Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China, home to 21.5 million people, making it the second most populated city in the world, behind its neighbour Shanghai. The city was formerly known as Peking and is deeply enriched in history, having stood for over 3,000 years, with a history matching London in time. Many will flock to Beijing thanks to the Great wall of China, however there are plenty more things to do in Beijing. You might also want to have a read of my guide on things to try in China if you plan on travelling around. The Forbidden city is another pull for Beijing, being the biggest palace in the world, perfectly illustrating Chinese architecture. If you want a bit more of a sad part of history then you can also visit Tiananmen Square, but don’t expect any signs or tours illustrating the catastrophes of the 80’s. If you’re flying in, expect quite a busy airport as well, being the second busiest in the world. There are 14 separate lines, meaning planes will be flying up and down in all directions, more like an American highway than a runway. The pollution is the main issue in this megacity however, with it causing such devastating effects on people’s lungs and overall health.
