Beijing - Πεκίνο

^{Click here to see the map of the area in full screen}.

Beijing

Beijing: Click here to see a full screen map.

The Beijing is its capital Of China.

At a glance

It is the second largest city in the country in population after Shanghai. It has about 14,500,000 inhabitants. Beijing is recognized as its political, educational, and cultural center Of China, while Shanghai and Hong Kong prevail in the economic sectors. Beijing is one of its four major ancient capitals Of China. From 723 BC. referred to in History as Ki. In 1151 it became the imperial capital. Later, the Mongols Emperors Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan made it their seat and Beijing flourished. It was at this point that explorer Marco Polo found it, describing it as a fairytale city. In 1860 and 1900 Beijing was occupied by troops of the Great Powers. It ceased to be its capital Of China in the early 20th century, when the China had Nanjing as its capital. But after its predominance Of China in 1949 it became its capital. It also hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. Beijing's main square, Tiananmen Square (one of the largest squares in the world) has been the scene of several clashes between the people and the regime, culminating in the bloody crackdown on the 1989 uprising.