Beijing is the capital of China, but is not the largest city (regarding population) in the country. It ranks second only to Shanghai and boasts a population of 23 million and an area of 16,807km2.
Beijing is a metropolis and a major transport hub in northern China. Beijing also houses a well-protected popular section of the Great Wall. It is known as the political, educational and cultural centre of China, although some people believe this title belongs to Shanghai. The 2008 Olympics were held in Beijing and played a significant role in the modernisation and growth of the tourism industry of the city. The currency used in China is yuan, and is also known as renminbi, which is normally shortened to RMB. |
Climate and Weather
There are four seasons in Beijing; a long, cold winter, a long, hot summer, a short, cool autumn and a windy and pleasant spring.
Economy
In 2014 Beijing's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 2.133 trillion yuan (343.38 billion U. S. dollars), an increase of 7.3% since 2013. Beijing is home to over 100 of China’s largest companies. Many multinational companies who want a Chinese or Asia-Pacific headquarters are attracted to this city. It is known as the place to go for connections with the government.
Since the Communist Revolution in 1949, Beijing has become one of China’s biggest industrial cities. In the 50s and 60s, the government funded major developments of heavy industry in the city, led by the modernisation of Shih-Ching-Shan Iron & Steel Works, now one of China’s major steel producing factories. Free market reforms in the 1990s resulted in an economic boom and flow of foreign capital. Beijing is now second in industrialisation only to Shanghai. The economy is growing rapidly, especially after the 2008 Olympics.
The economy is based on the high-end manufacturing and service sectors. The service sectors are growing rapidly (mainly government agencies) such as specialised banks and major insurance companies. Beijing has highly developed machinery, textile and petrochemical sectors. Wholesale, retail commerce and tourism also play a big role in Beijing’s economy. The agricultural sector is significant as well. The external boundary of the city is mostly farmland used for growing food to reduce the dependency on food shipped in from the Yangtze Valley.
Since the Communist Revolution in 1949, Beijing has become one of China’s biggest industrial cities. In the 50s and 60s, the government funded major developments of heavy industry in the city, led by the modernisation of Shih-Ching-Shan Iron & Steel Works, now one of China’s major steel producing factories. Free market reforms in the 1990s resulted in an economic boom and flow of foreign capital. Beijing is now second in industrialisation only to Shanghai. The economy is growing rapidly, especially after the 2008 Olympics.
The economy is based on the high-end manufacturing and service sectors. The service sectors are growing rapidly (mainly government agencies) such as specialised banks and major insurance companies. Beijing has highly developed machinery, textile and petrochemical sectors. Wholesale, retail commerce and tourism also play a big role in Beijing’s economy. The agricultural sector is significant as well. The external boundary of the city is mostly farmland used for growing food to reduce the dependency on food shipped in from the Yangtze Valley.
History & Culture
Beijing has a rich history with recorded evidence dating back more than 3000 years. There is also evidence of human ancestry as old as 700,000 years in the southwest of Beijing. The city originated when the emperor gave a plot of land, ‘Ji’, to a feudal lord, to be the capital city of the kingdom from 1100BC-770BC.
Beijing has been an Imperial capital and strategic military and major trade centre through many dynasties. It has had many names and been the site of numerous battles. In 1912, Beijing was made no longer the Imperial capital. But 1949 saw the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and Beijing was reborn. The city of Beijing is full of extravagant and colourful buildings, with palaces and temples being many of them. Since the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the city has started to modernise rapidly while at the same time showing the world the rich culture of this ancient city. |
Tourism
The tourism industry in Beijing has been growing rapidly since reforms in 1978, and now makes up 7% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Beijing. These reforms allowed foreign investment and began a massive development in the tourism industry. Tourism used to be a small group of service sectors, but is now one of the biggest sectors in Beijing’s economy, with international and domestic tourism both making large profit. Overall, tourism accounts for 21 billion RMB in the economy.
Since 2006, Beijing city officials have spent 15 billion RMB developing tourism-related products and improving facilities at more than 60 tourist attractions, as well as putting policies in place encouraging tourism and the growth of the industry. From 2001 to 2007, there was an almost 52% increase n the number of tourists. The 2008 Beijing Olympics boosted the number of tourists as well. In 2012, the number of tourists was predicted to reach 6.1 million, a 7% increase from the previous year.
Since 2006, Beijing city officials have spent 15 billion RMB developing tourism-related products and improving facilities at more than 60 tourist attractions, as well as putting policies in place encouraging tourism and the growth of the industry. From 2001 to 2007, there was an almost 52% increase n the number of tourists. The 2008 Beijing Olympics boosted the number of tourists as well. In 2012, the number of tourists was predicted to reach 6.1 million, a 7% increase from the previous year.