Travel Blog

Rong Bao Zhai ——A Shop Making Reproductions of Chinese Paintings.Rong Bao Zhai, a special shop in Beijing making reproductions of Chinese paintings, is situated at No. 19 Liulichang West St. in the Xuanwu District of Beijing. It plays a leading role in the field of watercolor block printing, a type of block printing employed to reproduce famous works of painting and calligraphy. Rong Bao Zhai has staff with rich experience and capable of superb craftsmanship, and the shop has reproduced the works of many noted artists. A prominent example produced by the shop in recent years is the celebrated horizontal scroll “Han Xizai’ Evening Party” by the 10th century artist Gu Hongzhong.

According to historical records, the earliest block printing in China was during the Sui Dynasty. Rong Bao Zhai started block printing in 1896, producing numerous extraordinarily beautiful copies of poems and letterheads. During the period of the Republic of China (PRC), Rong Bao Zhai reproduced Shi Zhu Zhai Jian Pu (10 Penny Studio Spectrum), which developed his color printing skills. After 1949, Rong Bao Zhai exceeded in producing small copies of poems and letterheads and could vividly reproduce large pieces of art. This marked the climax of the development of block printing.

Rong Bao Zhai has inherited Chinese traditional block printing skill and has enhanced it onto a higher level. As an intangible heritage of China, it should be properly preserved and passed down from one generation to another. Today, there are very few people interested in learning this skill, and at the same time the high price keeps the art form from maintaining a large market. This art form needs to be protected if it is to survive in today’s world.

Wuyutai Teahouse:A Cornerstone in Beijing’s Tea Culture.Wuyutai Teahouse,A Cornerstone in Beijing’s Tea Culture.In these hectic times, it’s nice to have a place to take a break away from the din of the modern and maddening. Such a retreat can be found in any Wuyutai Teahouse, and it’s been this way in Beijing for more than 100 years.

According to Wuyutai, reformed in August 2005 as the Beijing Wuyutai Tea Company Limited, the company began operations under its founder Wu Xiqing of Xi County, Huizhou, in Anhui Province, in the 13th year of Qing Emperor Guangxu. Wu paid an intellectual, Zhu Chunnian, five silver dollars to write the first tablet for the Wuyutai Tea Shed.

 It all began after people in Beijing had a chance to taste some tea that Wu had brought with him on his initial travels to Beijing. A surprise to Wu, the people who tasted the tea thought it was just great and advised him to set up a tea stand, which he did, inside a doorway on the eastern side of Beixinqiao Street (an intersection). He soon sold out his tea supply; so he returned to Anhui to get as much tea as he could to sell in Beijing. Wuyutai, now one of Beijing’s most respected Time Honoured Businesses (laozihao) was established upon his return, specializing in the transportation, storage and wholesale sales of tea, but also serving as a place where the rich and common, friends and families could meet in a hospitable atmosphere.

Time passed and sales increased. One after another, Wuyutai teashops were established and prospered through to the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911).Before his death, to show his fairness, he divided his fortune into five equal parts, which were named “Justice,” “Humanity,” “Courtesy,” “Intelligence” and “Faith.” He let his five sons draw lots and they happened to get their shares in this order. Three of them later merged their shares and formed an organization, the Company of Brothers, combining the shares known as Courtesy, Intelligence and Faith, with business activities valued in the thousands of liang (a unit of measure for silver).

Within the group, operations were divided into Wudeli teashops, roughly corresponding to the shares of Courtesy; the Wuyutai and Wudingyu teashops corresponding to the shares of Intelligence and the Xieli teashop and the Xieshun department store of Faith.At the beginning of 20th century, out-of-town tea merchants stopped trying to enter the Beijing market. Tea enterprises that were engaged in retail operations purchased tea from

Tianjin or let local wholesale businessmen buy tea in places of their origin. With the tea market growing larger, and as a tea enterprise with an emphasis on wholesaling, Wuyutai was able to develop rapidly.

