Pekin Blog

Thanks to its long history and deep cultural roots, Beijing has a unique collection of architecture, arts, cuisine, and other cultural facets.

A Beijing culture tour is not complete without imperial architecture, like the Forbidden City, and the narrow hutong lanes lined with traditional courtyard houses; performing arts like Beijing opera; and Beijing cuisine like roast duck. Glimpse the magnificence of Chinese culture through the lens of its capital.

2. Beijing is a 6-times capital city.
The Tian'anmen SquareThe Tian'anmen Square
Beijing has been the capital to six notable Chinese governments. China has been ruled from Beijing for over 700 years, which is why there are so many historical sites to explore.

221 BC: Yan State Capital, Warring States Period
1271: first a national capital for the Yuan Dynasty
1402: Became Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) capital
1644: Qing Dynasty capital
1912: Republic of China capital
October 1, 1949: The people's Republic of China inaugurated by Mao Zedong
3. Beijing was not always called Beijing.
Before settling in on the name “Beijing” in 1403, the city had a series of names: Jicheng (‘City of Ji’), Yanjing (Capital of Yan’), Nanjing (‘Southern Capital’), Zhongdu (‘Central Capital’), Dadu (‘Great Capital’), Beiping (‘Central Peace’), etc. Beijing (‘Northern Capital’) was the 16th name given to the city.

See more on Beijing History.

4. Beijing is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Temple of HeavenThe Temple of Heaven
Beijing’s long and rich history has left behind an abundant historic and cultural heritage, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, and the Grand Canal.

Our Essence of Beijing tour covers four of them. Their magnificent and well-preserved architecture was constructed hundreds of years ago.

The Great Wall is one of the greatest sights in the world - the longest wall in the world, an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture.
The Forbidden City is the largest palace in the world. It is also China's best-preserved imperial palace and the essence and culmination of traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment.
The Temple of Heaven is considered the holiest of Beijing's imperial temples.
The Summer Palace is the world’s largest imperial garden, where emperors spent their summers.

Beijing, previously known as Peking, is the capital city of the People's Republic of China.

Dominating the north of China, there is a lot going on in Beijing. Here are 10 interesting facts you should know if you're already planning your trip to Beijing, or if you're just starting to think about it.
Beijing’s history can be traced back 3,000 years. It’s about as old as London, six times older than New York, and ten times older than Sydney. The city retains a wealth of historical sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Beijing is also one of the oldest inhabited areas in the world. Fossils indicate that Peking Man (Homo erectus) lived there from 770,000 to 230,000 years ago. The Peking Man World Heritage Site at Zhoukoudian is the place to see the fossils.

Beijing has been the capital to six notable Chinese governments. China has been ruled from Beijing for over 700 years, which is why there are so many historical sites to explore.

221 BC: Yan State Capital, Warring States Period
1271: first a national capital for the Yuan Dynasty
1402: Became Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) capital
1644: Qing Dynasty capital
1912: Republic of China capital
October 1, 1949: The people's Republic of China inaugurated by Mao Zedong

Beijing’s history can be traced back 3,000 years. It’s about as old as London, six times older than New York, and ten times older than Sydney. The city retains a wealth of historical sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Beijing is also one of the oldest inhabited areas in the world. Fossils indicate that Peking Man (Homo erectus) lived there from 770,000 to 230,000 years ago. The Peking Man World Heritage Site at Zhoukoudian is the place to see the fossils.

Beijing (Chinese: 北京, Pinyin Běijīng, Polish: Beijing) is the capital and one of the central cities of the People's Republic of China. Beijing is surrounded on three sides by Hebei Province and borders Tianjin in the southeast.