Beijing, the capital of China, lies just south of the rim of the Central Asian Steppes and is separated from the Gobi Desert by a green chain of mountains, over which the Great Wall runs. Modern Beijing lies on the site of countless human settlements that date back half a million years. Homo erectus Pekinensis, better known as Peking Man was discovered just outside the city in 1929. It is China's second largest city in terms of population and the largest in administrative territory.

The name Beijing - or Northern Capital - is a modern name by Chinese standards. It first became a capital in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), but it experienced its first phase of grandiose city planning in the Yuan Dynasty under the rule of the Mongul emperor, Kublai Khan, who made the city his winter capital in the late 13th century.

Little of it remains in today's Beijing. Most of what the visitor sees today dates from either the Ming or later Qing dynasties. Huge concrete tower blocks have mushroomed and construction sites are everywhere. Bicycles are still the main mode of transportation but taxis, cars, and buses jam the city streets.

People make use of every inch of available space. Grassy spots by highways are used for exercise and kites soar above vast intersections. And an early morning walk through any park reveals the most enchanting side of Beijing: the sound of a moon fiddle accompanied by an aria from a Beijing opera, the chirping of song birds in bamboo cages hanging from trees and the grace of noiseless tai chi practitioners.

Customs

Travelers are allowed to bring into China one bottle of alcoholic beverages and two cartons of cigarettes. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency (although amounts above US$10,000 must be declared on a customs form).

Climate

Average Temperature