Beijing, as the capital of China, is the nation's political and cultural center and is unique in its history, tradition and character. Some 3000 years ago, a small village was born at the southwest of the modern Beijing. From the 12th Century to 1911, it was the capital city for the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Beijing is ever reshaping throughout centuries a thoroughly modern metropolis, covering an area of 16,800 square kilometers and encompassing a population of 22 million. You will find the city an unforgettable destination, with its ancient Great Wall, the Forbidden City and numerous palaces and temples as a reminder of dynasties lost in the mists of time. Moreover, the city has refreshed its character by a growing number of parks, recreational centers, folk shows during holiday celebrations, splendid theaters, and a grand city outlook.