Beijing 

This great and ancient city, the capital of China, is now booming as never before, and being rapidly transformed as China prepares to host the 2008 Olympic Games. 

It's a fascinating city to walk around, and the historic centre is easily accessible, with parks close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.  Despite the rapid construction of shiny new office blocks and shopping centres, you can still walk round some of the traditional old hutongs near the city centre, and they are well worth a visit.  The Summer Palace lies a little further afield, but can be reached by taxi.  It has an amazingly long walk along a painted wooden gallery.

Most people take an organised tour to reach the Great Wall, although the quieter sections can also be reached by bus.  It's well worth the effort, for the spectacle and the walking experience.

The Great Wall story is the first to be included on the site from Beijing, but others will follow shortly.

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