Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and its political, cultural, domestic and international exchange center. It is one of the largest well-known historical and cultural cities and China's capital since the 15th century. With an area of over 17,800 square kilometers, the city is presently divided into 16 districts. The population has exceeded 17 million.

Now, Beijing is a modern and internationalized metropolis with many new office / residential buildings, department stores and signature landmarks. Also, Beijing Olympics will be held during 8 ¨C 24 August 2008, the Olympic competition venues should be ready by the time when WWW2008 is held. Visitors have many things to explore including different shopping and dinning experiences.

Getting Around In Beijing

International travelers will be arriving at the Beijing Capital International Airport. See guides for international arrival and departure passengers.

There are many ways for locals and overseas visitors to get around the city, but it is recommended to take the following options:

1. Taxi

Taking taxi is a convenient choice. Fees are charged according to meter. After arrival at the airport, you should go to the taxi stand instead of accepting the services offered by some illegal drivers inside the airport's arrival hall. Uniformed traffic inspectors will be around the airport to offer help to all passengers and to maintain order. There is an indicator lamp stating 'TAXI', and a license plate starting with '¾©B' on the front of the car. Fare must be paid in RMB cash. It costs around RMB100 ¨C RMB150 from the airport to most of the downtown area.

Most taxi drivers cannot speak or understand English. It is recommended to write your destination and address in Chinese so that you can show it to the taxi driver. Contact your hotel in advance to get your hotel name and address in Chinese before your departure or ask for help at the hotel concierge.

2. Subway

The Beijing Subway is the fastest and most convenient means of transportation in Beijing. It serves most of the major local points of interest within the city. The development plan (information currently available in Chinese only) will be completed and extended to cover the Beijing Capital Airport and many other areas in 2008.

3. Airport bus

If you are familiar with Beijing or if you know that there is a stop at the hotel where you are staying, airport bus is an option for you to consider. Ticket price is RMB16 only and tickets are available at all stops. See details of different routes and operation hours.

4. Car hire or limousine service

Most hotels can arrange airport pickup and send off. You may also hire a car for city tour. Check with your hotel concierge for information.

Attractions

Having such a long historical background, Beijing today has two faces mixing with ancient and modern styles. The old Beijing city was carefully designed and constructed. In 1992, Beijing recommended the "World Top Ten" after the assessment of scores of specialists and scholars:

The Great Wall: the longest defensive wall in the world.

The Imperial Palace: the largest and best preserved palatial complex existing now.

Tian'anmen Square: the largest city-center square in the world.

The Temple of Heaven: the largest heaven-worshipping architecture in the world.

The Summer Palace: the best preserved imperial garden in the world.

Beihai Park: the imperial park built earliest in the world.

Ming Tombs: the best preserved imperial mausoleum structure where most emperors were buried.

The Site of Peking Man at Zhoukoudian: an ancient human cultural site with most abundant cultural remains, where the fossil of homo erectus was discovered with traces of fire-usage.

Yunju Temple: the temple with the largest collection of stone-carved Buddhist scriptures in the world.

Yongle Bell: the bell with the greatest number of inscriptions in the world.