Beijing: The Biography of a City

This book presents the story of Beijing, the capital of China and the site of the 2008 Olympics, from its earliest beginnings as a campsite for primitive hominids through its fluctuating fortunes under a dozen dynasties. Despite spending almost a thousand years in ruins, the site has been a capital for several cultures, including Mongolian tribesmen and the glorious Ming emperors, whose tombs can still be found on its outskirts. Through Beijing, we can experience Chinese history itself, including some of its more famous residents, including Khubilai Khan, Mulan, and Marco Polo. Some of the most frequently asked questions about the city—what is origin of Pekinese dogs? What exactly is Peking cuisine? And why is Beijing still called Peking?—are answered. This study examines both the city's most famous sites—its temples, altars, gates, and precincts—as well as the ultramodern areas under construction for the Olympics.