Beijing is the capital city of the world's most populous country (that's the People's Republic of China for the geographically challenged) and the host of the 2008 Summer Olympics, to be held from August 8 to 24. With a history that dates back half a million years, the second–largest city in China is a bizarre mix of traditional imperial Chinese architecture and tall modern buildings. As Beijing prepares itself to host the world's most important sporting event, much of the city is undergoing massive renovations, including the expansion of its extensive subway system and restorations of its many tourist attractions. Thirty–one Beijing–based Olympic Games venues are currently under construction.

Famous tourist spots in Beijing include The Forbidden City (also known as the Palace Museum), Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. These attractions have remained relatively untouched even as the city has transformed over the years. Also not to be overlooked is the Great Wall of China, with the Badaling section just ninety minutes from the city. Unfortunately this section of the Wall is often crowded with tourists, and it may be worth driving a few hours more to a less popular section. Take a three–hour train ride to Shanhaiguan to see the part of the Wall that juts out into the sea, called the "Old Dragon's Head."

Getting around Beijing requires advanced preparation. Though many residents speak a little English, most taxi drivers do not, and unless your Chinese pronunciation is up to par, you will find it difficult to get to your destination. Get the names and addresses of all places you want to visit in Chinese characters, and use that list when traveling by taxi. Beijing also has an excellent subway system, and the English signs and subway maps make it easy for even a foreigner to negotiate. For the more adventurous traveler, renting a bicycle for the day is also a fantastic way to explore parts of Beijing, especially since the city is completely flat, with just one hill to be found within the city limits.

The best time to visit Beijing is in the autumn when the weather is beautiful and very few tourists are in the city, but summer (June–August) is considered peak season. If you are planning to be in Beijing for the Summer Olympics, a number of summer festivals are held around the same time, including the Summer Cool Festival, the Haidian Fresh Apricot Festival (late July), and the Beijing Summer Carnival at the Shijingshan Amusement Park.

A major advantage to visiting Beijing during the Olympics is having the aid of the 100,000 English–speaking volunteers that are expected to be on hand from all over the world. China now has less than a year to make all the necessary upgrades to formally open up its doors to the world.