Beijingers loved and still love to drink tea, whether members of imperial families, the political elite or ordinary folks (the laobaixing). Beijingers have been sipping tea for a long time, with the practice rising to great popularity during the Yuan (1271–1368) and Ming (1368–1644) dynasties. The royal courts once consumed as much as 80,000 jin (40,000 kilogrammes) per year, and tea drinking was especially popular with Man officials of the

Qing Dynasty. But, throughout the fortunes of history over the past few hundreds of years in Beijing, one thing has remained constant: expensive and high-quality teas and the cheap and low-grade could be found at Wuyutai. From the first day that Wuyutai began, the firm has always treated all its customers with respect, whether laobaixing or upscale; it’s a fundamental policy of the company.

Now, although modern Wuyutai teashops look old, they are well decorated inside and out, with an aim of making customers feel that they are at home in Beijing. Square tables can be found in the middle and rear of most shops, alongside which rest inviting chairs and stools. The walls are lined with counters; behind them there are doors that conceal private rooms where customers may be served by waiters or serve themselves teas of jasmine, peach blossoms, sweet acanthus and more, in an atmosphere that includes flowers and “Phoenix Facing the Sun” papercuts and other accoutrements of the refned tea culture.

After hundreds of years’ development, what kind of customers has been served in Beijing tea market? Some prefer their teas in a public area where they can enjoy a special atmosphere and service. Others prefer to relax with their teas at home.Still, at Wuyutai—known as the Red Sun Tea House during what the company refers to as the “Ten-year Ferment,” before being renamed Wuyutai in 1985 during its 98th year—the customer base is regarded broadly. They never ask: “Were they from stately families or ordinary families?” A couplet may explain the company’s attitude: “Hundreds of industries compete for luxury in the capital, but how many of them belong to stately homes? Citizens in the ancient city advocate thrift, most of whom are, after all, from ordinary families. ” With this policy, Wuyutai has won much praise from its legendary customers, who once came from dozens of kilometres away to its shops to buy tea, for there were no chain stores in urban areas back then.

Now, like a giant standing in Beijing, Wuyutai, a respected laozihao has become a big and profitable enterprise in this line of business.One hundred years is a short time in a Chinese history book, but Wuyutai’s legacy is strong and means much to the company. Perhaps a hundred years ago a thoughtful Beijinger might have said: “There is a tea shop in Beixinqiao, which is opened by an Anhuier.” In another hundred years will a Beijinger say: “Wuyutai’s tea is a necessity for everyday life.” 

Liulichang is known throughout China and the world for its ancient books, calligraphy, paintings, rubbings, ink stones and ink. The street, which is only 750 meters long, is located south of Hepingmen (Peace) Gate within walking distance of the Hepingmen Quanjude Peking Duck Restaurant.

In Ming and Qing times, Liulichang was a favorite haunt for scholars, painters and calligraphers that gathered there to write, compile and purchase books, as well as to paint and compose poetry. By the Kangxi period (1661-1722), Liulichang had become a flourishing cultural center and was described as having “homes and buildings lined up like fish scales.”

During the Qianlong period (1736-1796), the street was even more prosperous. There one could find “rooms filed to the roof beams with all kinds of books,” “a street filled with treasures and trinkets,” and the “quintessence of all the markets in the capital concentrated in one street.” When Emperor Qianlong decided to revise the Complete Library of the Four Branches of Literature, he ordered scholars from the project, and Liulichang became a center for research in textual criticism. For visiting scholars, a book-buying trip to Liulichang’ s over 30 bookstores was one of the pleasure of a stay in Beijing.

The Liulichang of Qianlong period was described in the notes of Li Wenzao: “To the south of the kiln is bridge which separates the tile works in to two sections. To the east of the bridge, the street is narrow and for the most part, the shops there sell spectacles, metal flues for household use, and daily necessities. To the west of the bridge, the road is wider, and besides the regular bookshops, there are shops selling antiques and other curios, shops specializing in calligraphy books, scroll mounters, professional scribes, engravers of name seals and wooden blocks for painting, as well as shops where stone tablets are inscribed. Here also are shops offering the articles needed by a scholar participating in the imperial examinations-brushed, paper, ink bottles, paperweights” This was Liulichang up till the end of the Qing Dynasty. In his book Postscript to the Bookshops of Liulicahng, the bibliographer Miao Quansun (1844-1919) listed bookshops, the names of which had remained unchanged from the Qianlong period up through the early 20th century. Those established more recently were also recorded, of which one, Hanwenzhai, was still in business during the 1950s.

