45 Facts About Beijing Open

Ancient History and Cultural Significance

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city with a rich tapestry of history and culture. Let's explore some fascinating facts about its ancient past and cultural significance.

1. Beijing has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It is six times older than New York City.

2. The Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, was built during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE) and is located just north of the city.

3. Ancient human species, such as Homo erectus, lived in the area where Beijing is today around 770,000 to 230,000 years ago.

4. Beijing has been the capital of China six times, starting from the Yan State Capital during the Warring States Period in 221 BC.

5. The city has been the political center of China for over eight centuries, with the exception of a brief period during the Republic of China era.

6. During the Ming period, Beijing grew on a grander scale than under the Mongols. The former city walls and moats were built mainly in the 15th century.

7. In 1644, Beijing was taken over by Li Zicheng, but his army held it for only 40 days before the Manchu army of Prince Dorgon arrived and declared Beijing the Manchu capital.

8. The Old Summer Palace, built in the 17th century, was completely destroyed by fire in 1860 by British and French troops during the Second Opium War.

9. The first known church in Beijing was constructed by Catholics in 1652 at the former site of Matteo Ricci's chapel.

10. The capture of Beijing by Li Zicheng's peasant army in 1644 ended the Ming dynasty, but his army abandoned the city without a fight when the Manchu army of Prince Dorgon arrived 40 days later.

Modern Developments and Economic Growth

Beijing is not just about ancient history; it has also seen significant modern developments and economic growth. Here are some key facts about its transformation.

11. Beijing is home to 100 billionaires, making it the city with the biggest population of ultra-rich individuals.

12. The city has significantly reduced its pollution levels. In 2014, Beijing declared a “War on Pollution,” and by 2021, the number of severely polluted days during summer and autumn dropped by 86.2 percent compared to 2012.

13. Despite the reduction in pollution, traffic jams are a common occurrence in Beijing. The city's ring roads and old imperial layout contribute to the congestion.

14. Beijing is home to 197 registered museums, making it the city with the most museums in all of China.

15. The first KFC in China was built in Beijing, marking the beginning of Western fast food in the country.

16. Beijing is the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics showcased the city's ability to host global events.

17. Beijing is home to the headquarters of most of China’s largest state-owned companies and houses the largest number of Fortune Global 500 companies in the world.

18. The Beijing Capital International Airport was Asia’s busiest airport for a decade before the COVID-19 pandemic and the second busiest airport in the world from 2010 to 2019.

19. The Beijing subway is the fourth busiest and second longest in the world. It has played a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion and improving public transportation.

20. Beijing is home to over 22 million residents, making it the world’s most populous national capital city.

Olympic Legacy and Global Events

Beijing's role as a host for global events, particularly the Olympics, has left a lasting legacy. Let's look at some interesting facts about its Olympic history.

21. The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing featured 2,897 athlete entries from around the world, competing in 7 sports across 15 disciplines.

22. The 2022 Winter Olympics included 109 medal events, with 12 Mixed Gender/Open events. New events such as Women’s Monobob and Freestyle Skiing Men and Women’s Freeski Big Air were introduced.

23. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, 17 Olympic records and 2 World records were broken. A total of 29 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) won medals, with 91 NOCs participating in the Games.

24. The 2022 Winter Olympics achieved significant gender balance, with 53 percent of events featuring female athletes. Seven disciplines were fully gender-balanced for the first time, including skeleton, luge, speed skating, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

25. At the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, 45 percent of flagbearers were women, compared to 30 percent in PyeongChang. A total of 73 percent of NOCs had a female flagbearer.

26. The 2022 Winter Olympics took place in three competition zones: Beijing, Yanqing, and Zhangjiakou. Twelve competition venues were used, with five being legacy venues from the 2008 Summer Olympics.

27. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, 236 individual scholarship-holders competed, with 138 men and 98 women. The Games were broadcast globally, reaching a record number of viewers.

28. The Olympic Web and App saw record numbers of users during the 2022 Winter Olympics. Over 26,000 people were trained as winter sports instructors in Beijing in 2021 alone.

29. China now has almost 2,000 ice and snow facilities, with income from ice and snow tourism exceeding RMB 390 billion in the 2020-2021 snow season.

30. Preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics helped drive an increase of more than 35 percent in disposable income per capita in Yanqing between 2015 and 2019.

Architectural Marvels and Urban Development

Beijing's architecture and urban development reflect its historical grandeur and modern ambitions. Here are some intriguing facts about its architectural marvels and urban growth.

31. Beijing is arranged in rings, with the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square at the center. The city has expanded outward over the decades, with each "ring" marked by a big circular road.

32. The Summer Palace, built in the late 19th century, is a popular tourist attraction.

33. The Grand Canal, which runs through Beijing, was an important transportation route during the Jin Dynasty. The city of Zhuojun became the northern terminus of the Grand Canal.

34. By the 15th century, Beijing had taken its current shape. The Ming city wall continued to serve until modern times, when it was pulled down and the 2nd Ring Road was built in its place.

35. The modern Nantang Cathedral was built upon the same site as the first known church in Beijing, constructed by Catholics in 1652.

36. In the final phases of the Chinese Civil War, the People’s Liberation Army seized control of Beijing peacefully on January 31, 1949.

37. Urban-development projects in the 1950s and ’60s widened the streets and established functional districts.

38. In the 2000s, Beijing embarked on an ambitious program to construct sports venues and housing for athletes ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

39. The city also expanded its subway system and built numerous high-rise buildings, transforming its skyline.

40. Many areas of the Beijing city wall were torn down to make way for the construction of the Beijing Subway and the 2nd Ring Road.

Cultural Landmarks and Attractions

Beijing is home to numerous cultural landmarks and attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. Let's explore some of these iconic sites.

41. The Summer Palace (Yíhéyuán), the Temple of Heaven (Tiāntán), Tiananmen Square (Tiānānmén Guǎngchǎng), the Forbidden City (Zǐjìnchéng), and the Great Wall of China (Chángchéng) are some of the most famous attractions.

42. The Beijing dialect is a standard form of Mandarin Chinese and is known for its distinct pronunciation and intonation.

43. The legation quarter in Beijing was besieged by the Boxer rebels in 1900.

44. The Olympic flame for the 2022 Winter Olympics was lit in Ancient Olympia on October 18, 2021, and arrived in China on October 20.

45. Over one million people applied for volunteer positions during the 2022 Winter Olympics, with around 19,000 selected to support the Games.

Beijing: A City of Endless Fascination

Beijing's rich history, vibrant culture, and modern advancements make it a city like no other. From the ancient Great Wall to the bustling streets lined with skyscrapers, Beijing seamlessly blends the old with the new. Hosting both the Summer and Winter Olympics showcases its global significance. The city's efforts in reducing pollution and expanding its subway system highlight its commitment to progress. With over 22 million residents, Beijing stands as a hub for politics, culture, and finance. Its numerous museums, historical landmarks, and modern amenities offer something for everyone. Whether you're exploring the Forbidden City or enjoying a meal at the first KFC in China, Beijing never ceases to amaze. This city, with its unique blend of history and modernity, continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.