What is the Capital of China? Beijing
Capital City of China: Beijing
City Overview
Beijing, the capital city of the People’s Republic of China, is one of the most populous and historically significant cities in the world. Serving as China’s political, cultural, and educational center, Beijing is a global metropolis that blends ancient traditions with modern development. The city has served as the capital of China for more than 800 years and has been at the heart of Chinese civilization since the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), through the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and into the present day. It is home to many of China’s most important government institutions, including the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee, the State Council, and the President’s Office. See Clothingexpress for other major cities in China.
Beijing’s history is evident in its extensive collection of imperial architecture, its role as a seat of power through multiple dynasties, and its cultural significance as a center for arts and education. It has grown into one of the largest and most influential cities in the world, with a population of more than 21 million people. As a major global city, Beijing also plays an important role in world politics, commerce, and culture.
Area: 16,410.5 km²
Population: Approximately 21 million (2023)
Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC +8:00
Highest Mountain: Mount Xishan, at an elevation of 2,304 meters (7,561 feet), located in the western part of the city.
Longest River: The Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, flows through northern China, although it does not pass directly through Beijing. The Ying River, a major tributary of the Yellow River, is nearby.
Beijing is a rapidly growing city with an economy dominated by government services, technology, and manufacturing. It is home to some of the world’s largest and most influential companies in the tech industry, and its thriving economy makes it one of the wealthiest cities in China. The city’s infrastructure is state-of-the-art, with impressive airports, high-speed trains, and a large public transport network. The city has also seen major urbanization and redevelopment projects, especially in preparation for events like the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Major Landmarks
Beijing is famous for its well-preserved ancient landmarks, imperial palaces, temples, and vast public squares, which attract millions of visitors annually. Some of the most notable landmarks include:
- The Great Wall of China One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Great Wall stretches more than 13,000 miles across northern China. Several sections of the wall are located within a few hours’ drive from Beijing. Built to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes, the Great Wall remains a symbol of Chinese strength and perseverance.
- The Forbidden City The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, was the residence of Chinese emperors for almost 500 years (from the Ming to the Qing Dynasty). This massive palace complex is now home to the Palace Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese art, historical artifacts, and imperial treasures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.
- Tiananmen Square As one of the largest public squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is the site of many historically significant events, including the May Fourth Movement (1919), the 1949 Proclamation of the People’s Republic of China, and the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. It is also home to important government buildings, such as the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the National Museum of China.
- Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is a magnificent complex of religious buildings in southern Beijing. It was used by Chinese emperors to perform annual rites of prayer for a good harvest. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, one of the most iconic structures in the Temple of Heaven, is an architectural masterpiece known for its circular shape and intricate design.
- Summer Palace A stunning example of classical Chinese landscape garden design, the Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces located on the outskirts of Beijing. It served as the imperial summer residence during the Qing Dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill provide serene views that have inspired generations of Chinese artists and poets.
- Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) Built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Bird’s Nest is an iconic symbol of modern Beijing. Its unique and striking design, with a steel structure resembling a bird’s nest, made it an architectural wonder. The stadium now hosts sporting events, concerts, and other major gatherings.
- 798 Art District The 798 Art District is a vibrant area in Beijing that showcases contemporary Chinese art and culture. It was originally a factory complex during the 1950s but has since been transformed into a hub for galleries, artists’ studios, cafes, and art exhibitions. It is one of the most influential art zones in China and a popular destination for visitors interested in modern Chinese culture.
Climate Overview
Beijing experiences a continental climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters. The city’s weather is heavily influenced by its location at the northern edge of the North China Plain. Due to its inland location, Beijing faces wide temperature fluctuations between seasons. Summer temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), while winter temperatures can dip below -10°C (14°F). Beijing also experiences dust storms in the spring, particularly in March and April, due to winds that carry sand from the Gobi Desert.
Monthly Climate Data
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) | Sunny Days (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C | 1 | 3 |
| February | -2°C | 2 | 4 |
| March | 4°C | 6 | 6 |
| April | 12°C | 10 | 10 |
| May | 18°C | 19 | 14 |
| June | 25°C | 43 | 16 |
| July | 30°C | 69 | 15 |
| August | 29°C | 86 | 14 |
| September | 22°C | 47 | 13 |
| October | 14°C | 31 | 12 |
| November | 4°C | 11 | 6 |
| December | -3°C | 2 | 3 |
Other Cities as Capital in Chinese History
Xi’an (Chang’an)
The ancient capital of Xi’an (formerly known as Chang’an) was the capital of China during several dynasties: Western Zhou (1046–771 BC), Qin (221–206 BC), Han (206 BC – 220 AD), Sui (581–618 AD), and Tang (618–907 AD). Xi’an was the starting point of the Silk Road and is known for its historical importance, including the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The city was also the seat of numerous ancient Chinese emperors and served as a cultural and political hub.
Nanjing
The capital city of China at various points in history, Nanjing was the capital during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and also served as the capital of the Republic of China (1912–1949). It is one of China’s most culturally significant cities, home to many ancient monuments, including the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial.
Luoyang
Luoyang, another ancient capital, served as the capital for several dynasties, including the Eastern Zhou (770–256 BC), Han (202 BC – 220 AD), Tang (618–907 AD), and others. The city is famous for its role in the development of Chinese civilization and is home to many historical sites such as the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Country Facts
General Information about China
China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is the world’s most populous country and the second-largest in terms of land area. It is located in East Asia and is bordered by 14 countries, including India, Russia, and Mongolia. With a rich history spanning more than 5,000 years, China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations.
- Population: Approximately 1.41 billion (2023)
- Area: 9.6 million km²
- Largest City: Shanghai, a global financial hub, with a population exceeding 24 million.
- Currency: Renminbi (RMB), also known as Yuan (CNY)
- Official Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
- ISO Country Codes: CN (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), CHN (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)
- National Anthem: “March of the Volunteers”
- Independence: October 1, 1949, the date the People’s Republic of China was founded
- Government: Single-party communist republic
China is known for its economic power, driven by manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. It is the world’s largest exporter and second-largest economy by nominal GDP. In recent decades, China has become a global leader in infrastructure, technology, and space exploration. China is also a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and plays a central role in international politics, global trade, and cultural exchange.
China’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from the Himalayas in the southwest to the Gobi Desert in the north and fertile river valleys such as the Yangtze River and Yellow River. Its rich cultural heritage includes philosophical traditions such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, as well as artistic, architectural, and technological achievements that have shaped human civilization.
