Beijing has gone by the names of Ji, Zhongdu, Dadu, & finally Beijing when the Ming Dynasty Emperor ChengZu chose the name in 1421. Before 1949 Beijing was known as Peking in the West.

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China & the country's political, economic, cultural & transportation centre.

Located in the northwest part of the North China Plain Beijing is the second largest city in China.

Beijing is an economic center of China as one of the biggest industrial bases in China. Beijing's industrial system includes iron, steel, coal, machinery, chemical, textiles & electronics among other industries.

Beijing is also known as a tourist city for its many places of interest, ancient architecture, royal gardens, mansions, towers, temples, palaces & modern structures. 

Airlines connect Beijing to over cities in China & abroad while the city boasts a fine railroad & highway system for local travellers.

Beijing has been an inhabited city for more than three thousand years & has endured invasions by warlords, devastating fires, the rise & fall of imperial dynasties. For more than 800 years, Beijing was a capital city - from the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) to the Ming (1368 - 1644) & Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties. Thirty-four emperors have ruled the nation from Beijing & has been an important trading city from its earliest days.

Beijing is a modern & fashionable city but you can still experience 'old Beijing' by exploring its many teahouses, temple fairs, Beijing's Hutong & Courtyard & enjoy the Peking Opera.

Beijing has numerous museums & libraries with the largest collection of books in china. Beijing also serves as a centre for international exchange in culture, science & technology.

Beijing aims to develop into a modern international metropolis & hosted the 2008 Olympic games.