China Travel > Beijing

Beijing - China

Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China with an estimated population of 15 million. It’s name, designated by the third Ming emperor, means “northern capital”. A shortened version is “Ji”. Because it was improperly pronounced in the West, the city was known as “Peking” for many years. Beijing is known for its parks, artificial lakes and temples and contains many fine examples of architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

History
Early in the third century BC when the first emperor of Qing conquered six states a unified China was created for the first time. The city of Ji (Beijing) became the administrative center of Guangyang Commandery which was one of 36 prefectures in China’s first feudal empire. Until the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) Ji remained a strategic center for trading and the military. It also was the center of many power struggles. In 1421 the Emperor Yongle once again transferred the capital from Nanjing to Beijing .
In traditional Chinese thought the world was a square. A capital city would therefore reflect this order. Ancient Beijing received the layout that remains today – north-south and east-west orientation of roads and buildings. Beijing lies on a plain that opens to the south and in the old city all important buildings face south. A north-south axis centered on the Forbidden City divides the city. It is filled with palaces, temples and parks where for centuries emperors lived and ruled and entrance was forbidden to the common people..

Beijing Today
Beijing is one of the most vibrant cities in China and the hub of its future. Though many older conclaves of the ancient city are quickly being replaced by modern skyscrapers, the historic hutong quarter with its narrow alleyways still winds throughout the city. Hutongs are created by walls of the courtyard houses grouped together where the well-to-do once lived. Today they are state owned and many Beijing residents still live here.

From the Imperial Palace, and the Forbidden City to the McDonald’s and KFC across Tiananmen Square, the constant movement of the city mirrors China’s struggle to blend the past with the present and future.

Tiananmen Square, originally built during the Ming dynasty, was considered the front door to the Forbidden City. Today it is lined with Communist-styled buildings including the mausoleum of Chairman Mao which contains a refrigerated chamber holding the embalmed body of Mao viewable each day. Across the square is the Great Hall of the People, the seat of the Chinese legislature where the National People’s Congress is held. Facing the Great Hall is the China National Museum. It was built in 1959. At one end of the square Qian Men tower, together with Jian Lou tower formed a double gate which now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Beijing. At the far end of the square in daily ceremony China’s national flag is raised and lowered.

The Temple of Heaven is located in the southeast corner of Beijing. It was completed during the Ming dynasty and is one of the largest temple complexes in China. It is a typical example of Chinese architectural balance and symbolism. This is where the Emperor would come to make sacrifices and pray to heaven and his ancestors. He would intercede for the people praying for a good harvest. The temple was off limits to the common people during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Because of its huge population, in Beijing every available space is used. Green spaces whether along highways or in parks are used for exercise; broad plazas inside the Forbidden City are used as dance floors; concrete expanses in front of buildings are shared by the elderly on summer evenings.

Beijing has become the center of a globalized China in politics, culture and communications. Because it is considered one of the four great ancient capitals of China the city has much to offer everyone.