As the 2008 Olympic Games fade into history, Beijing, the capital city of the People's Republic of China, is still seeking its post-Olympic identity. The extensive makeover of recent years has yielded an impressive portfolio of new hotels, shopping centres and office towers, but China's political centre is still firmly retained in a strict grip of communist social order. The result is a monolithic showcase city that can seem both remote and inaccessible.

Mao Zedong and Beijing's history
Beijing became China's capital in 1421 and remained so until the imperial regime collapsed in 1911. From 1911 to 1949, Beijing suffered, as did the rest of China, from destructive factionalism. The Japanese invasion in 1931 was followed by civil war. In 1949, Mao Zedong's communists prevailed and the People's Republic of China was founded with Beijing as the capital.

Mao's rule is synonymous with the Cultural Revolution - a frenzied attack on liberal, historical and social thought. Following Mao's death in 1976, Deng Xiaoping gradually opened up China to the world from his Beijing base. 

Old and new
Today's soaring modern architecture and upgraded infrastructure are juxtaposed with grandiose socialist municipal buildings, broad boulevards and ring roads. Beyond the modernity, Beijing is blessed with myriad historic tourism attractions, including the fast-disappearing hutong lanes. It also serves as a base to visit the Great Wall of China (see Excursions).

When to go
Beijing is at its best in late spring and autumn when crisp, sunny days are accompanied by tree leaves turning red and gold. The searing heat of summer and the biting winds in winter can be extreme.