Complete Travel Guide to Beijing, China

Beijing Beijing, previously romanized as Peking, is the capital city of China. With more than 22 million residents, it is the world’s most populous national capital city as well as China’s second largest city by urban area after Shanghai. It is located in Northern China, and is governed as a municipality under the direct administration of the State Council with 16 urban, suburban, and rural districts. Beijing is mostly surrounded by Hebei Province and neighbors Tianjin to the southeast; together, the three divisions form the Jing-Jin-Ji cluster. As a municipal center, Beijing serves as an important administrative and economic hub for the surrounding region, providing essential services and infrastructure that support both urban and rural communities. Positioned at coordinates 39.9075°N, 116.39723°E, Beijing occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Beijing place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 43.0 meters above sea level, Beijing benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Beijing creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 21893095 residents, Beijing maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Beijing represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Beijing reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout China, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Beijing province, Beijing contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines China’s regional character. The role of Beijing in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Beijing discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of China while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Beijing

History Main article: History of Beijing #Early history The earliest traces of human habitation in the Peking municipality were found in the caves of Dragon Bone Hill near the village of Zhoukoudian in Fangshan District, where Peking Man lived _Homo erectus_ fossils from the caves date to 230,000 to 250,000 years ago.

Paleolithic _Homo sapiens_ also lived there more recently, about 27,000 years ago Archaeologists have found neolithic settlements throughout the municipality, including in Wangfujing, located in central Peking The first walled city in Beijing was Jicheng, the capital city of the state of Ji which was built in 1045 BC.

Within modern Beijing, Jicheng was located around the present Guang’anmen area in the south of Xicheng District This settlement was later conquered by the state of Yan and made its capital #Early Imperial China The Tianning Pagoda, built around 1120 during the Liao dynasty After the First Emperor unified China in 221 BC, Jicheng became a prefectural capital and during the Three Kingdoms period, it was held by Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao before falling to the Wei Kingdom of Cao Cao.

The AD third- century Western Jin demoted the town, placing the prefectural seat in neighboring Zhuozhou During the Sixteen Kingdoms period when northern China was conquered and divided by the Wu Hu, Jicheng was briefly the capital of the Xianbei Former Yan Kingdom.

After China was reunified by the Sui dynasty in 581, Jicheng, also known as Zhuojun, became the northern terminus of the Grand Canal Under the Tang dynasty, Jicheng as Youzhou, served as a military frontier command center During the An-Shi Rebellion and again amidst the turmoil of the late Tang, local military commanders founded their own short-lived Yan dynasties and called the city Yanjing, or the “Yan Capital.

” Also in the Tang dynasty, the city’s name Jicheng was replaced by Youzhou or Yanjing In 938, after the fall of the Tang, the Later Jin ceded the frontier territory including what is now Beijing to the Khitan Liao dynasty, which treated the city as Nanjing, or the “Southern Capital”, one of four secondary capitals to complement its “Supreme Capital” Shangjing (modern Baarin Left Banner in Inner Mongolia).

Some of the oldest surviving pagodas in Beijing date to the Liao period, including the Tianning Pagoda The Liao fell to the Jurchen Jin dynasty in 1122, which gave the city to the Song dynasty and then retook it in 1125 during its conquest of northern China.

In 1153, the Jurchen Jin made Beijing their “Central Capital”, or Zhongdu The city was besieged by Genghis Khan’s invading Mongolian army in 1213 and razed to the ground two years later Two generations later, Kublai Khan ordered the construction of Dadu (or Daidu to the Mongols, commonly known as Khanbaliq), a new capital for his Yuan dynasty to the northeast of the Zhongdu ruins.

The construction took from 1264 to 1293, but greatly enhanced the status of a city on the norther.

