Welcome to Beijing
Get ready for the hustle and bustle of one of the largest, most sprawling, cosmopolitan cities in the world. As the capital of China, Beijing is the country's political and cultural hub, offering a window into its extensive history juxtaposed alongside rapid modernization. More than 19 million people live in Beijing, where preserved palaces border new subway stations and attractions overflow like the dim sum. Visitors can find many world-famous historical sites - such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - scattered throughout the various neighborhoods. Compared to Western cities of similar size, Beijing is quite affordable, making it a great place to take a vacation or business trip. However, like other getaways, weather can make or break things. Summer can be ridiculously hot and humid, and winter gets freezing and gray - travel connoisseurs advise that you visit in spring and fall.
With such a vast city layout, navigating from point A to point B can be tricky. If possible, avoid street traffic; the underground train (also called the underground dragon) may be the fastest and most convenient form of transportation in Beijing. Make sure you plan your route in advance to facilitate trip times. If riding a bus is necessary, keep in mind that they often get very crowded, so always secure your personal belongings.