Beijing is one of the world's most populated cities -- with people shopping, driving cars, crowding into Metros and even ballroom dancing in the parks --there is always something unique to behold. Millions from all over China come to live, work, study, or just visit the 800 year old capitol; founded by the Mongols in the Yuan Dynasty, Beijing has served as the capitol of the Chinese civilization.

A local, when they come across a foreigner, will always ask, have you been to the Great Wall? and have you tried Beijing Duck? Both are worthy experiences. However, there is much more than that to Beijing. Tens of thousands of restaurants line the streets of Beijing, including minority flavored restaurants. China has 56 nationalities, and in the city, one can easily sample Chinese Muslim food, Over the Bridge Noodles--famous in Yunnan province--or dumplings.

The Great Wall, despite the wildly popular urban legend--started by the Buck Rodgers radio show--cannot be seen from outer space. However, it is still an impressive site to see. Giant stone walls stretching over and around hills as far as the eye can see. There is a Chinese proverb saying a man is not a man until he has climbed the Wall. As well as climbing the Wall, there is the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square, and winding Hu Tongs (or residential alley ways) to stroll or bicycle down.

Beijing is one of the fastest changing cities in the world. At any given moment, one can look around and take note of the cranes, construction sites, and remodeling efforts, that's going on--giving Beijing a make over, making ready herself to show the World for the 2008 Summer Olympics. This site is dedicated to everything Beijing.

Photographs by Daniel E. Hebert

www.Beijingsummer.com
is for sale.
For details, contact ylh@ilovehonolulu.com

Update 071026