Beijing, Capital of the People's Republic of China, is the nation's political, economic and cultural center as well as transport and international exchange hub. Situated on the northwestern tip of the North China Plain, the city consists of 18 districts and countries.

   As a world-renowned ancient cultural city, it was home to Peking man about 500,000 years ago. Beijing's history as a city goes back to 1045 BC. For 800 years, Beijing was the capital of China, or to be specific, the provisional capital of the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) and capital for the Jin (1115-1232, Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

   As a celebrated international tourist center, Beijing's is covered by green trees and lots of well-manicured lawns, with former imperial mansions and other ancient buildings, religious shrines and modern structures.

   Beijing's folklore holds forth the fascination of old-time peculiarities. A rich heritage in culture and art brought to life by burgeoning urban development has made Beijing a magnet for travelers from around the world. Wulin