Geography

Beijing, the capital of China, is located in the northern part of the North China Plain. It is situated at 39"26" north latitude and 115"25"-117"30" east longitude, with an area of 16,807 square kilometers, of which 2,738 square kilometers for the city center. In terms of outlying geographical features, the extensive Yanshan Mountain range forms a silvan screen to the northeast, the long, winding Taihang Mountain range to the west. Just beyond, to the northwest, the vast Mongolian plateau begins. The Bohai Gulf lies 113 kilometers to the east and to the south, the vast North China Plain.

Climate

Beijing has a continental monsoon climate commonly found in the temperate zone. In winter, cold, dry winds blow out of Siberia and Mongolia in the northwest; in summer, warm, moist air currents from the southeast take over. It has an annual average temperature of 11.5oC. The coldest month in Beijing is January, with an average temperature of -9 to -4oC; the hottest month is July, with an average of 25oC. The average annual rainfall is 609 millimeters.

Administrative Division and Population

Beijing is divided into 14 districts and 4 counties, with a population of 13.82 million, mainly with Han, Hui, Manchu and Mongolian ethnic groups.

Official Trees and Flowers

Official city trees: the Chinese scholar tree and oriental cypress

The stately cypress symbolizes the courage and strength of the Chinese people, their simple, and hard working nature and their defiance in the face of aggression. The scholar tree is a symbol of good fortune, joy and well-being.

Official city flowers: China rose and chrysanthemum

The rose, a Chinese native, has been cross¡¡bred many times, but it still has half of the original Chinese traits. Known as Perpetual Spring, Monthly Red, Snow Challenger and Victorious, it grows quickly, regenerates easily and is graceful and long blooming (May to October).

The chrysanthemum has many names and varieties. In Beijing potted chrysanthemums may be seen year round. They flower in summer and fall naturally but can be forced to bloom any time of year.

Food

Dishes with special flavor such as the Peking roast duck, imperial court food, imperial official food and medicinal food, hot pot; traditional snacks such as sausage, quick-fried tripe, soya-bean milk, jellied bean curd, seasoned flour mush, jimmy meat and fried pasty, etc.