Located in northwestern China, Beijing is both an ancient and modern city. While boasting a history of over 1000 years as the political and cultural center of China, Beijing now also serves as the source of change spreading across China.
Modern Beijing is a mixture of the old and new. While rapidly developing, Beijing's heritage is maintained through the conservation of several courtyard neighborhoods (hutongs), temples, palaces, tombs, gardens and former residences. Many of these sites that sit protected between the ever-growing number of skyscrapers and modern buildings can be traced back to the 1200's.
It is estimated that 13 million residents live in the approximately 6500 square mile (16808 square kilometers) Beijing municipality. The city proper extends roughly 50 square miles (80 square kilometers). The city is centered on the former emperors' palace, the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site that was only opened recently to tourists. Arranged concentrically from the Forbidden Palace are 4 main ring roads, with more to be opened in the future. Beijing consists of 11 districts and 8 counties.
After recently winning the right to hold the 2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing is certain to become one of the most important industrial and cultural centers of Asia and the world.
Some useful Beijing links
http://www.beijing.gov.cn
http://www.beijing-2008.org
http://www.chinavista.com/beijing/home.html
http://www.flashpaper.com/beijing
http://www.bjta.gov.cn
http://www.chinapages.com