At the end of the Qing Dynasty, the Superior-Level Normal School, the Five-Cities (in the Ming, Beijing was divided into five city districts) School and the headquarters of the Telephone Company were built on the site of the glazed tile works. In 1927, when Hepingmen (Peace) Gate was opened up in the city wall, the bridge was demolished and Nanxinhua Road was built, dividing Liulichang into eastern and western sections. The east became known as a center for antiques and curious, while the west was famous for its books. Shanghai Commercial Press, China Publishing House and Youzheng Press, which published books of Chinese calligraphy, all established branches here.

In 1950, the People’s Government passed laws to prohibit the export of valuable antiques and books. The Palace Museum and the Museum of Chinese History bought up all important historical artifacts, paintings, calligraphy and other works of art that had been scattered among Liulichang’s shops. Books of Song and Yuan dynasty woodblock prints, Ming and Qing classics, old hand - annotated texts and the Beijing Library, Beijing University and Beijing Normal University bought publication.

In 1949, Liulichang still had over 170 shops. In 1956, following the transition to joint state- private ownership, many of the small shops were amalgamated into large yet uniquely individual enterprises. The Baoguzhai (Studio of Precious Antiquity) dealt in paintings and calligraphy; the Qingyuntang (Happy Cloud Studio) sold rubbings, collotypes, ink slabs and name seal; and the Yunguzhai (Studio of Chairman Antiquity) sold pottery, bronzes, jade and porcelain from various dynasties, as well as fine handicrafts from the Ming and Qing. The Cuizhenzhai (Studio of Collected Treasures) specialized in ancient inscriptions, porcelain and pottery and the Moyuange (Affinity for Ink Pavilion) specialized in the calligraphy and paintings of famous modern artists. The Jiguge (Draw from Antiquity Pavilion) produced ceramic figurines and horses designed on ancient models as well as colored rubbings, while the Suiyaxuan (Gallery of Profound Refinement), built on the old site of Haiwangcun (Village of the Sea King), dealt in books on history, literature and philosophy as well as important modern works on archaeology and medicine. The list also includes Hukaiwen, Daiyuexuan and Yidege, all of which dealt exclusively in Chinese writing brushed, ink and other writing implements, as well as a variety of arts and crafts. Today, inside the large courtyard of the China Art Gallery sells works of famous scrolls, hanging scrolls, albums and fans.

There are also shops for paper, scroll-mounting, book binding and the carving of stone tablets and name seals. The most famous of these is Rongbaozhai (Studio of Glorious Treasures), which has a history of over 200 years. Here internationally renowned reproductions of Chinese paintings are made using the traditional technique of woodblock color printing. It was the craftsmen of Rongbaozhai who reproduced in six volumes the collection of Beiping Woodcut Stationery With Illustrated Poems Edited by Lu Xun and Zheng Zhenduo in 1933.

Liulichang’ s history can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty when it was part of the prefecture of Ji. Under the Liao it was known as Haiwangcun (Village of the Sea King). The kiln, which made glazed tiles, was first built in the Yuan Dynasty. When Ming rulers began to build their palaces in Beijing, the factory was enlarged and became one of the five kilns under control of the Board of Works. Most glazed structural components of the Ming halls and palaces were produced in these factories.

In 1979, the State Council approved a recommendation to restore and expand Liulichang. The original shops have been restored and the road broadened into a 15-meter-wide pedestrian mall. A museum displaying classical paintings, calligraphy and other antiquities tells the story of the old street.

