Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is the political, economic and cultural center of the country , and also acts as the hub of transportation and international exchanges.

Well-know for being an ancient and cultural city, Beijing was home to the " Peking Man" about 500,000 years ago. But as a city, Beijing's history goes back to 1045 BC. For a span of 800 years, Beijing was the capital of China, or to be specific, the provisional capital of Liao (907-1125) and capital for Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

The highest region located in the western corner of Beijing stands at 2303 meters, while the lowest point found in the southern extremity rests at 44 meters above sea level.

Mountainous along the north and west, and flat in the southeast, Beijing municipality has a total area of 16,800 square kilometers. The city limits extend to about 80 km and consists of 18 districts and counties with a population of over 1 2 million people.

About 95% of the Beijing people are Han Chinese, while the rest of China's 56 official ethnic minorities are scattered about the city.

As a celebrated international tourist center boasting more than 3000 years of history , Beijing's land is beautified by green trees and lots of well-manicured lawns, and cultured with former imperial mansions , such as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and other old buildings, religious shrines and amazing old and modern structures.

Beijing's folklore holds forth the fascination of old-time peculiarities. A rich heritage in culture and art brought to life by burgeoning urban development has made Beijing the dream place to be for travelers from around the world.

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