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Beijing Before the Olympics by Art and Gloria Netzer As the world gears up for the 2008 Summer Olympics, Art and Gloria Netzer provide a glimpse at the host city, Beijing. Article rating: 8.10

Beijing is the capital of the most populous country in the world - the People's Republic of China. With a population of 15 million Beijing is situated at the northeastern tip of the North China Plain, which opens to the south and east of the city and the Great Wall of China, which stretches across the northern part of the city. The Great Wall of China was built to make use of this rugged topography to defend against nomadic incursions from the Steppes. Beijing is widely recognized as the political, educational and cultural center of China.

© Art & Gloria Netzer

 

© Art & Gloria Netzer

The population is about 15 million of which about 10 million have permanent resident status. Many of these residents live in modern luxury within the city. However it isn’t too for away where the families are living in caves without water, sewers and other fundamental needs.

Tian'anmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) and Tian'anmen Square are at the center of Beijing, and are directly to the south of the Forbidden City, former residence of the emperors of China.

To the west of Tian'anmen is Zhongnanhai, residence of the paramount leaders of the People's Republic of China.

Air pollution levels on an average day in Beijing are nearly five times above World Health Organization standards due to China's extremely inefficient use of coal, the country's main source of energy.

Beijing has had this persistent air pollution for many years. Currently the city officials are planning to reduce its motor traffic by half during the Olympic Games to hopefully improve the air quality. Recently the Chinese government announced that it would close 144 gas stations in Beijing which amounts to about 10% of such stations in the city in it’s attempt to improve air quality by the 2008 Games. Beijing is liberally forested and contains many parks, big and small, and its green commitment has put in place many measures to limit pollution and further improve the environment. For example, in 2005, 8,000 outdated taxis and 2,000 buses were phased out and replaced with vehicles meeting newly promulgated, more rigid state standards for pollution control. New subway lines could make Beijing's subway the world's largest by 2020.

'YanJing' is another popular informal name for Beijing, a reference to the ancient State of Yan that existed here during the Zhou Dynasty. For example, there is a locally brewed 'Yanjing Beer'

Nightlife in Beijing is kaleidoscopic - from dizzying acrobatics, martial arts displays and street theatre to puppetry, 4 motorcycles riding at high speed in a 20 foot steal enclosure, the ubiquitous karaoke and trendy nightclubs. In addition, many shops in Beijing are open until 10 PM and there are restaurants on every street, often with the choice of outdoor dining under red lanterns.

China is one of the world's most visited countries. Tourism is now increasing rapidly and is forming an ever more important part of the economy. It has been projected that China may become the world's number one tourist destination by 2020. And a visit to China without Peking Duck is a not a real visit to China.

Historical Beijing is a key attraction. The Forbidden City receives over 10 million visitors each year. In 2005, over 3.6 million foreign tourists visited Beijing, constituting an increase of 15% from 2004.

Early education is taken seriously in China and students learn English as well an all the other fundamentals subjects like arts, science. A high percentage of the students go on to attend one of about 160 highly regarded universities of international stature. There is a major drive for people to learn English and younger, educated people often speak it well. You will always find staff in hotels who can speak English. In other places, such as restaurants, this may not be the case, but there is usually someone nearby who will be happy to help.

Currently preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing is investing billions into becoming an economic powerhouse. Beijing is a fascinating urban destination for tourists keen to immerse themselves in China's long and colorful history and culture - and its unique, vibrant take on city living, 21st century style.

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