Overview of Beijing: Orientation

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Beijing is characterised by its vastness and enormous distances between this and that. Until recently, the city was almost entirely made up of the old hutongs with narrow lanes and one story buildings. Now, many of the hutongs have given way to broad boulevards and modern buildings, contributing to an airy, sprawling feel, in sharp contrast to cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Beijing is the political centre of the country leading to official buildings and embassy areas dominating the city. Beijing is also the historical and cultural centre of China implying lots of historical buildings and cites especially within Ring Road Two. The city has undergone rapid modernisation in recent years, also in terms of institutions, business and work life.

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