Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is the nation's political, economic, cultural .It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history. For this reason, there is an unequalled wealth available for travelers to discover as you explore Beijing's ancient past.

Beijing is situated at 40 degrees north latitude and 116degrees east longitude. It lies at approximately the same latitude as Philadelphia in the U.S. and Madrid in Spain. It is 43 meters above sea level and 183 kilometers from the sea. Beijing covers an area of 16,800 square kilometer, 38% of it is flat land and 62% mountains. Surrounded by the Yanshan Mountains on the west, north and east, Beijing stands on the alluvial plain of the Yongding River and faces the Bohai Sea.

Beijing has a continental climate. Annual rainfall averages nearly 700 millimeters; most of it comes in July and August. Winter is dry and cold. The frost-free period is 185 days. The best time to visit Beijing is May, September and October, when people enjoy bright sunny sky.

Beijing has a population of over 13 million; about 6 million live in the city proper and the rest on the outskirts. It is divided into 13 districts and 5 counties.

Beijing's long and illustrious history starts approximately 500,000 years ago. It is here that the ancestors of modern Homo sapiens, Peking men, lived in caves. Records show that Beijing has been an inhabited city for more than three thousand years and has lived through invasions, devastating fires, dynasties, warlords, Anglo-French troops and has emerged each time as a strong and vibrant city. For more than 800 years, Beijing was a capital city - from the Yuan Dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Thirty-four emperors have lived and ruled in Beijing and it has been an important trading city from earliest days.

Although now Beijing is modern, fashionable and full of 21st Century vitality, you can experience authentic Beijing life and become acquainted with "old Beijing" by exploring many tea houses, temple fares, Beijing's Hutong and Courtyard and enjoy the Peking Opera. Adding these to your Beijing tour, you will leave feeling in your heart a special appreciation for this ancient city that has truly seen it all and tells its story with matchless grace and beauty.