Běijīng
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Today Beijing is unquestionably part of China. However it was not until the Tang Dynasty 618–907, that it was wrested from the control of nomads to the north, and named Youzhou. China's borders have been shifting for centuries. Interesting in light of the current heated discussion about Tibet and its historical relationship to 'China'. Was, or is 'China' a historical 'country? Or a civilization in state of perpetual flux? China's capital city today, and since 1250, the home to the last three of China's dynasties, the Yuan (Mongol), Ming (Han Chinese) and Qing (Manchu). Rich in history, it is a bit overwhelming, not a city one can 'do' in a few days, a few weeks, or a few months. Twenty five years ago Beijing was an old dirty city just beginning to clean itself up after the Cultural Revolution. Aside from the Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall,only a very few the other historical temples and landmarks were open. Today, in June of 2006, the city is a sprawling modern metropolis. Despite this modernity and affluence, and partly due to it, the historical sites are now much more accessible. Chinese culture has risen from the ashes yet again. |