Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It was formerly known in English as Peking . Beijing is a city of contrasts; lavish ancient imperial palaces sit alongside the Communist era edifices and all over the city modern department stores, hotels and restaurants are being constructed at speed as the city prepares to shed its grey communist coat in favour of a shiney, new image. But don’t think that Beijing has totally succumbed to Western brands and luxury lifestyles. In Beijing you will never be that far from “hutongs”, traditional streets with atmospheric little tea shops, makeshift barbers and rickety market stalls selling fruit and vegetables.
British citizens require a visa to visit China
