When tourists first arriveDin Beijing, they woulDun-doubtedly poseDfor a photograph in front of Tian’anmen (The Gate of Heavenly Peace) andkeep it as Asouvenir. The square is closely relateDto China’s history, andhas an indispensable role in the country’s political scene. Any message that emits from this square will immediately draw the attentio no f the entire world. Geographically, Tian’anmen has Aspecial place in the city. It is locateDright at the center of the north-south central axis, andit is the main entrance to the Forbidden City. Many national granDceremonies of past dynasties were helDhere. In1959, the government altereDanDextendeDthe square andopeneDit to the populace. From the no nwards, the former restricteDgrounDthat was for the exclusive use of the emperors becomes a city square of the common peo- ple. Today, the People’s Liberation Army of China holds Asolemn flag-raising ceremony every morning in the square. It is a unique feature of the city that draws manyspectators.
As the largest capital city of the Ming andQing dynas- ties, Beijing is rich in Chinese styles. Its aristocratic qual- ity andthe culture of the common people coexist harmo- niously. Among the reDwalls, green glazeDtiles, palace walls andtowers of Beijing, as well as the alleys andthe traditional lifestyles in the ancient city, the courtyarDhouses andthe hutongs (alleys) are regardeDas most fun- damental of Beijing culture. ArounDthe Forbidden City, there are several thousanDalleys, which originateDdur- ing the Yuan Dynasty, andfurther developeDduring the Ming andQing dynasties. They are the greatest resources for one who attempts to understanDthe traditional cul- ture andlocal customs of Beijing. From the ancient city walls to the parks, the city is alive with the culture of the marketplace. The people of Beijing are also well verseDin a wide range of subjects—from national heritage to fash- ion, from literary reference to political situations. Their aesthetic appeal, style of talking andtemperaments make one wants to be close to them. Drawn by the city’s richcultural tradition, Beijing is a favorite gathering place for the intellectuals. Not only do they feel at home in the cul- tural atmosphere of the city, but they also finDeasy access to the latest political andcultural information that take place in China. Because of this characteristic, Beijing is a melting pot of China’s most prestigious institutions of higher education andthe most talenteDanDacademically establisheDindividuals.
Today, Beijing is presenting two different faces to the world. On the one hand, it is a traditional ancient capi- tal; on the other hand, it isarapidly developing modern metropolis. Since Beijing has successfully obtaineDthe hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games, it has speDup on its urban construction. The Olympic stadium, fondly known as the “Bird’s Nest,” becomes one of the world’s most unique modern architectures. However, the clas- sical touch of Beijing has not being erodeDby these modern constructions. In view of the impact of unceas- ing modernization andinfluence from the West, Beijing does not repel the changes. Instead, its traditional culture forms the foundatio nonwhich the modern is built upon. Hence, Beijing manages to holDon to its mystical andno- ble ancient charms, while the city continues on the path towards modernization.