The capital of the Celestial Empire, Beijing is a city where millennia of history come alive at every turn. From majestic palaces and temples to narrow hutongs preserving the spirit of old China, every street here tells its own story. This is a city where traditional tea houses stand alongside trendy art spaces, and the aroma of Peking duck mingles with scents of international cuisine.
History of Beijing
The first settlements on the site of modern Beijing appeared during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BCE). During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), this was the location of Ji, the capital of the Yan state.
Under the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), Beijing (then known as Jicheng) became an important border city. In the 10th century, under the Khitan Liao Dynasty (916–1125), the city was renamed Nanjing ("Southern Capital") and made the secondary capital after Shangdu. The Jurchens (Jin Dynasty, 1115–1234) rebuilt it, naming it Zhongdu ("Central Capital").
In 1267, Kublai Khan, founder of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), began construction of a new capital - Khanbaliq ("City of the Khan"). For the first time, Beijing became the capital of the entire Chinese Empire. The blueprint for the future city with its distinct rectangular layout was established here.
After the fall of the Yuan in 1368, the capital was moved to Nanjing, but in 1421 Emperor Yongle restored Beijing`s status as the primary capital. Massive city walls were erected, canals dug, and temples built. During this period, the structure of the "Forbidden City" and main ritual complexes took shape.
Following the Manchu conquest in 1644, Beijing retained its capital status. In the 18th century, under Emperor Qianlong, Beijing reached its peak development, becoming the world`s largest city with over 2 million inhabitants. By the early 20th century, while maintaining its imperial capital status, Beijing had become a symbol of the contradictions between traditional China and modernization.
Beijing Attractions:
1. Forbidden City (Gugong). The world`s largest palace complex, serving as residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Includes 980 buildings with luxurious halls, gardens, and collections of imperial artifacts.
2. Temple of Heaven (Tiantan). An imperial temple complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. Famous for the Circular Mound Altar, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and unique acoustics of the Echo Wall.
3. Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). An extensive park ensemble with lakes, pavilions, and the Long Corridor (728 m). Central features include the Marble Boat and Longevity Hill with its temple.
4. Great Wall of China (Badaling and Mutianyu sections). Badaling is the most visited restored section, while Mutianyu offers equally stunning views with fewer crowds. Both have cable car access.
5. Beihai Park. An imperial garden with a white pagoda on an island, boat rides, and classical Chinese pavilions.
6. Yonghegong Lama Temple. Beijing`s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery featuring an 18-meter tall sandalwood statue of Maitreya Buddha.
7. Peking Opera. The Liyuan or Chang`an theaters offer performances with traditional costumes, makeup, and acrobatics.
8. National Museum of China. Vast collections of Chinese art and history, including Shang Dynasty bronzes and revolutionary artifacts.
9. Confucius Temple. China`s second largest Confucian temple with stone steles dedicated to great scholars.
10. Jingshan Park. A hill offering panoramic views of the Forbidden City, particularly beautiful during peony blooms.
11. 798 Art Zone. A former industrial area transformed into a contemporary art center with galleries and installations.
Beijing is not just a city, but an open-air museum where every era has left its mark. Here you can walk in the footsteps of emperors at the Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall, and lose yourself in the labyrinth of ancient alleyways. Yet Beijing is also a dynamic modern metropolis with vibrant nightlife, futuristic architecture, and cutting-edge technology.
