It's no understatement to describe Beijing as incredible; in its elegance, striking colors and impressive scale.

     The largest city in China after Shanghai, its 17.5 million inhabitants occupy 16,800km of total flatness disturbed by unpretentious hills that surround the famous Forbidden City.

     Beijing is a city where historical relics confront the 21st century. Once a sleeping giant, Beijing has changed rapidly, thrust on to the world stage almost overnight by the 2008 Olympic Games, the was awakened and rejuvenated, forcing hutongs – tiny Chinese alleys - to be overtaken by boulevards and high-rise houses.

     Beijing was home to 350,000 visitors during the Olympics so there will obviously be a place for you to stay. Just browse our extensive database of Beijing hotels at Booked.net, all listed with photos, maps and secure forms from cheap hotels in Beijing to luxury accommodation.

     In the epicenter of tradition, Beijing is host to 2000 years of rich history. It is the cultural and religious center of Asia once being the seat of Qing and Ming dynasties. The Ming period marked a cultural prosperity in Beijing that led to it being referred to as the “Northern Capital” ever since.

     It is best reflected in the numerous attractions left by that Golden Era. These can be found throughout 14 districts mainly introducing Beijing to a mix of styles from imperial China to “Sino-Soviet” architecture, built between 1949 and the late 1960s, and modern buildings. Attractions include;

– Tiananmen Square, the largest square in Beijing, culturally vibrant, it hosts the Great Hall of the People, the Museum of Chinese History, Qianmen Gate

– Untouched by the Cultural Revolution, The Forbidden City was a home to Imperial court during regency of Qing and Ming dynasties

– Temple of Heaven – a symbol of Beijing located in green-surroundings, it is therefore extremely popular with tourists.

– Summer Palace is a cultural masterpiece as well as must-see while visiting Beijing

– Lama Temple, the most beautiful temple in the country

     When the Qing regency fell in 1911, the following Republican Era deprived Beijing from capital credentials until that title was reinstated with establishment of the People's Republic.

     You can experience all Beijing has to offer with Booked.net – with all hotels at the lowest possible rates. Just a click and you can immerse yourself in the cultural heft of this city for yourself.