China
Beijing
Welcome to China! Beijing has been a capital city for centuries, filled with golden-roofed palaces, peaceful gardens, and towering modern skyscrapers, all sharing the same skyline.
Why is it famous?
Beijing was the home of Chinese emperors for hundreds of years and is packed with palaces, temples, and ancient walls.
It's the political and cultural heart of China, and the starting point of the mighty Great Wall.
A city with a long story
People have lived in the Beijing area for over 3,000 years, and it became an imperial capital more than 800 years ago.
Today Beijing mixes narrow historic alleyways called hutongs with wide modern avenues and gleaming skyscrapers.
Amazing facts
The Temple of Heaven was built without using a single nail — its wooden beams fit together like a giant puzzle.
Beijing's famous "Bird's Nest" stadium was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and is woven together from criss-crossing steel beams.
Quick facts
- The Temple of Heaven was built without using a single nail — its wooden beams fit together like a giant puzzle.
- Beijing's famous "Bird's Nest" stadium was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and is woven together from criss-crossing steel beams.
- The Forbidden City, right in the middle of Beijing, has nearly 1,000 buildings and was home to 24 emperors.
- Beijing is one of very few cities in the world to have hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics.