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City Map of Beijing

Beijing - The capital of People's Republic of China

Beijing, the capital city of China, is both a tribute to China's proud history and a gateway to China's future. It is one of the four municipalities of the PRC, which are equivalent to provinces in China's administrative structure. Covering an area of 16800 km2 and with a population of 11 million, Beijing is now an international metropolis, China's second largest city, after Shanghai.

Ever serving as a dynastic capital during the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing has long been the political, cultural, and diplomatic center of China. As such it is rich in historical sites and important government institutions. Alongside 7300 cultural relics and historic sites and more than 200 scenic spots -- including the world's largest palace, the Forbidden City, as well as the Great Wall, Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs and the Temple of Heaven -- Beijing also boasts an impressive modern skyline, a reflection of its rapid economic development.

Location and topography of Beijing

Beijing nestles at the foot of Yanshan Mountain on the northern tip of the North China Plain. The high northwest and low southeast make up the whole of Beijing's terrain. The Great Wall of China, which stretches across the northern part of Beijing, made use of this rugged topography to defend against nomadic incursions from the north.

The capital city is well known for its flatness and regular construction. Like the configuration of the Forbidden City, Beijing has concentric "ring roads", which are actually rectangular, that go around the metropolis.

Climate of Beijing

Beijing's climate is a monsoon-influenced continental climate, characterized by hot summers and generally cold, windy, dry winter. Average daytime high temperatures in January are at around 1 °C (33°F), while average temperatures in July are around 30°C (87 °F). August and September mark the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in Beijing, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the best season to visit, with clear, blue skies allowing visitors to fully witness the charm and vastness of the city.

Transportation in Beijing

Airports in Beijing

As the nation's capital, getting to Beijing is straightforward. The city, with direct air connections to most major cities in the world, is the focal point of many international flights to China. The recently expanded Beijing Capital International Airport, which is located to the northeast of the central districts, 26 km from the city centre, is China's largest and most advanced airport, with three terminals.

Click here to see detailed Beijing Airport Information and Maps.

Railways in Beijing

Rail connections link the capital to virtually every point in China. Beijing has many railway stations. The most important ones are Beijing Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station.

Roadways in Beijing

There are plenty of long-distance domestic routes served by national highways radiating from Beijing, heading to abundant destinations, as far as Shanghai and the Mongolian border. You can reach areas as far as Harbin or Xi'an on a single bus ride.

Click here to see detailed Beijing Roadway Maps and Guide.

Subway in Beijing

The subway is a good way to quickly get around the big capital city and is clearly marked in English for travelers. However, be warned that during rush hour trains can be extremely crowded. The subway system shuts down around midnight, and opens again around 5AM. Lines are currently as follows although more are under construction.

Click here to see detailed Beijing Subway Guide and Maps.

Travel & Sightseeing in Beijing

Beijing, with a lot to show, is the best place to explore Chinese history and culture. Landmarks in Beijing include the Tiananmen Square in the city center, the former imperial Forbidden City, the Great Wall across the northern part, the Temple of Heaven as the symbol of Beijing, the National Stadium for the 2008 Olympic Games, the Ming Tombs of the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, the royal Summer Palace, just to name a few.

-Click here for the detailed Maps of Tourist Attractions in Beijing.

Beijing City Map

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