Beijing has been rated as the hotspot tourist destination for the year 2008 by travel websites, magazines and travel experts as it is hosting the 2008 Olympics. Presently, the city is gearing up for the greatest sports event on the earth. The best time to visit the city would be during Olympics as the city will be totally decked up. If you are lucky enough to get tickets for the Olympics, then you surely ought to attend the event. Otherwise, you may visit the city after Olympics are over.
Beijing is the capital city of People’s Republic of China, the most populous nation of the world. It also used to be the seat of Qing and Ming dynasties till the republic’s formation in 1911. Beijing has plentiful historical sights and notable government institutions. The area of Beijing city is generally flat with only one hill within its limits. Beijing is changing at an alarming rate and you will be able to see its horizon completely filled with construction cranes, new commercial plazas, shopping malls, hotels, sports stadiums and training facilities. All this development is taking place at a giddying pace and the old parts of the city are being demolished and modernized.
Beijing is sure to host the Olympics very successfully as the Olympics will be a representation of China as a global superpower. You will be surprised to see the modernized city juxtaposed to the ancient and grand buildings. Beijing has a ring road system that seems quite confusing. The city has traffic jams of the highest order with severe air pollution as well. Beijing has many tourist attractions like architectural treasures, vast cultural wealth, beautiful temples, hutong and parks. It also serves as a base for visiting the Great Wall of China.
Beijing is truly the cultural, academic and political capital of China. Now, with the 2008 Olympics, a lot of foreign investment is flowing in as well and Beijing is on the way to become the commercial and financial capital also. You can start to explore the city from Tiananmen Square, the place where the People’s Republic’s foundation was declared by Mao Zedong. It is an impressive place in the centre of the city and presently a giant Olympic clock has been installed in the square showing the countdown for the Olympics. On the north side of the square, you can see the imposing and majestic Forbidden City and on the Tiananmen Gate, one gets to see Mao Zedong’s vast portrait. You must also see the mausoleum of Chairman Mao.
Beijing can be best visited in late spring and autumn, when the days are sunny and crisp and you are able to witness the lovely fall colors of the trees. The summers and winters can be extreme. The other places of tourist interest in Beijing are the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo and Aquarium, Beihai Park, Yonghegong, Legation Quarter, Prince Gong’s Mansion, Beijing Botanical Gardens, Fragrant Hills, Military Museum, China Aviation Museum, Cow Street Mosque, Museum of Revolution and Museum of History.
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