Text Reading A : Beijing-the Capital City of China
Beijing, the capital of china, is the center of politics, economics, culture and transportation of the People’s Republic of China. It is not only one of the four municipalities directly under the central government administration, but also one of the largest cities in China, putting second to Shanghai as the nation’s biggest. Because of its role in the life and growth of China, there is an incomparable 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, it will show the world something so special that everyone will be attracted by Beijing’s latest accomplishments combined with its ancient history.
Beingjing is well-known for its long history and splendid culture. More than seven hundred thousand years ago, the primitive people (Beijing Ren) lived here. The written records show that it was selected as the center of the feudal state of Yan during the Period of the Warring States. In the year 1272, Beijing became the Capital of a unified country for the first time in the Yuan Dynasty which was written in the Travels of Marco Polo. In 1403. the 3rd Ming emperor Zhu Li, who had just grabbed the throne by killing his brother after a bloody civil war and moved the capital from southern China to his own power base in the north, renamed the city Beijing, or “Northern Capital”. Soon after that, much of the city was built, including the Imperial City and the walled Forbidden City that has become the symbol of today’s China.
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