impressions and views of the city
Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is the political and cultural centre of the country. The former imperial city is looking back on a 3000 year old history and houses a worldwide unique cultural heritage. Most famous sights are probably the Forbidden City with the imperial palace, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace (UNESCO world heritage sites) as well as Tiananmen Square.
A world metropolis of 11 million people, Beijing is a city with many faces, which of course also has its problems. One of the biggest is the incredible traffic. Within Beijing itself an elaborate network of five ring roads with imposing interchanges has been developed, and further ring roads are under constructions because traffic jams are still the order of the day and the city is growing daily.
The Drum Tower in the centre of the old town, as well as the prospect hill north of the Forbidden City, present spectacular views of the historic old town and the huge modern districts, which reflect the formative influence of Western culture and determine, with their high-rise buildings, the skyline of the city. Moreover the imposing big drums were presented by an impressive performance of a drum concert.
By the way of contrast the sometimes frightening condition of the houses and the poor living conditions of the people in the old town reminded us often Old Delhi. However, one can find here as well as in old traditional restaurants the old Chinese charm and of course also the beautiful red lanterns are seen everywhere you go.
Despite the modern age, the Chinese preserve and cultivate their ancient traditions and customs, as can be seen for example in colourful festivals with marvellous processions, where old legends and myths become vivid again..
Beijing (pronounced /beɪˈdʒɪŋ/, Chinese: 北京; pinyin: Běijīng, [peɪ˨˩ t͡ɕiŋ˥]), also known as Peking (pronounced /piːˈkɪŋ/ or /peɪˈkɪŋ/), is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, educational and military center,[4] and home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies. The metropolis, located in northern China, borders Hebei Province to the north, west, south, and a small section to the east, and Tianjin Municipality to the southeast.[5]
Governed as a municipality under the direct administration of the national government, Beijing is divided into 14 urban and suburban districts and two rural counties.[6] It is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and motorways passing through the city, and the destination of many international flights to China.
Few cities in the world have served as long as the political and cultural centre of an area as immense.[7] Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It has been the heart of China’s history for centuries,[8] and there is scarcely a major building of any age in Beijing that does not have at least some national historical significance.[7] The city is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates.[9] Its art treasures and universities have long made it a centre of culture and art in China
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