 Beijing,
the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is the political
and cultural centre of the country. The former imperial city is
looking back on a 3000 year old history and houses a worldwide unique
cultural heritage. Most famous sights are probably the
Forbidden City with the imperial
palace, the Temple of Heaven and the
Summer Palace (UNESCO world heritage
sites) as well as Tiananmen Square.
 A world metropolis
of 11 million people, Beijing is a city with many faces, which of
course also has its problems. One of the biggest is the incredible
traffic. Within Beijing itself an elaborate network of five ring
roads with imposing interchanges has been developed, and further
ring roads are under constructions because traffic jams are still
the order of the day and the city is growing daily.
 The
Drum Tower in the centre of the old
town, as well as the prospect hill north of the Forbidden City,
present spectacular views of the historic old town and the huge
modern districts, which reflect the formative influence of Western
culture and determine, with their high-rise buildings, the skyline
of the city. Moreover the imposing
big drums were presented by an impressive performance of a drum
concert.
 By the way of contrast the sometimes frightening
condition of the houses and the
poor living conditions of the people in the old town reminded
us often Old Delhi. However, one can find here as well as in old
traditional restaurants the old Chinese charm and of course also
the beautiful red lanterns are seen everywhere you go.
China has preserved many beautiful traditions, based on its rich
cultural heritage and mythology. The picture to the right was taken
in Bejing on "Spring Festival"
/ Chinese New Year.
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