The historical trajectory of Beijing demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Beijing reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Beijing remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Main article: Geography of Beijing Beijing is situated at the northern edge of the roughly triangular North China Plain, which opens to the south and east of the city. Mountains to the north, northwest and west shield the city and northern China’s agricultural heartland from the encroaching desert steppes. The mountainous terrain surrounding Beijing creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. The northwestern part of the municipality, especially Yanqing District and Huairou District, are dominated by the Jundu Mountains, while the western part is framed by _Xishan_ or the Western Hills. The mountainous terrain surrounding Beijing creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. The Great Wall of China across the northern part of Beijing Municipality was built on the rugged topography to defend against nomadic incursions from the steppes. Mount Dongling, in the Western Hills and on the border with Hebei, is the municipality’s highest point, with an altitude of 2,303 metres (7,556 ft). Major rivers flowing through the municipality, including the Chaobai, Yongding, Juma, are all tributaries in the Hai River system, and flow in a southeasterly direction. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beijing, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The Miyun Reservoir, on the upper reaches of the Chaobai River, is the largest reservoir within the municipality. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beijing, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. Beijing is also the northern terminus of the Grand Canal to Hangzhou, which was built over 1,400 years ago as a transportation route, and the South–North Water Transfer Project, constructed in the past decade to bring water from the Yangtze River basin. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Beijing, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The urban area of Beijing, on the plains in the south-central of the municipality with elevation of 40 to 60 metres (130–200 feet), occupies a relatively small but expanding portion of the municipality’s area. The city spreads out in concentric ring roads. The Second Ring Road traces the old city walls and the Sixth Ring Road connects satellite towns in the surrounding suburbs. Tian’anmen and Tian’anmen Square are at the center of Beijing, directly to the south of the Forbidden City, the former residence of the emperors of China. To the west of Tian’anmen is Zhongnanhai, the residence of China’s current leaders. Chang’an Avenue, which cuts between Tiananmen and the Square, forms the city’s main east–west axis. Beijing’s pattern of development from the old inner city to its urban fringe are frequently described as “spreading like a pancake” (_tan da bing_). : 135 This pattern of development is frequently cited as a reason for Beijing’s urban problems. : 135 #Climate Beijing average annual temperatures from 1970 to 2019 during summer (June, July, and August) and winter (December, January, and February). Weather station data from NOAA. For comparison, the Global Surface Temperature Anomaly rose by approximately one degree over the same time period. Beijing has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Köppen: _Dwa_), bordering on a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen: _BSk_) in the south and in the northwest, characterized by hot, humid summers due to the East Asian monsoon, and brief but cold, dry winters that reflect the influence of the vast Siberian anticyclone. Spring can bear witness t.

The topographic characteristics of Beijing result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Beijing region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Beijing area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Beijing has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Beijing demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Beijing create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Beijing average annual temperatures from 1970 to 2019 during summer (June, July, and August) and winter (December, January, and February). Temperature patterns in Beijing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Weather station data from NOAA. For comparison, the Global Surface Temperature Anomaly rose by approximately one degree over the same time period. Temperature patterns in Beijing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Beijing has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Köppen: _Dwa_), bordering on a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen: _BSk_) in the south and in the northwest, characterized by hot, humid summers due to the East Asian monsoon, and brief but cold, dry winters that reflect the influence of the vast Siberian anticyclone. Spring can bear witness to sandstorms blowing in from the Gobi Desert across the Mongolian steppe, accompanied by rapidly warming, but generally dry, conditions. Autumn, similar to spring, is a season of transition and minimal precipitation. Rainfall patterns in Beijing determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. From 2001 to 2024, the hottest period in Beijing is early August, and the coldest period is late January. According to China’s seasonal division standard, Beijing enters spring on 26 March, summer on 20 May, autumn on 13 September, and winter on 31 October. Due to the faster warming in March and September and the slower warming in May and October in recent years, Beijing is generally shorter in autumn than in spring. The average annual temperature in the urban area of Beijing is 12. Temperature patterns in Beijing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 9 °F), of which the average daily minimum temperature is 7. Temperature patterns in Beijing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 1 °F), and the average daily maximum temperature is 18. Temperature patterns in Beijing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. The monthly daily average temperature in January is −2. Temperature patterns in Beijing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 1 °F), while in July it is 27. Precipitation averages around 528. Rainfall patterns in Beijing determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 8 in) annually (Haidian and Chaoyang has an average annual precipitation of 584. Rainfall patterns in Beijing determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 0 in)), with close to three-quarters of that total falling from June to August. With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 42% in July to 62% in January and February, the city receives 2,490. 5 hours of bright sunshine annually. Extremes since 1951 have ranged from −27. 3 °F) on 22 February 1966 to 41. 4 °F) on 24 July 1999. Climate data for Beijing, elevation 31 m (102 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1951–present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 14. 4) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 2. 4) Daily mean °C (°F) −2.

