Beijing is the second largest city in China and the 17th largest city in the world at present with emphasis on transportation by air, railway, roads and motorways. It is unarguably the cultural, educational and political center of China, although Shanghai and Hong Kong take the lead in the economic sector. As host to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing has undergone a massive construction and clean up campaign.

During two lengthy period in history, Beijing was probably the largest city in the world. Because Beijing has expanded rapidly in recent years, it has suffered from typical problems of urbanization, such as rural in-migration, loss of historic districts, heavy automotive traffic and poor air quality.

Efforts to control the urban sprawl of the city and to clean up the air quality have increased in recent years in preparation for the massive influx of visitors expected during the Olympic Games.

Visitors to the city can take advantage of such historical and cultural attractions as the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, The Temple of Heaven and the Ming Tombs among others. As the ancient royal capital of China, the city abounds with parks and gardens that are open to visitors, some containing ancient ruins of interest. Parts of the Great Wall are visible in many parts of Beijing.

If a different type of entertainment is preferred, the Beijing Opera is considered one of the cultural treasures of China. A repertoire of over 1400 works is based on Chinese history and folklore expressed in music and movements.