Address: Liulichang Street, Xuanwu District;

Entry ticket: free;

Transport: Subway: get down at Hepingmen Station;   or Bus No.s 6, 14, 15, 25, 50, 53, 57, 102 and 105. 

You can take taxi or bus to get there.It’s located close to Hepingmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant. So you may combine the two duck lunch and the walking tour.On the street called Nanxinhuajie, just a few steps down , you will find youself melting into Liulichang Street - main part of Nanxinhuajie. On both side of the street there are plenty of storefronts and vendor’s stalls selling collectibles and art supplies.
Liulichang Street was once a flourishing cultural center during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) where scholars, painters and calligraphers met here to buy materials, exchange ideas, compose poetry, write books and paint pictures. In nowadays, the street renovations and have transformed the street into an antique market. The shops on the both sides of the street are full of genuine and convincing imitation paintings, calligraphy, pottery, carpets, vases, books, scrolls and chops. All genuine antiques purchased here can be taken out of China as experts have authenticated them and certificates are available in the stores. The street is a combination of state-run and privately owned shops and you should definitely bargain before any purchases. There are also replicas of traditional teahouses and wineshops, as well as a Confucian restaurant for tourists to relax and enjoy Chinese food.

The investment project of protecting and renovating Qianmen Street is located at the southern section of the Central Axis Line of Beijing. Extending from the Qianman Arrow Tower in the North to Zhushikou Street in the South, Qianmen Street is a flourishing commercial street with a long history and enjoying a worldwide high reputation. In the zone, there are quite a lot of cultural landscapes such as temples, theaters, stores with high reputation, time honored brands and has a rich cultural accumulation. At the same time, as one of the three key commercial streets of the old Beijing, Qianmen Street has boasted the most flouring commercial atmosphere since the Ming and Qing dynasties, where numerous Beijing’s time-honored brands have concentrated such as Laozhengxing, Duyichu Restaurant, Beijing Silk Store, Dabei Photo Studio, Gongdelin Vegetable Dish Restaurant and etc.

The CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and the Beijing Municipal overnment have attached great importance to the renovation of this district. The Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning and Construction, the Chongwen District People’s Government have completed the tender and bid for the planning and design of the renovation of the zone. The renovation of Qianmen Street should follow the principle of the integration of carrying forward and development, protection and utilization, and build this street into a new commercial street which combines tradition and fashion, integrating catering, dwelling, travel, tourism, shopping and entertainment together and restores its ancient splendor and glory.

Come here for the most interesting selection of Chinese-language books in Beijing, although Wansheng Shudian, south of Qinghua University in Haidian, runs a close second. There’s a quiet cafe on the second floor, but most patrons prefer the stairwell. Open daily 9am to 9pm. 
Address: Meishuguan Dong Jie 22     
Location: Dongcheng District     
Transportation Bus: 803 from north of Wangfujing metro stop (118, exit A) to Meishuguan    
Phone Number: 010/6400-2710

A grocer popular with expats, Jenny Lou’s carries excellent fresh fruits and vegetables, some imported. The cheese and bread selections in the attached deli are excellent. For orders over ¥100 ($12), they will deliver to your hotel.
Hours Daily:8am-9pm
Address: Ritan Gongyuan Bei Lu 4
Location: East of the northeast side of Ritan Park, Chaoyang Qu
Transportation Metro: Yong’an Li (121)
Phone Number: 010/6586-0626
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Temple fairs are a Beijing custom that dates back to the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). In the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), the bustling temple fair in Chenghuangmiao (Temple of the City God) Street — present-day Chengfang Street — Became particularly famous. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), temple fairs became widespread, and under the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) their numbers further increased. After the Revolution of 1911, however, large permanent markets were established and temple fairs gradually disappeared.

Temple fairs were said to have their origins in the ancient ’she sacrifice.’ A she was where sacrifices to the local God of Earth were offered. Altars of the Gods of Earth and Grain were also known as Earth Temples. It is from gatherings that took place at these temples that temple fairs derived their name.

