As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as being the most important center in China for international trade and communications. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history. By the time of the Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC), it was serving as the capital of the Yan Kingdom. Because of its role in the life and growth of China, there is an unequalled wealth available for travelers to discover as you explore Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its exciting 21st Century world. In 2008 when Beijing hosts the Olympic Games, Beijing will show the world something so special that everyone will be awestruck by Beijing's latest accomplishments combined with its ancient history.

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　　beijing aquarium

beijing aquarium is the largest inland aquarium in the world including an amazon rainforest area, coral reefs, a shark aquarium (where you can dive with the flesh eaters), whales, dolphins and a marine mammal pavilion. the latter hosts lively aquatic animal displays.

drum tower

originally built in 1273, marking the centre of the old mongol capital dadu, the tower has been repeatedly destroyed and restored. stagger up the incredibly steep steps for long views over beijing's rooftops. the drums of this later ming dynasty version were beaten to mark the hours of the day - in effect the big ben of beijing.

the building came close to ruin during the cultural revolution, when it was reviled as an artefact from a feudal past. the drum tower has survived both swiss engineering and maoist scorn and are now protected treasures.
on display is a large array of drums, including the large and dilapidated night watchman's drum (being one of the five two-hour divisions of the night) and a large array of reproduction drums.