The climatic regime of Beijing reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Beijing create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Beijing determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Beijing create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Beijing demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Beijing include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Main article: Demographics of Beijing Historical populationYearPop. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 19532,768,149— 19647,568,495+9. 57% 19829,230,687+1. 11% 199010,819,407+2. 00% 200013,569,194+2. 29% 201019,612,368+3. 75% 202021,893,095+1. 11% Population size may be affected by changes on administrative divisions. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. In 2021, Beijing had a total population of 21. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 89 million within the municipality, of which 19. 5 percent) resided in urban districts or suburban townships and 2. 5) lived in rural villages. The encompassing metropolitan area was estimated by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) to have, as of 2010[update], a population of 24. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Within China, the city ranked second in urban population after Shanghai and the third in municipal population after Shanghai and Chongqing. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Beijing also ranks among the most populous cities in the world, a distinction the city has held for much of the past 800 years, especially during the 15th to early 19th centuries when it was the largest city in the world. About 13 million of the city’s residents in 2013 had local _hukou_ permits, which entitles them to permanent residence in Beijing. The remaining 8 million residents had _hukou_ permits elsewhere and were not eligible to receive some social benefits provided by the Beijing municipal government. The population increased in 2013 by 455,000 or about 7% from the previous year and continued a decade-long trend of rapid growth. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The total population in 2004 was 14. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The population gains are driven largely by migration. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The population’s rate of natural increase in 2013 was a mere 0. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 441%, based on a birth rate of 8. 93 and a mortality rate of 4. The gender balance was 51. Working age people account for nearly 73. 6% of the population. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Compared to 2004, residents age 0–14 as a proportion of the population dropped from 9. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 92% in 2013, but again increased to 12. Residents over the age of 65 declined from 11. 58%, but increased to 14. From 2002 to 2011, the percentage of city residents with at least some college education nearly doubled, from 20. 3%, and further increased to 49. 4% have senior secondary school education and 88. 2% had reached middle school. According to the 2010 census, nearly 96% of Beijing’s population are ethnic Han Chinese. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Of the 800,000 ethnic minority population living in the capital, Manchu (336,000), Hui (249,000), Korean (77,000), Mongol (37,000) and Tujia (24,000) constitute the five largest groups. The demographic composition of Beijing reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. In addition, there were 8,045 Hong Kong residents, 500 Macau residents, and 7,772 Taiwan residents along with 91,128 registered foreigners living in Beijing. A study by the Beijing Academy of Sciences estimates that in 2010 there were on average 200,000 foreigners living in Beijing on any given day including students, business travellers and tourists that are not counte.

Culture The Beijing Ancient Observatory People native to urban Beijing speak the Beijing dialect, which belongs to the Mandarin subdivision of spoken Chinese. This speech is the basis for _putonghua_ , the standard spoken language used in mainland China and Taiwan, and one of the four official languages of Singapore. Linguistic diversity in Beijing demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. Rural areas of Beijing Municipality have their own dialects akin to those of Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing Municipality. [_citation needed_] Beijing or Peking opera is a traditional form of Chinese theater well known throughout the nation. Commonly lauded as one of the highest achievements of Chinese culture, Beijing opera is performed through a combination of song, spoken dialogue, and codified action sequences involving gestures, movement, fighting and acrobatics. Much of Beijing opera is carried out in an archaic stage dialect quite different from Modern Standard Chinese and from the modern Beijing dialect. Sliced Peking duck served with traditional condiments Beijing cuisine is the local style of cooking. Peking duck is perhaps the best known dish. Fuling jiabing, a traditional Beijing snack food, is a pancake (_bing_) resembling a flat disk with a filling made from _fu ling_ , a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine. Teahouses are also common in Beijing. The cloisonné (or _Jingtailan_ , literally “Blue of Jingtai”) metalworking technique and tradition is a Beijing art speciality, and is one of the most revered traditional crafts in China. Cloisonné making requires elaborate and complicated processes which include base-hammering, copper-strip inlay, soldering, enamel-filling, enamel-firing, surface polishing and gilding. Beijing’s lacquerware is also well known for its sophisticated and intricate patterns and images carved into its surface, and the various decoration techniques of lacquer include “carved lacquer” and “engraved gold”. Younger residents of Beijing have become more attracted to the nightlife, which has flourished in recent decades, breaking prior cultural traditions that had practically restricted it to the upper class. Today, Houhai, Sanlitun and Wudaokou are Beijing’s nightlife hotspots. In 2012 Beijing was named as City of Design and became part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. #Places of interest See also: Major National Historical and Cultural Sites (Beijing) and List of Beijing landmarks >. the city remains an epicenter of tradition with the treasures of nearly > 2,000 years as the imperial capital still on view—in the famed Forbidden > City and in the city’s lush pavilions and gardens. — National Geographic Qianmen Avenue is a traditional commercial street outside Qianmen Gate along the southern Central Axis. Temple of Heaven is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing. At the historical heart of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, the enormous palace compound that was the home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties; the Forbidden City hosts the.

