Overview of Beijing
For a long period Beijing has meant one thing to the world, the 2008 Olympics. From the day it was awarded the focus has been on China and with Beijing in the main spotlight. Questions were raised over security, air pollution and China’s treatment of some of its citizens. In the end the Olympics ran well and of course gave a great advert for Beijing and the surrounding areas.
The area formally known in English as Peking is in the north of the country and is the capital of the
People’s Republic of China, it’s also only second in size to Shanghai. It is seen as the political, educational and cultural center for the country. It has numerous rail lines and major roads running through it as well as one of the countries major airports so is fully accessible to the visitor. With Beijing having been a central area for over eight hundred years and with its rich cultural history it is a place to be visited for many reasons.
Many buildings have historical importance and relevance, either for there actual build or for things that happened within their walls. There is evidence within the Beijing boundaries of existence of man around 250,000 years ago. Over succeeding years the area has been built up through the Ming dynasties and other important periods. The population of the area is around seventeen million and is very densely populated. It is filled with the modern and the ancient and so has everything for the interested sightseer.
The area is full of stunning mountain ranges such as Xishan among others, this mountainous design was used by the builders of the great wall of china which stretches through the area. Through this area runs numerous major rivers which help encourage wildlife to the countryside. The main populated area is to the south of Beijing, it spreads out from central areas including the infamous Tienanmen square and Tienanmen gates, these being close by the forbidden city. In the Zhonagnanhai area, near the forbidden city, the main leaders of the people’s republic live when not in the government buildings.
The climate in Beijing goes from the extremes of hot summers to generally cold winters, also blend in occasional monsoon conditions as seen at the Olympics. As was seen during the Olympics the air pollution is normally very poor, in normal circumstances the pollution is around five times higher then the world health organization says is acceptable. There were a number of things tried to cut pollution while the games were on but most aren’t practical for long term help.
The positive things tried included adding new subway lines and many taxis ans buses were replaced in able to encourage locals to use the more environmental friendly method of transport. It is proved that a lot of the pollution has come from surrounding areas and so the problem is a big one for all of China. With its culture, history and landscape Beijing is a place to visit in order to see the famous sites, it’s a country that will leave you in awe.
