Beijing is the capital of the most populous country in the world, the People`s Republic of China. Located in northern China, northwest of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, the city covers an area of more then 16.410 square kilometers stretching 159 kilometers from east to west and about 180 kilometers from north to south. The city has nearly 20 million inhabitants in total (latest estimation). It is the center of nation`s politics, culture, transportation, travel and also a center for international commerce.

Beijing is a city rushing towards the future so fast that you would forget that this ancient capital was once the home of the Mongol, Ming and Qing emperors. Just a handful of cities can boast a history as dramatic or turbulent as Beijing`s. Ruled by many warlords and emperors, invaded by many, Beijing has been razed to the ground many times yet has always risen from the ashes, shaken off the dust and reasserted its authority as the capital of China.

Despite all that history, Beijing is now in the spotlight as never before. Just successfully finished the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing showed that it is strong and capable enough to get along with other metropolis elsewhere in the world. Towering skyscrapers, busy shopping malls and an endless stream of traffic make the city much the same as others. People will find a city that seems too large to comprehend. But in the end discover that things are not always like what it seems. The most famous and popular commercial circles and commercial pedestrian streets are predominantly located near the Yansha Shopping Mall, Tian`anmen and Wangfujing Street, Guomao Shopping Mall, Qianmen Street and Xidan street.

First-time visitors will be dazzled by the contrast available in Beijing. New high buildings appear almost overnight, the roads are jammed with modern cars and people are well dressed with the latest mobile phone in their hand. Luxurious shopping malls are home to exclusive foreign brands and the city`s clubs play the latest Western sounds. But once you turn off the main roads into the hutong (alley-way) that crisscross the heart of Beijing and its like if you went back in time. Hawkers still ride through the alleys on bicycle carts making their way through traffic by shouting their wares, old men and women step up in their Mao suits and people squat by the roadside to eat bowls of steaming noodles, to get their hair cut, to socialize or just watch the endless parade of humanity going by.

The mix of past and present is visible everywhere in Beijing. Although many of the city`s historic buildings have been demolished in the rush to modernize the capital, including the old city walls, thousands of temples and hutong, Beijing is still the home to some of China`s most stunning and essential sights. It is here that you`ll find the mysterious Forbidden city that is the best preserved imperial palace or world`s biggest central square the Tian`anmen Square, the peaceful Summer Palace with its beautiful lakes, Temple of Heaven Park which happens to be the largest sacrificial complex in the world, the Lama Temple, and of course the unbelievable Great Wall, to name just a few.

Although Beijing is a modern and fashionable city complete with full 21st century vitality, you can experience authentic Beijing life and become acquainted with `old Beijing` by exploring its many teahouses, temple fairs, Beijing`s hutong & courtyard or simply visit the Beijing Opera. Add any or all of them in your tour and you will leave with a feeling of special appreciation in your heart for this ancient city that has truly seen it all and tells its story with matchless grace, charm and vigor.

After a whole day in Beijing, nighttime can be surprising. There are traditional performances such as Beijing Opera, acrobatics and martial arts, but if you like it more modern, Beijing offers you concerts, ballroom, dancing, pubs and clubs. Especially the night party owl among us can not miss Sanlitun Bar Street and the nearby embassy area in Chaoyang district. Tianqiao area and Laoshe Teahouse are good venues for tourists to enjoy Chinese folk culture. There is just everything for everyone.

The short autumn is probably the best time to visit Beijing with blue skies and mild temperatures. Spring is windy sandstorm season, while the hot and humid summers can be brutal. In contrast the winters are bitterly cold and dry with little snow and because it`s cold you must try the steamy hotpot which is really nice, fun and unique to do. Nevertheless Beijing is a city that is changing by the day. Maybe because of its unique vibrant energy, it is never boring to wake up in Beijing!