Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top of chapter
Discover Beijing & the
Great Wall
At a Glance
»
Beijing's hutong
(
Click here
)
Get to the heart of traditional Beijing.
»
Forbidden City
(
Click here
) Stroll where only the privileged could for 500
years.
»
Summer Palace
(
Click here
) Be enchanted by this fabulous regal en-
campment.
»
Great Wall
(
Click here
) Explore one of humankind's greatest construc-
tions.
»
Chengde
(
Click here
) Take a visit to an emperor's summer resort.
BEIJING
010 / POP 19.6 MILLION
Not only is Beijing one of China's true ancient citadels, it's also a confident and
increasingly modern capital that seems assured of its destiny to rule over Ch-
ina till the end of time.
Through its magnificent architecture - including numerous stretches of the
Great Wall - visitors can trace every historical mood swing from Mongol times
to the present day.
The city's denizens chat in Beijinghua - the gold standard of Mandarin -
and marvel at their good fortune for occupying the centre of the known world.
