Beijing

Beijing: Capital of the People's Republic of China

Beijing, the vast capital of China, has a history dating back three millennia. Yet, it's known as much for its modern architecture as for its ancient sites, such as the Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nearby, in the vast pedestrian Tiananmen Square, is Mao Zedong's Mausoleum and the National Museum of China, which displays a vast collection of cultural relics.

Today, Beijing is a vast city of contrasts, where the most modern skyscrapers coexist with the humble hutongs of the Old Town and the restored imperial monuments. A surprising and vibrant city that draws the many tourists who visit it.