At the start of the Silk Road where Chinese silks and merchandise began their journey westward to European traders lies Kublai Khan’s capital, Beijing (‘Northern Capital’). The grandson of the Great Genghis Khan invaded China from the North and cemented Beijing’s position as the Capital.
Home to the Imperial Court for more than 600 years, Beijing’s ancient history stands as constant backdrop to the brashly modern metropolis of today. ‘A city of contrasts’ visitors can expect to see signs of the myriad of changes the city has undergone.
Children ride their bicycles through Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. (Photo: Feng Li/Getty Images)
The new lives right along side the old in terms of architecture, people and transport. A sky scraper is located right alongside the shacks made of cardboard and tin, in the same way a Mercedes Benz is a frequent feature on Beijing roads, along with bicycles carrying coal on the back.
The sheer enormity of many of the buildings and spaces particularly public structures such as Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven and The Great Hall of the People; make visitors feel very small.
Size is a factor for this city. There are over 15 million residents and it is only getting bigger as the country’s efforts towards rapid modernisation are taking shape in the capital.
There is massive redevelopment and impressive expansion of infrastructure that will more than triple the city’s expressway network and almost double its subway lines by 2008. Up to US$38 billion to US$40 billion will be spent on venues, transport, urban renewal, environmental protection and other projects leading into 2008 alone.
Alongside this structural growth has been an expanding cultural sector and visitors should look to visit the 798 Art Zone and architectural triumphs such as the new CCTV Building and Grand National Theatre as well as the favourite tourist spots, not forgetting to take a day trip to the Great Wall and have some duck on the way!
Beijing has more to offer than simply an impressive array of newly built and award winning sporting venues. Time taken to check out some of the cities vast array of ancient and modern monuments will give visitors a richer experience of the 2008 Olympic Games host city.
If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Beijing for the games depart Australia with a good sense of adventure and an expectation of anything goes – it won’t disappoint. To get a feel for the city online check out the Beijing Interactive Explorer (link).
SNAP SHOT:
Mayor: Guo Jinlong
Where: N. China 40°04´48"N, 116°35´04"E
Population: 15.244.000 (2005)
Total municipal area: 16,808 square kilometres
Airport: Beijing International airport
Main Train Station: Beijing Train Station (also Old Station)
City trees: Scholar tree and Oriental cypress
City flowers: Chinese rose and Chrysanthemum
Tourist season: April to October
Climate: From July and August, temperatures in Bejing can hit 38C.
Time Zone: GMT plus eight hours (Perth time)
