Beijing

Beijing (Chinese: 北京; pinyin: Běijīng), alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. It is governed as a municipality under the direct administration of central government with 16 urban, suburban, and rural districts. The city was formerly named Zhongdu during the Mongol Yuan dynasty and Dadu during Ming Dynasty before it assumed its current name in 1403 from which it has been known for centuries. Beijing is one of four municipalities that have administrative status equal to provinces.[1] As such, it houses all major branches of national government including executive branch offices, legislative bodies like National People’s Congress (NPC) and Supreme Court[2], and judicial organs like high courts located within its boundaries. With an estimated population exceeding 21 million people,[3] Beijing serves not only as political center but also cultural center filled with historical sites such as Forbidden City , Summer Palace , Temple Of Heaven etc., modern architectures like Bird Nest stadium built for 2008 Olympic Games [4] along with various parks popular among both natives & visitors alike . Moreover Beijing offers bustling shopping streets , nightlife spots plus plenty more attractions making itself one of world’s most visited tourist destinations alongside other Chinese cities Shanghai & Hong Kong respectively .