In Beijing, temple fairs were held in turn every 10 days at the Earth Temple, the Flower Market, the White Pagoda Temple, the Huguo (Protect the Nation) Temple and the Longfu (Intense Happiness) Temple. There was also the annual Changdian (Factory Grounds) Fair held during the first 15 days of the first lunar month and the annual Pantaogong (Peach of Immortality Palace) Fair held from the third day of the third lunar month inside the Dongbianmen (Eastern Informal) Gate. The fairs mentioned above took place regularly for over 300 years.

The Longfu Mansion, established more than 30 years ago, stands on the site of the old Longfu (Intense Happiness) Temple. The temple, built during the reign of Emperor Jingtai of the Ming Dynasty in 1452, had the largest pair of temple gates in Beijing. The temple was composed of five courtyards, each with a large central hall connected by long galleries. A large part of the temple was destroyed in 1900 when the Eight-power Allied Forces invaded Beijing.

Visitors to the temple fairs included both city folk and peasants from the outlying regions. Customers could buy a variety of locally made products such as ‘Gold Elephant Zhang’s’ double-edged combs, ‘Iron Knife Liu’s’ fruit knives and ‘Sanheju’ wigs, as well as second-hand clothes, jewelry and cloth, bamboo and wicker products, flowers, birds, fish and insects. Nowadays, the Longfu Bazaar, with an area of over 4,700 square meters, is one of the biggest shopping centers in Beijing.

Beijing (Peking), the capital city of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is a fast-growing, dynamic metropolis that, while courting foreign businesses and visitors, maintains a firm grip on its rich cultural heritage and a strictly Communist social order. It is a monolithic showcase that can give a distorted view of China to foreign visitors. Beijing is a modern city with high-rise buildings, shopping malls and vast international hotels connected by an intricate freeway system crisscrossing the city. In the rush hour, traffic jams can match those of any major city around the world and the ringing of mobile phones is incessant. However, the modern buildings conceal traditional hutongs, parks, numerous architectural treasure and exquisite yellow-tiled temples whose prayer flags and wind chimes move in the breeze created by the passing traffic.

Beijing became China’s capital in 1421 and was to remain so until the collapse of the imperial regime in 1911. It was not until the late 19th century that Westerners were allowed to reside there and all trading links had previously been restricted to Canton. From 1911 to 1949 Beijing suffered, as did the rest of China, from the wars fought between various factions trying to take control of the whole country. The Japanese invasion in 1931 was followed by a bitter civil war, which finally led to Communist supremacy under Mao Tse Tung and the founding of the People’s Republic of China with Beijing as the capital.

The first ten years of his rule were successful in many ways. Stability returned to the whole country and great advances were made in industry, agriculture, education and health care. However, in 1966, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution, an attack on his more liberal political colleagues, which was to result in several years of anarchy throughout the country. Following Mao’s death in 1976, China gradually began to open up, welcoming foreigners as investors and as tourists and local Chinese were granted permission to set up businesses. Beijing is now keen to prove what a thriving commercial capital it has become.

A good place to start exploring the city is Tiananmen Square, where Mao Tse Tung declared the foundation of the People’s Republic. Today, the Square is more closely identified with the suppression of the student-led pro-democracy protests of 1989. To stand – alongside thousands of visitors – and see the imposing majesty of the Forbidden City to the north and the vast portrait of Mao Tse Tung on the Tiananmen Gate itself is to appreciate the awesome hold that China’s rulers have always had on the people.

An unmissable experience is a morning visit to one of Beijing’s public parks. This is when people let their hair down by indulging in their particular favourite physical activity, be it tai’chi, jogging, singing or even ballroom dancing.

