Pequim

Pequim, also known as Beijing, is the capital of the People's Republic of China and its political, cultural, and educational center. Located in northern China, it is bordered by the provinces of Hebei and the municipality of Tianjin. The municipality of Pequim is directly administered by the central government and comprises sixteen urban and suburban districts, with a population in the tens of millions.

Historically, Pequim has served as the capital for several Chinese dynasties and regimes. It has historically been known as Beiping or Peking in different periods. It became the capital under the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and has been the capital of the PRC since 1949. The city’s long history is reflected in its architectural heritage, cultural institutions, and urban layout.

Geography and transport play a central role in Pequim’s character. The city sits at the northern tip of the North China Plain and functions as a major national transport hub. It is served by two large airports, Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport, and by an extensive urban rail network, including one of the world’s longest and busiest subway systems. High-speed rail connections link Pequim with many other Chinese cities and neighboring regions.

Culturally, Pequim houses numerous landmarks and institutions. The Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square area, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace are among the site highlights. The city is also known for Peking Opera, historic hutongs, and a strong presence of major universities and research institutes, including Peking University and Tsinghua University.

Economically, Pequim is a leading national center for finance, technology, governance, and education. The city hosts a large concentration of state-owned and private enterprises, research organizations, and multinational companies, contributing to its role as a global economic and cultural hub.