Population: 11 million
Principal Dialect: Mandarin
Geography: Beijing resides in Northeast China on flat land strategically close to hills and mountains (in the North, Northwest and West) as well to the plains and the sea. Oddly, Beijing is one of the few major cities in China that does not lie on a major river.
Climate: Hot, humid summers. Average temperature in July is 87. Dry, cold winters. Average temperature in January is 35.
Attractions: Tian'anmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, Temple of Heavan, Summer Palace and the Beijing Zoo.
Interesting note: Founded in 700 B.C., it is the political, educational and cultural center of the country and was the host of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
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