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Modern Beijing
Beijing thrives today as the political and cultural
capital of China as well as a center of international activity and an
important socialist base. Great changes have taken place
since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The city
walls were demolished to facilitate transportation and allow for
general expansion. By 2001, the population exceeded 12.5 million, and
the total municipal area was increased to over 17,800 square
kilometers. The city is presently divided into 16 districts: Dongcheng,
Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Chaoyang, Haidian, Shijingshan, Fengtai,
Shunyi, Changping, Mentougou, Tongzhou, Fangshan, Daxing, Huairou and
Pinggu. In addition to these urban districts, the municipality is
comprised of two counties: Miyun and Yanqing. Plans for
future development retain the symmetrical layout of the old city on
its north–south axis, extending out into the suburban districts.
From Dingfuzhuang in the east to Shijingshan in the west and from
Qinghe in the north to Nanyuan in the south, the overall plan covers
an area of 1,000 square kilometers. A traffic network of four
concentric beltways, 28 radial roads, and underground and suburban
railways are being further developed to link the city center with
outlying areas and surrounding towns. With Tian’anmen at
the center, offices along 38–kilometer–long Chang’an Boulevard will
concentrate on state, political and economic affairs. The areas around
the Palace Museum (Imperial Palace or Forbidden City) and city gates
as well as the lakes -- Zhongnanhai, Beihai and Housanhai -- have been
designated landmark districts. And with a look to the future, an
increasing number of historical, cultural and revolutionary sites are
being renovated and opened to the public. |
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