Beijing, the capital of the
People's Republic of China is the nation's political, cultural,
scientific and educational heart as well as a key transportation hub.
Beijing has served as the capital of the country for more than 800 years
dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. The city has many places of historic
interest and scenic beauty, including the Forbidden City -- the largest
and best preserved ancient architectural complex in the world; the
Temple of Heaven - where Ming and Qing emperors performed solemn rituals
for bountiful harvests; the Summer Palace -- the emperors' magnificent
garden
retreat;
the Ming tombs -- the stately and majestic mausoleums of 13 Ming Dynasty
emperors; and the world-renowned and genuinely inspiring Badaling
section of the Great Wall.