Beijing is at its best in late spring and autumn. Autumn is a particularly pleasant time to visit as the days are warm and the leaves of the many trees in the city turn glorious shades of red and gold. The heat and humidity of the summers and the biting wind in winter can be extreme.
Information
Area: 17,800 square kilometers
Population:14million
Country: People’s Republic of China
People: 95% Han Chinese
Main language: Mandarin (putonghua)
Time zone: GMT/UTC plus 8 hours
Telephone area code: 010

City trees: the scholar tree and oriental cypress

City flowers: the Chinese rose and the chrysanthemum
Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport is one of China’s major gateways. It is 26 km. (about 40 minutes’ ride) from the city center.
Visas
L-visas for single or multiple entry for tourists are valid for 30 to 60 days.
F-visas for business travel can be valid up to 6 months but may require the visitor to leave every 30 days. They are good for single, double or multiple entry. Those seeking business visas must obtain official invitation from a government office or a company authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Currency
The RMB (Renminbi) is the official currency. The basic unit of RMB is the yuan, also known as kuai, divided into 10 jiao, which is again divided into 10 fen. Yuan notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Click here for currency conversion.
Credit Cards
In Beijing, most major credit cards — including American Express, Diner’s Club, Federal Card, JCB, MasterCard and Visa — are accepted at major hotels, restaurants and shops.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not expected in mainland China.For more information on business and social etiquette in Beijing click here.
Useful Numbers
Police: 110
Fire Department: 119
Ambulance: 120
Tourist Hotline: 6513-0828
Local directory assistance: 114 (Chinese); 2689-0114 (English)
International directory assistance
Visa Card Hotline: 10-800-110-2911
MasterCard Hotline: 10-800-110-7309 (only in certain provinces)
Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Most luxury hotels have built-in converters in bathrooms for shavers, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, because a wide variety of plug types are in use.
Health Risks
Potable water is available only at top hotels, so visitors should always ask to make sure. Prior to your trip, consult your doctor on immunizations you might need (e.g. tetanus, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A and B) and about malaria suppressants if you’re planning to go to rural areas. Bring all prescription and over-the-counter medicine you might require.
Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours, same as Singapore. The whole of China is set to Beijing Time.
Business Hours
Offices in Beijing generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a lunch break of about an hour. Government-stipulated work days are from Monday to Friday. Banking hours and days vary from bank to bank in Beijing. However, most Chinese banks are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., and have branches that are open on Saturdays and Sundays. Shops generally open at 9 a.m. and close between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and are open on Sundays. For more information on doing business in Beijing, click here.
Holidays
Jan. 1-2, New Year’s Day; Jan. 24-26, Chinese New Year; March 8, International Women’s Working Day; May 1-2, International Labor Day; May 4, Youth Day; June 1, Children’s Day; July 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party; Aug. 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Liberation Army; Oct. 1-2, National Day.
Click here for more information on Chinese customs and culture.
Climate
Extremely diverse, from tropical in the south to sub-arctic in the north. Beijing has a continental monsoon climate with clear-cut seasons. Spring is dry and windy. Summer is hot and humid. Autumn offers the best weather, with generous sunshine. In winter, the city is severely affected by freezing winds from Siberia. Click here for 3-day weather forecast for Beijing.
Clothing
Normal Western business attire is considered appropriate for doing business in China.
GDP Growth Rate
7.1% in 1999, from 7.8% in 1998
7%-7.5% growth forecast for 2000
Inflation rate
-0.8% (1998 est.)
Major Exports
Electrical machinery and equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances, textiles, garments, footwear, toys and sporting goods, household electrical appliances, telecommunication equipment, pharmaceuticals, steel products, general metalwares, coal, feeding stuffs
Major Trading Partners
United States, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, UK, Singapore, Taiwan, Russia
Major Industries
Iron and steel production; machine-building; production of coal, armaments, textiles and apparel, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, footwear, toys, autos, consumer electonics and telecommunication equipment; food processing.
Government
Communist state. President and vice-president elected by the National People’s Congress for five-year terms. Administrative divisions: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 5 municipalities.
Administrative districts of Beijing municipality
total 2 suburban counties(Miyun and Yanqing) and 16 urban districts including Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Chaoyang, Haidian, Shijingshan, Fengtai, Shunyi, Changping, Mentougou, Tongzhou, Fangshan, Daxing, Huairou and Pinggu.
Teledensity
14.4 persons per telephone
Geography
China is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam.
Population
approx 14,000,000 fluctuating daily
Ethnic Groups
Han Chinese: 91.9%; Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities: 8.1%
Language
The official language is Mandarin (or Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect). Local dialects include Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and other minority languages. Most tourist hotels have staff who are fluent in foreign languages.
Literacy Rate
81.5% of total population
Religion
China is officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic. Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism and Islam are practiced by about 2%-3% of the population; Christianity by 1%.
capital of the People’s Republic of China, is the nation’s political and cultural center. Some 690,000 years ago, Peking Man lived at Zhoukoudian, 48 kilometers southwest of Beijing. A small town appeared on the present site of southwestern Beijing in 1045 B. C. It was named Ji and then changed to Yan. At the beginning of the 10th century, it was the second capital of the Liao Dynasty. From then on, the city had been the capital of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties until 1911. In the early twenties, Beijing became the cradle of China’s new democratic revolution. The May Fourth Movement against imperialism and feudalism began here in 1919. On October 1st, 1949, Chairman Mao proclaimed to the whole world the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

