Beijing is mostly known as a home to many national monuments and museums and has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, Zhoukoudian, and parts of the Great Wall and the Grand Canal—all of which are popular tourist locations.

Now it has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.

The capital city with iconic attractions like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.Beijing, the capital city of China, has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years. 

Here's an overview of Beijing's history, climate, culture, and top attractions:

• History

Beijing has served as the capital for several dynasties in Chinese history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of significant dynasties, including the Yuan, Ming, and Qing. The city has been a political, cultural, and economic centre, leaving behind a legacy of imperial palaces, temples, and historical landmarks.

• Climate:

Beijing experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 25-35°C (77-95°F). Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall.

• Culture:

Beijing is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. It is deeply influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, which have shaped its values, customs, and art forms. Traditional Beijing opera, martial arts, calligraphy, and paper cutting are among the cultural treasures of the city. The local cuisine, known as Beijing cuisine, features dishes like Peking Duck, dumplings, and Mongolian hot pot.

•  Attractions:

1. The Great Wall of China

Visit the Great Wall, an architectural wonder that stretches over 21,000 kilometres (13,000 miles). Sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling are popular for their accessibility and scenic beauty. It was built over several centuries, primarily during the Ming Dynasty, to protect China from invasions and raids. Constructed using various materials such as stone, brick, wood, and earth, it offers breathtaking panoramic views and is a symbol of China's cultural heritage. Today, the Great Wall attracts millions of visitors who come to admire its grandeur, explore its watchtowers, and appreciate its historical significance.

2. Forbidden City

 Explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest imperial palace complex in the world. Marvel at its intricate architecture, grand halls, and serene gardens.The Forbidden City was designed to be the centre of the ancient, walled city of Beijing. It is enclosed in a larger, walled area called the Imperial City. The Imperial City is, in turn, enclosed by the Inner City; to its south lies the Outer City. The Forbidden City remains important in the civic scheme of Beijing

3. Temple of Heaven

Discover the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties conducted annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Admire its unique architecture and serene atmosphere.It is the most complete existing imperial sacrificial building complex in China and the world's largest existing building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven.

4. Summer Palace

 Escape the city's hustle and bustle at the Summer Palace, a magnificent royal garden featuring a large lake, pavilions, bridges, and lush greenery.The Summer Palace in Beijing – first built in 1750, largely destroyed in thewar of 1860 and restored on its original foundations in 1886 – is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.

5. Tiananmen Square

 Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares. Explore landmarks like the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.In what is known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre, or in Chinese the June Fourth Clearing or June Fourth Massacre, Chinese government troops violently suppressed the demonstrators and those trying to block the military's advance into Tiananmen Square.

6. Hutongs

Take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's traditional Hutongs, ancient alleys lined with courtyard houses. Experience the local way of life, visit traditional tea houses, and interact with residents.A hutong is a narrow residential alleyway or street which connects to other hutongs to form a neighbourhood of wonderful passageways that provide a window into an old, traditional China.

7. Lama Temple

 Discover the Yonghe Temple, also known as Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple renowned for its stunning architecture and large Buddha statues.Why is the Lama Temple Important? There are three treasures in this temple: the largest sandalwood Buddha in the world, the bronze Buddhas of past, present, and future, and the 500-Arhat-Hill.The Lama Temple in Mandarin Chinese, is the biggest temple of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing.

8. Beihai Park

 Enjoy the tranquillity of Beihai Park, an imperial garden with a beautiful lake, temples, and pavilions. Take a boat ride, relax by the lake, or climb the White Dagoba for panoramic views.Beihai has been a royal playground since the Jin dynasty (1115–1234), when Jade Islet was shaped from the earth scooped out to create the lake. Crowning the islet is the 36m-high Tibetan-style White Dagoba, built in 1651 by the first Qing emperor to honour a visit by the Dalai Lama.The total land area of Beihai adds up to 3,337 km², and the length of its coastline is 669 km. It has a population of 1.74 million

9. 798 Art Zone

 Explore the 798 Art Zone, a thriving contemporary art district housed in a former factory complex. It showcases avant-garde art exhibitions, galleries, studios, and trendy cafes.Since 2001, artists from around and outside Beijing have been gathering in Factory 798. Their unique artistic vision has found the advantages of this place for artistic work. They rent and make full use of the German Bauhaus-style original factory buildings.The 798 Art District is a unique cultural destination that should be on every traveller's Beijing list. This former factory complex turned art district is now home to some of the most innovative and creative art spaces in the world.

10. National Museum of China

 Immerse yourself in Chinese history and culture at the National Museum of China, which houses a vast collection of artefacts, ancient relics, and artworks.The National Museum of China is the third largest museum in the worldwith 65,000 square metres in area. The total land area is about 70,000 square metres. The building is 42.5 metres high, 5 floors above ground and 2 floors below ground. The building consists of two zones.

These are just a few highlights of Beijing's rich history, climate, culture, and attractions. The city offers a blend of ancient and modern experiences, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into China's past and present.

Beijing, the capital of China, is known for its well-developed transportation system, including subways, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), and currency exchange can be easily done through ATMs. With a population of over 21 million people, Beijing is one of the most populous cities globally. It attracts tourists with its historical landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, as well as its thriving arts and culture scene. The city offers a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, featuring ancient hutongs alongside contemporary developments, showcasing the dynamic nature of China's capital city