggest sights is the Olympic Park. It was built for the Summer Olympics in 2008. China’s National Stadium is called the Bird’s Nest. The National Aquatics Center is known as the Water Cube.
The history of Beijing goes way back. If old records are correct, Beijing is the original domain of the Yellow Emperor. His Huaxia tribe founded the Xia Dynasty around the Beijing region.
Beijing is well-watered by rivers. These rivers flow from the mountains to the north. They enabled farmers to support cities thousands of years ago.
According to Sima Qian, the Yellow Emperor’s domain included present-day Beijing. He fought a battle in Yanqing. By winning this war, the Yellow Emperor became the ruler of the Central Plains.
The City of Ji was built almost 3000 years ago. Yan made Ji its capital and called it Yanjing. The Qin Empire conquered Yanjing in 222 BC.
The Sui Empire built the Grand Canal. It linked Ji to central China. The canal aided the population. It increased from 102079 in 618 AD to 371312 residents in 742.
The Mongols captured Zhongdu in 1215. They looted and burned it. They called it Yanjing at first. Kublai Khan moved the capital of the Yuan Empire to Beijing in 1264. The new capital was called Dadu. Marco Polo wrote about its size and prosperity.
Emperor Yongle prepared Beiping to be his new capital from 1403 to 1420. He renamed the city Beijing. Yongle built the Forbidden City. He also built the Temple of Heaven.
Beijing was the largest city in the world from 1425 to 1635. The Manchu invaders established the Qing Empire. Beijing was their capital.
In 1860, English and French troops took control of greater Beijing. In 1900, foreign troops occupied Beijing again. In 1949, Beijing became the capital of Communist China.
As you stand here admiring \u5927\u7c73\u5d16 remember the eons it took to form. Consider the history etched into every crevice. It stands as a silent witness to Beijing’s long and storied past. A past that continues to unfold even now.