Beijing

Beijing

The capital as well as the second largest city in China is home to more than 14 million people and a whole lot of traffic - but many more reasons to make this the one city not to be missed in China. The energy is palpable. Gone are the days of buttoned tunic uniforms and conformity - replaced by a vivacious sense of individuality accentuated with pulsing colors and buzzing electronics. Sprinkled through it all are the notable treasures that hark back as early as the 7th century.

Attractions

Between the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City), Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China, it's hard to choose just one thing not to be missed. The good news is, you can see two of these together. The northern side of Tiananmen Square is adjacent to the Forbidden City. Take in the world's largest (and perhaps most infamous) public square, sprawling the size of 90 football fields, then enter the Forbidden City, so named because the home of the Chinese Emperor was closed to visitors until the 1920s. The palace's construction began in 1406 and holds many national treasures created over the centuries.

Shopping

Shopping is an art in Beijing, as is plucking the real thing among the knockoff designer labels, pearls and jade. You can find anything your heart desires, including paper lanterns, calligraphy, teapots, Cultural Revolution and Mao memorabilia, silk, antiques - you name it. But be prepared to bargain. Some vendors quote prices ten times what they should cost.

Food

When in Beijing, eat the Beijing Duck. Also called Beijing Roast Duck, Peking Duck and Peking Roast Duck, the dish is somewhat of a labor of love. The process includes inflating the fowl's unbroken skin for perfect roasting. The result is poultry so soft and crisp, it melts in your mouth. So pick up a pancake, brush on savory bean sauce with a scallion, add a few pieces of duck, roll and enjoy.

Currency

The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (RMB)

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