Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and a metropolis of Northern China. It is governed as a municipality under the direct administration of China's central government. It borders Tianjin Municipality to the southeast and the Hebei Province to the south, west, north as well as a small section to the east.

Beijing is not only the 2nd largest city of China following Shanghai; it is also one the China's Four Great Ancient Capitals. The city has over 17 million people in the area of jurisdiction of Beijing. It is divided into 16 suburban and urban districts as well as 2 rural counties. Its urban area has an estimated 13 million residents.

The city is noted as a major transportation hub, especially with its motorways, roads and railways that pass through it. It is also a regarded “focal point” of several international flights bound for China. Aside from these, Beijing is the educational, cultural and political center of China. It is popular for its temples, opulent palaces and huge gates as well as stone walls. Even its universities and treasures made the city a center of art and culture in the People's Republic of China. This is while Hong Kong and Shanghai predominates the economic fields.

Beijing Architecture

In Beijing, China, there are 3 styles of architecture predominating its urban setting. The first one is Imperial China's traditional architecture. This is best exemplified by the “Gate of Heavenly Peace” or the “Tian'anmen”. This has been the trademark edifice of China ever since. Other examples include the Temple of Heaven, the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Forbidden City.

The next style is the so-called “Sino-Soy” style which was built from the 1950s to the 1970s. This features structures that tend to be bland, poorly made and boxy.

The final style includes more modern architectural forms which are most noticeable along Beijing Financial Street and Beijing CBD. It is actually in the early 21st century that Beijing witnessed a tremendous growth over their new building constructions which show several modern styles coming from international designers. You can find a mixture of new and old styles of architecture at the 798 Art Zone.

Beijing Luxury Hotels

Zhaolong Hotel - This 5-star hotel is located in the midst of the busiest commercial districts of Beijing. It offers easy access to the best historical spots of Beijing as the as of the dining, entertainment and shopping districts. Room types vary from standard to business rooms, wherein, the nightly rate ranges from $83 to $108, respectively.

Beijing Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel - This 5-star hotel is situated along the Yi Zhuang Economy & Technology Development Area of Southeast Beijing. It is near the Nansihuan and Dongsihuan Expressway. The urban center is only 20 minutes away. Their twin rooms are $61 a night while their business rooms with king or queen beds are $75 per night.

The Regent Beijing - This 5-star hotel is known for specializing in the service of international travelers. It is conveniently situated along the Wangfujing shopping area, near the Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City. They have deluxe rooms and VIP rooms. The nightly rate ranges from $161 to $183.

Chang An Grand Hotel - This 5-star hotel is located along the southeastern part of Beijing. It features the biggest library by the CBD commercial area. Room accommodations include standards rooms at $79 per night, superior rooms at $89 per night and deluxe rooms at $99 per night.