General Information & History
With over 5,000 years of dramatic history, China’s early years were characterized by feuding warlords and divided states. However, despite the lack of unity between them, these early civilizations were able to accomplish a great deal, and in roughly 250 B.C., Emperor Ch'in Shih Huang Ti was the first to unite the feuding states. |
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Finally, in 1911, Dr. Sun Yat-sen overthrew the last imperial dynasty and set China up for a series of Civil Wars ended by Mao Ze-Dong and the Communists’ eventual victory over Chiang Kai Shek and the Chinese Nationalists. On October 1, 1949, Mao and his followers renamed the country The People’s Republic of China and moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing.
Beijing is a city of great historical significance to China, which was first declared a capital city by King Wu in 1057 BC. Since then, the city has had a number of different names such as, Dadu, Zhongdu, and many others. The Ming Dynasty’s Emperor ChengZu gave it its current title of Beijing in 1421, and translated, it means Norhtern Capital.
As China’s official capital city, Beijing has been referred to as the political & cultural hub of China. The People’s Republic of China declares Mandarin (or putonghua) its official language and communism its official government.
The weather in Beijing is characterized by four different seasons. The summer months are mostly hot and dry with a haze of lingering pollution, while the winter is dry and cold. March to early May and September to late October tend to be the most beautiful times of year with blue skies, cool temperatures, and gorgeous colors. The climate here is very similar to a dry New York City.
Entertainment/Tourism
The Forbidden City
The center of old Beijing city and home to over 20 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City was off limits to the entire world for half a thousand years. Today it is one of Beijing’s most popular tourists destinations. |
Summer Palace
In what used to be a summer retreat for the members of China’s Imperial Court, the palace is now a popular day trip for many tourists. Situated on 726.5 acres, three-quarters of which is water, the Summer Palace has been voted one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. |
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The Great Wall of China
Emperor Ch'in Shih Huang Ti started construction of the Wall over 2000 years ago, with the original purpose of keeping out rivaling states. It was then used in an attempt to shield China from the West, and although little of the original Wall remains today, it is still an incredibly awe inspiring creation.
Lama Temple
Built in the late 17th century for a Qing Dynasty prince, the Lama Temple demonstrates typical Chinese architecture and extravagant decorations. With five halls and five courtyards, the temple is home to a large collection of Buddhist art. |
Tiananmen Square
Beijing’s politically controversial tourist sight, the Square is situated in Beijing central, next to the Forbidden City. It was a popular meeting place throughout Imperial times and was home to hoards of Mao’s political rallies during China’s Cultural Revolution. What brought it to international attention was the 1989 government massacre of democratic protestors.
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798 Art District
Located in Beijing’s DaShanzi District, 798 boasts some of China’s most contemporary art. Made up of old factories and warehouses transformed into lofts and studios, the area has everything from cafés, bars, and bookstores, to live music and China’s most eclectic art. Even the least artistic of people can appreciate the uniqueness of this area
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Useful Numbers
China International Country code: 0086
China Directory Codes:
International Country Code: 0086
Beijing City Code: 010
Local Directory Assistance: 114
Long-Distance Directory Assistance: 113
Beijing Tourism Hotline: 5130828
Asia Emergency Assistance Center: 64629100
Transportation Assistance
Air China Ticket Office: 010-66017755
Air China Domestic Flight Information: 010-66013336
Air China International Flight Information: 010-66016667
Beijing Capital Airport: 010-64563604
Beijing Railway Station: 010-65128931, 65129525
International Credit Card Inquiries
American Express International: 010-65052888
Diner's Club: 010-65101868
Master card International: 010-65101090-95
Visa International: 010-65064371
International & Domestic Couriers
DHL: 010-64662211
Federal Express: 010-64623188
TNT: 010-64677877
EMS: 010-65129947/48
UPS: 010-64652227
Beijing Taxi Companies
Beijing Taxi Corp.: 010-68582661
Beijing Tourism Taxi Corp.: 010-65158604/05
Capital Taxi Corp.: 010-65138893
Weather: 121,
Time Check: 117
Emergency
Fire: 119, Police: 110, Traffic: 122, Ambulance: 120 / 65255678?
Hospitals
Hong Kong International Medical Clinic-Beijing: 010-65012288 Ext.2346
Beijing AEA International Clinic: (010) 6462-9112, (010) 6462-9100 (24-hour)
Fax: (010) 6462-9111
Beijing Union Medical College: (010) 512-7733, ext. 217
Friendship Hospital Foreigners: (010) 6301-4411, ext. 441 or 442
International Medical Center (IMC): (010) 6465-1561, (010) 6465-1563 (24-hour)
Fax: (010) 6465-1984
Sino-German Policlinic: (010) 6501-1983
Xiehe Hospital (Capital Hospital, PUMC): (010) 6529-5296 or (010) 6513-5002
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