Beijing is the capital city of China (People’s Republic of China). The capital has been there for the past seven hundred years. It is located in the north eastern section of China on the Asian Continent. Beijing’s former name is Peking. It is the political and cultural center of China. Beijing is China's second largest city in population.

Beijing enjoys four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are short periods of time. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 25.2 C or 75F. January is the coldest with an average temperature of -4C or 18F. The mountains encircling the western, northern and eastern sides of the city help maintain the temperatures.

There are many tourist destinations in and around the city. There is the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. And of course, there are the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs. The Great Wall is visible from space.

Dining is a wonderful experience in the capital city. There are five star restaurants to entice food lovers from the four corners of the earth. Family restaurants serve regional cuisine. The city has many informal eating spots where the adventurous can try many local Beijing delicacies from the food hawkers. Take time and savor a Beijing (Peking) duck dinner.

There is western fare available to those who desire it. Chefs from different countries serve their national dishes. Chinese chefs are versatile in the cuisine of other nations. For those who chose fast food, there are many Japanese, Taiwanese and American places.

There is no reason to miss a latte. Starbucks have several locations in the area. There are stores at the Forbidden City and the Great Wall as well as fifty other places.

Shopping is an experience in Beijing and the surrounding area. There are shopping malls where the shopper can spend days before making a repeat visit to a shop. Some shopping malls have amusement rides and water parks. The large markets have a wide variety of items for sale. The items span from spices, dried insects, ice cream to clothing. Also, there is an assortment of brand boutiques on Wangfujing Business Street.

Basic Facts about Beijing, China

Metro Area Population: 10.6 million

Currency: Yuan (CNY)

Telephone Code: 86

Internet Code: .cn

Electricity: 220 volts AC (50 Hz)

City Flower: Chinese rose and chrysanthemum

City Tree: Oriental arborvitae and cypress

Main Rivers: Yongding, Chaobai and North Canal

World Temperatures

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