Beijing (also formerly known in English as Peking) is a metropolis in northern China and the capital of China. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Beijing is China's second largest city after Shanghai, which is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and motorways passing through the city. It is also the focal point of many international flights to China. Beijing is recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of the People's Republic of China, while Shanghai and Hong Kong predominate in economic fields. The city hosted the 2008 Olympic Games.

Beijing Geography and Climate

Beijing, China's national capital is situated at the north edge of the North China Plain. Not far to its northwest are the vast Inner Mongolian Plateau and a hundred kilometers to the east is the Bohai Sea. Beijng is also flanked by the crawling Taihang Mountains to its west and the alluvial plain by the rivers of Yongding and Chaobai to its south.

Located in the North Temperate Zone with a continental monsoon climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures can climb higher than 38℃ (higher than 100 F) in July and drop lower than -15℃(lower than 5 F) in January. Spring in Beijing generally falls between April and May. It is very short and sudden temperature fluctuations are very common. Use sunglasses and avoid wearing shorts. Although the duration of summer (June to August) is not too long, the monthly average temperature is above 24°C. Hot and humid summers are similar to that of Washington, D.C. T-shirts and light pants or shorts are the best bet. Autumn (September to October) will dress Beijing up with beautiful red dresses and thus become the best traveling period. Winter (November to March) is cold and very dry with lots of wind and occasional snow. Be prepared to have enough warm clothes on including boots.

Universities in Beijing

China's top two univerties, Peking University and Tsinghua University are located in Beijing. Besides, there are some provincial key universities in Beijing, such as University of International Business and Economics, North China University of Technology, Capital University of Economic and Business and University of Science and Technology Beijing are memeber of CISS,

Beijing Local Products

Beijing and its surrounding counties are known to have the best quality Miyun dates, Jingbai pears and Liangxiang chestnuts. King-size persimmon and especial the frozen ones are unique. Preserved fruits from of a part of Beijing's traditional speciality. The Beijing Duck is a fine breed, well-know for its delicate meat. Beijing also offers artefacts, jade and stone carvings, filigree and lacquer ware, jewellery and the watercolor wood block printing of Rongbaozhai.

Beijing Local Cuisine

Beijing presents a galaxy of China's famous cuisine. Here you not only are offered with four major schools of Chinese cuisine, namely, Shandong, Sichuan, Jiangzhe and Guangdong, but have a great variety of gastronomically specialities to choose from Beijing, Hunan, Shanxi and Henan styles, let alone numerous local flavours and snacks.

Beijing roast duck provides a special enjoyment to thousands of customers, Chinese and foreigners alike. The top restaurants serving Beijing roast duck are Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant at Hepingmen and its branch at Qianmen and Bianyifang Roast Duck Restaurants. They stick to the traditional roasting method and maintain the original flavor. You will find the duck with dark brown color, crispy skin, and tender and tasty meat lightening the enjoyment of the guests. Your visit to Beijing is incomplete without a try at the Beijing roast duck.

You can also try the Beijing rinsed mutton with Mongolian hot pot at Donglaishun Restaurant, imperial recipes at Fangshan Restaurant, any of the famous dishes at Sichuan, Guandong, Huaiyang, and Tanjin, styles at the Beijing Hotel Restaurant, a "complete fish meal" at the Hall of Listening to the Oriole Restaurant at the Summer Palace, or a "complete pork meal" at Shaguoju or a "complete lamb meal" at Hongbinlou. The Barbecue of Kaorou Ji and Kaorou Wan is also quite famous.