Few places match the immense political, economic and cultural proportions of Beijing, an ancient city that hurtles toward the promise of a dazzling future. Populated with a mesmerizing skyline that lies both within its millennia-old inner and outer city walls, Beijing is the last of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China – a legacy that it holds dear to its heart. Home to a strong imperial heritage, at the heart of this city is the venerated complex of Forbidden City, while a serpentine section of the Great Wall snakes through its verdant outskirts. Its architectural accomplishments need no introduction, with each temple and shrine within its ancient walls a gem unto itself. Its worldly personality also means that there is plenty of room for modernity to thrive – manifested in world-class museums and futuristic architecture.