The cultural landscape of Beijing represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Beijing reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Beijing continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Beijing provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Beijing demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Beijing provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Main article: Economy of Beijing As of 2024[update], Beijing’s nominal GDP was CN¥4. 984 trillion ($700 billion in nominal, $1. 404 trillion in PPP), about 3. 69% of the country’s GDP and ranked 12th among province-level administrative units; its nominal GDP per capita was CN¥227,652 (US$32,038 in norminal; US$64,127 in PPP) and ranked the 1st in the country. It also ranks the tenth largest in the metropolitan economies in the world. Due to the concentration of state owned enterprises in the national capital, Beijing in 2013 had more Fortune Global 500 Company headquarters than any other city in the world. As of August 2022, Beijing has 54 Fortune Global 500 companies, more than Japan (47), the third-place country after China (145) and the United States (124). Beijing has also been described as the “billionaire capital of the world”. In 2020, Beijing is the fifth wealthiest city in the world, with a total wealth amounts to $2 trillion. Beijing is classified as an Alpha+ (global first-tier) city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, indicating its influence in the region and worldwide and making it one of the world’s Top 10 major cities. In the 2021 Global Financial Centres Index, Beijing was ranked as having the sixth-most competitive financial center in the world and fourth- most competitive in the whole Asia & Oceania region (behind Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore). As of 2021, Beijing was ranked first globally in terms of “_Global City Competitiveness_ ” in the _2020–2021 Global Urban Competitiveness Report_ jointly released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the United Nations Programme for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat). Historical GDP of Beijing for 1978–present (SNA2008) (purchasing power parity of Chinese Yuan, as international dollar based on IMF WEO October 2022) Year CNY (millions) USD (millions) PPP (Int’l$) (millions) Real growth (%) CNY per capita* USD per capita* PPP (Int’l$. ) per capita* Reference index: USD 1 to CNY Reference index: Int’l$. 1 to CNY 2021 4,026,960 624,190 957,432 8. 5 183,980 28,517 43,742 6. 206 2020 3,594,330 521,099 846,920 1. 1 164,158 23,799 38,680 6. 244 2019 3,544,510 513,809 835,575 6. 1 161,776 23,451 38,137 6. 242 2018 3,310,600 500,287 782,833 6. 7 150,962 22,813 35,697 6. 229 2017 2,988,300 442,593 714,221 6. 8 136,172 20,168 32,546 6. 184 2016 2,704,120 407,106 677,894 6. 9 123,391 18,577 30,932 6. 989 2015 2,477,910 397,841 640,121 6. 9 113,692 18,253 29,370 6. 871 2014 2,292,600 373,217 609,846 7. 4 106,732 17,375 28,394 6. 759 2013 2,113,460 341,255 576,818 7. 7 100,569 16,240 27,448 6. 664 2012 1,902,470 301,381 534,252 7. 7 92,758 14,694 26,048 6. 561 2011 1,718,880 266,130 487,764 8. 1 86,246 13,353 24,474 6. 524 2010 1,496,400 221,050 440,910 10. 4 78,307 11,568 23,544 6. 326 2009 1,290,900 188,977 407,481 10.

