Beijing (Peking), capital of China, borders Hebei Province and Tianjin Municipality. It is one of China's four provincial-level municipalities (Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing) and is China's largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of China. It will host the 2008 Summer Olympic and the 2008 Summer Paralympics.

With a history of 3000 years, Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China (Nanjing, Xi'an, Luoyang). It has 7300 cultural relics and historical sites, among which the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall were listed as World Heritage Sites. Architecture in Beijing blends the old and the new. The historical ones include imperial architecture such as Tian'anmen (天安门, Tiān Anmén) and common style such as Siheyuan (courtyard houses) and Hutongs (alleys). The modern ones include Olympic Sports Center Stadium (Bird's Nest) and other venues that were constructed for the Olympic games.

Beijing Opera (Peking Opera) is considered one of the highest achievements of Chinese culture. Mandarin cuisine is the local style of cooking, with Peking Roast Duck and the Manhan Quanxi (Manchu-Han Chinese full banquet) being the most well-known dishes.