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• Beijing is the capital of China and host of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some of Beijing's well-known attractions are the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

• Fast Facts

  1. Country: People's Republic of China
  2. Mayor: Guo JinlongBeijing International: Resume of Mayor Guo Jinlong
  3. Currency: Chinese Yuan
  4. Population: 16,330,000Reuters UK: Beijing population tops 16 mln target 2 years early (January 22, 2008)(2007)
  5. Language spoken: Chinese
  6. Country code: +86
  7. City code: +10
  8. Time zone: +8:00 (UTC)
  9. Climate: Semi-humidBeijing International: Beijing
  10. Airport code: PEKWorld Airport Codes: Beijing Capital Int. Airport

• Popular Tour Sights

  1. The Great Wall of China: This impressive site is northwest of Beijing, and most easily accessible from Ba Da Ling and Juyong GuanFrommer's: The Great Wall
  2. The Forbidden City: China's "best preserved" imperial architectureFodor's: Top Attractions in Beijing
  3. Temple of Heaven: Site of religious rites performed to gain blessings from Heaven, this temple and its surrounding park are south of the Forbidden CityFrommer's: The Temple of Heaven
  4. Tiananmen Square: The world's largest public squareFodor's: Top Attractions in Beijing
  5. The Summer Palace: An elaborate palace alongside Kunming LakeFrommer's: The Summer Palace
  6. Lama Temple: An active Buddhist temple
  7. Ming Tombs: Burial site of 13 Ming emperors, located about 30 miles northwest of the cityFrommer's: Ming Tombs

• Self-Guided Tours

  Frommer's lists four self-guided walking tours through Beijing. Their second walking tour begins at the "Back Lakes area," which includes Qian Hai, Hou Hai and Xi Hai. These are all lakes that were once used in transporting Grain|grain to the Forbidden City.

  After visiting the areas surrounding the lakes, Frommer's suggests seeing the former palace of Soong Ching-ling and the Buddhist temple of Guanghua Si.

  The tour ends after a visit to Prince Gong's Mansion and the residence of Mei Lanfang, "Beijing opera's most eminent star."Frommer's: Walking tour 2

• Mahalo Suggests

  While planning your trip, please see our pages on a Beijing Vacation, Beijing Hotels and Beijing Restaurants.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Beijing Hotels | Beijing Restaurants | Beijing Vacation | Vacation | Summer Olympic Vacation | Summer Olympic Hotels

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