The economic structure of Beijing reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Beijing often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Beijing serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Beijing demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Beijing has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Beijing focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation Main article: Transport in Beijing Beijing South railway station, one of several in the city Beijing is an important transport hub in North China with six ring roads, 1167 km (725 miles) of expressways, 15 National Highways, nine conventional railways, and six high-speed railways converging on the city. #Rail and high-speed rail Beijing serves as a large rail hub in China’s railway network. Ten conventional rail lines radiate from the city to: Shanghai (Jinghu Line), Guangzhou (Jingguang Line), Kowloon (Jingjiu Line), Harbin (Jingha Line) (including Qinhuangdao (Jingqin Line)), Baotou (Jingbao Line), Chengde (Jingcheng Line), Tongliao, Inner Mongolia (Jingtong Line), Yuanping, Shanxi (Jingyuan Line) and Shacheng, Hebei (Fengsha Line). In addition, the Datong–Qinhuangdao railway passes through the municipality to the north of the city. Beijing also has six high-speed rail lines: the Beijing–Tianjin intercity railway, which opened in 2008; the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway, which opened in 2011; the Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed railway, which opened in 2012; and the Beijing–Xiong’an intercity railway and the Beijing–Zhangjiakou intercity railway, both of which opened in 2019. The Beijing–Shenyang high- speed railway was completed in 2021. The city’s main railway stations are the Beijing railway station, which opened in 1959; the Beijing West railway station, which opened in 1996; and the Beijing South railway station, which was rebuilt into the city’s high-speed railway station in 2008; The Beijing North railway station, was first built in 1905 and expanded in 2009; The Qinghe railway station, was first built in 1905 and expanded in 2019; The Beijing Chaoyang railway station opened in 2021; The Beijing Fengtai railway station opened in 2022; and the Beijing Sub-Center railway station is under construction. Smaller stations in the city including Beijing East railway station and Daxing Airport station handle mainly commuter passenger traffic. In outlying suburbs and counties of Beijing, there are over 40 railway stations. From Beijing, direct passenger train service is available to most large cities in China. International train service is available to Mongolia, Russia, Vietnam and North Korea. Passenger trains in China are numbered according to their direction in relation to Beijing. #Roads and expressways Further information: Expressways of Beijing and China National Highways of Beijing View of 4th Ring Road in Chaoyang District Beijing is connected by road links to all parts of China as part of the National Trunk Road Network. Many expressways of China serve Beijing, as do 15 China National Highways. Beijing’s urban transport is dependent upon the ring roads that concentrically surround the city, with the Forbidden City area marked as the geographical center for the ring roads. The ring roads appear more rectangular than ring-shaped. There is no official “1st Ring Road”. The 2nd Ring Road is locat.

Transportation infrastructure serving Beijing reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout China. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Beijing.

Regional connectivity from Beijing provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education and research Main articles: Education in Beijing, Education in China, and Higher education in China See also: Rankings of universities in China, List of universities in China, and Double First Class University Plan Beijing is a world-leading center for scientific and technological innovation. It has been ranked the No. 1 city in the world with the largest scientific research output, as tracked by the Nature Index since the list’s inception in 2016. The capital also leads the world with the highest share of articles published in the natural sciences, especially in the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-related output. As of 2024, it stands as the most prolific scientific research center in biological sciences and health science in the Asia-Pacific, ranking third and sixth in the world, respectively. Beijing has over 90 public colleges and universities, making it the largest urban public university system in Asia and the first city in China with the most higher education institutions. It is also home to the two best universities (Tsinghua and Peking) in the whole of the Asia & Oceania region and emerging countries, with their rankings at #12 and #13 places in the world, respectively by the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Both are members of the C9 League, an alliance of elite Chinese universities offering comprehensive and leading education. Beijing also has the highest number of universities of any city in the country, representing more than one-fifth of 147 Double First-Class Universities, a national plan to develop elite Chinese universities into world-class institutions by the end of 2050. According to the U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking for 2025–2026, Beijing has the highest number of universities among major cities in the world included in the ranking, totaling 29, with 2 universities in the top 25, 6 institutions in the top 200 and 11 institutions in the top 500. According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) for 2025, Beijing has 2 universities in the top 25, 7 institutions in the top 200, and 13 institutions in the top 500. A number of Beijing’s most prestigious universities consistently rank among the best in the Asia-Pacific and the world, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beihang University, Beijing Institute of Technology, China Agricultural University, Minzu University of China, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, University of International Business and Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Central University of Finance and Economics. These universities were selected as “985 universities” or “211 universities” by the Chinese government in order to build world-class universities. The city is a seat of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which has

Educational institutions in Beijing serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Beijing

Successful visits to Beijing require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Beijing often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Beijing include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Beijing extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.

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Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Beijing”.