Beijing

Beijing Municipality, the capital of China, is a vast and complex city that serves as both the political and cultural heart of the country. It operates as a municipality directly under the central government, giving it the same administrative status as a province. The city covers an area that stretches far beyond its modern urban core, encompassing rural villages, forested mountains, and even sections of the Great Wall. In the centre lies the old walled city, where ancient landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven continue to define its historical character. Surrounding this core are modern business districts, government compounds, universities, and residential communities that reflect the rapid development of recent decades. The mix of old and new is visible everywhere — traditional courtyard houses sit beside high-rise apartments, while ancient hutongs weave between the city’s broad, traffic-heavy ring roads.

Life in Beijing moves at a steady but determined pace, shaped by the city’s role as the administrative hub of China. The population is large and diverse, made up of long-term residents, students, and people from across the country who have moved here for work or education. Public transport is extensive and efficient, with an expanding metro network linking the outer suburbs to the central districts. Despite its size, the city is generally well organised, though it faces common challenges such as traffic congestion and seasonal air pollution. Winters can be long, cold, and dry, while summers are hot and humid, bringing heavy rains during the monsoon period. Yet, each season has its own appeal — spring and autumn are especially pleasant, with mild weather and clear skies that draw people to parks, lakes, and the city’s many green spaces.

Culturally, Beijing remains one of the most important centres in East Asia. It has a long history as the capital of several dynasties and continues to play a leading role in shaping China’s modern identity. The city is known for its strong educational and artistic traditions, housing some of the country’s top universities, museums, and performance venues. Traditional arts such as Peking opera, calligraphy, and tea culture are still practised alongside a growing contemporary art and design scene. While modernisation has transformed much of the urban landscape, efforts to preserve historic areas and cultural sites continue. For visitors, Beijing offers a powerful sense of continuity — a place where imperial history, political power, and everyday life coexist in one vast, evolving metropolis.