Beijing is the capital of the people's Republic of China and is
therefore the political, cultural, and educational centre of the nation. It has
been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history.
Situated in the north eastern part of China, the city has been given various
names previously - with the most recent being Peking, which was the name of the
city prior to 1949.
Because of its role in the life and growth of China, there is an unequalled
wealth available for travellers to discover as you explore Beijing's ancient
past and enjoy its exciting 21st Century world. In 2008 when Beijing hosts the
Olympic Games, and it will show the world something so special that
everyone will be awestruck by the city'slatest accomplishments combined with its
ancient history.
King Wu was the first to declare Beijing the capital city in 1057 BC.
Subsequently, the city has gone by the names of Ji, Zhongdu, Dadu, and finally
Beijing when the Ming Dynasty Emperor ChengZu chose the name in 1421. Beijing
was also known as Peking by the Western world before 1949.
Beijing covers a total area of more than 16,800 square kilometers (6,487 square
miles) and has a population of 13.82 million people. Beijing's climate is a
semi-humid, continental climate with an average temperature of 12°C. It's rainy
season, which brings most of its nearly 600 millimetres of rain, starts in July
and ends in August. Beijing summers are very hot and rainy while winters in
Beijing are dry, cold, and snowy. The short spring season is temperate and
autumn is clear and clean. Beijing is at its best in late spring and autumn,
particularly during the months of May, September, and October when people can
enjoy bright sunlight and blue skies.
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