Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is one of the most populous cities in the world with 21 million inhabitants (as of 2012); the city area, with almost 17,000 square kilometers, roughly corresponds to the state of Saxony. Since large parts of this area (around 90%) are rural, Beijing has more of a character that is comparable to an area state among the German federal states.

The map shows only the part of it that includes the core city of Beijing in the narrower sense (2010: around 12 million inhabitants; 1368 km2; population density around 8800 inhabitants / km2; see boundary line in the map). This area is subdivided into six city districts, two within the former city wall, four outside the former city wall.

The city looks back on more than 3000 years of history. It is a political and cultural center and one of the most important economic regions of the world’s second largest economic power; therefore, Beijing is one of the Global Cities (p. 270.2). Because of its special importance, Beijing – unlike the other Chinese provinces, special administrative zones and autonomous regions – is an administrative unit that is directly assigned to the state.
Where in China is Beijing?
Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. It is an administrative center and the seat of judicial and military authorities. Beijing is the spiritual center of China and the center of education. Beijing’s cityscape is characterized by the old buildings from the imperial era with the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center of the city is Tiananmen Square, where a demonstration for democracy and freedom by the Chinese government ended with military action in 1989. Urban renewal measures have transformed Beijing into a largely modern city with industrial facilities.
Is Beijing in China or Japan?
Is Beijing is the capital of China?
What country is Beijing part of?