Beijing, the capital of China and the host of the 2008 Olympic Games, has been the heart of Chinese politics, society, and culture for more than 600 years. Yet, Beijing is also the center of a nation undergoing the greatest transformation that China has ever witnessed. You'll discover modernity and a brisk, confident populace, but also find enchanting alleyways, imperial palaces, and incense-wreathed temples. 

To truly get under the skin of the capital, you need to get lost at least once in the city's ancient alleyways, or hutong. The city may be trying to sell itself as a metropolis, but the soul of Beijing lives and breathes among these charming and ragged lanes where a warm sense of community and hospitality survives.

The famous Great Wall of China snakes around the northern plains of China but is largely synonymous with Beijing. The most touristed area of the Great Wall is at Badaling, 70km northwest of Beijing. As a result, the area has numerous souvenir stalls, hawkers, a museum and even a Cable Car ride. 

Home to two dynasties of emperors, the outstanding Forbidden City is Beijing's other must-see sight after the Great Wall. With its unparalleled grandeur and historic significance, one can easily spend a day exploring the collection of buildings that make up the Forbidden City. Another regal encampment in the suburbs is the magnificent Summer Palace. Wander around the beautifully landscaped grounds and watch the sunset over sparkling Kunming Lake.

Getting Around: Beijing, the capital of China and the host of the 2008 Olympic Games, has been the heart of Chinese politics, society, and culture for more than 600 years. Yet, Beijing is also the center of a nation undergoing the greatest transformation that China has ever witnessed. You'll discover modernity and a brisk, confident populace, but also find enchanting alleyways, imperial palaces, and incense-wreathed temples.

To truly get under the skin of the capital, you need to get lost at least once in the city's ancient alleyways, or hutong. The city may be trying to sell itself as a metropolis, but the soul of Beijing lives and breathes among these charming and ragged lanes where a warm sense of community and hospitality survives.

The famous Great Wall of China snakes around the northern plains of China but is largely synonymous with Beijing. The most touristed area of the Great Wall is at Badaling, 70km northwest of Beijing. As a result, the area has numerous souvenir stalls, hawkers, a museum and even a Cable Car ride.

Home to two dynasties of emperors, the outstanding Forbidden City is Beijing's other must-see sight after the Great Wall. With its unparalleled grandeur and historic significance, one can easily spend a day exploring the collection of buildings that make up the Forbidden City. Another regal encampment in the suburbs is the magnificent Summer Palace. Wander around the beautifully landscaped grounds and watch the sunset over sparkling Kunming Lake.

Getting Around: 
The Beijing Subway is a good way to quickly get around the city and is clearly marked in English for travelers. Long very limited, the network has expanded at a furious pace in recent years, with 9 lines now operational and another 9 to open by 2015. However, if you do not have a good grasp of Chinese, one should not count on finding a taxi driver or passer-by who knows English well.