No matter where you are from, you can easily find your home food. In Beijing,a capital of China, You can get almost any kind of food you prefer. There are restaurants of all sizes all over the city, showcasing the foods from all the world.

There are a lot of western fast food options for the those who prefer international standard food (like McDonald’s,Pizza Hut, KFC). It’s interesting to enter a local small restaurants. Most of them have no English menus, but most offer very good food.

Street food is amazing. Of course,make sure the dishes appears clean. You can find the night snack market in Wangfujing Street. In the over 50 stalls that open each night,you can get all kinds of local flavors from all over China. You even can find the fried scorpions, little whole barbecued birds, or sea horses, or chicken hearts, or livers.

Dwelling compounds or quadrangles (Siheyuan) in Beijing are one important aspect of the city’s architectural heritage.

Beijing’s dwelling compounds are generally rectangular, with the four sides squarely facing the cardinal points. Almost every dwelling compound is surrounded by high walls, with an open courtyard in the centre. 

The buildings on four sides are usually one storey high. Stepping over the high wooden base of the front gate of a large compound, you will find a brick screen located a few feet inside. In front of the screen is the outer courtyard, which is flanked by structures to the east and west. In former days, these were the kitchen and servants’ living quarters. A red-painted gate leads through the north wall of the outer court into the inner courtyard. The main building faces south to get the maximum possible sunshine in winter, and the eaves provide a pleasant shade in summer when the sun is high. 

The building is divided into three or five rooms: living or community rooms in the centre with smaller bedroom or studies at each end. The buildings facing east and west on each side of the court were constructed to accommodate married children and their families. Some dwelling compounds consist of several courtyards. With no steel or concrete, the entire dwelling was built of bricks and wood. The compounds are quiet, beautiful and compact. Beijing residents like to live in them and even foreigners find them attractive.

Nowadays, these peaceful quadrangles are hard to find in Beijing. The reasons are as follows:

Since 1949, a large-scale construction programme has been carried out in the city, causing the demolition of some dwelling compounds;

During the initial post-liberation period, government offices occupied some quadrangles. Later they were demolished to build office buildings; 

During the ‘Cultural Revolution’ (1966-1976), air-raid shelters were dug everywhere in Beijing, resulting in the destruction of some dwelling compounds; 

In recent years many residential buildings have been constructed to ease the housing shortage and provide better accommodation for the people. Some were built on the sites of demolished dwelling compounds. Outer compounds have been changed or distorted beyond recognition because the residents have added kitchens in the courtyards. 

Today, Beijing still has about 400,000 residential quadrangles, mainly distributed over the East, West, Xuanwu and Chongwen districts of the city. Those in the East and West districts are in the best shape. The departments concerned with the preservation of cultural relics in Beijing have earmarked a number of good-quality dwelling compounds for protection. In addition, the urban construction departments have worked out a plan to limit high buildings in the city proper to protect the dwelling compounds.