Life in Beijing

For many years Beijing, which translates as ‘Northern Capital’, was the home of China’s ruling imperial families, and although the Forbidden City and its vast palatial rooms are no longer inhabited by a ruling dynastic family the city is still seen as China’s heart – as well as its political, educational and cultural hub.

Cosmopolitan, dynamic and incredibly fast-changing, Beijing encapsulates China’s growth, ambition and modernity, but it still preserves many ancient traditions (such as Chinese opera) and is home to some of China’s most awe inspiring sights and monuments.

On first acquaintance the city can seem disconcertingly huge, with roughly 16 million inhabitants and sprawling across nearly 17,000sqkm. The streets are densely packed with towering office buildings, trendy bars, huge apartment blocks and shopping malls, and development continues at a dazzling pace: new building pop up and old ones are pulled down every single day. The population, especially the younger generation, is generally smart and urbane with an obsession for fashion.

But despite the rate of change it is still possible to dig below the surface and uncover pockets of an older city – tiny, winding hutongs (small residential alleyways) where old men play cards or mahjong on the pavement, incense-filled temples populated by quiet monks and worshippers, dim-sum restaurants that have existed for decades, and packed teahouses selling every conceivable type of tea. Beijing is also China’s culinary capital and the range of cuisine on offer is staggering – from five star restaurants to tasty street snacks, food is an integral part of the city.

On top of all this, Beijing is also the home of countless famous sights and landmarks: Tiananmen Square, The Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium, The Temple of Heaven, The Summer Palace, the 798 Art District and, just a few hours outside the city, the Great Wall of China.

Beijing weather guide

As a rule of thumb, Beijing is hot and windy during the summer and dry and very cold during the winter, with short spring and autumn periods of milder weather.