Translation | Comprehension Questions
Text B     Beijing
        The historic Tian¡¯anmen rostrum is not only the symbolic heart of China, but also the key to Beijing. The whole city radiates out from it ¡ªor more exactly, from the grand royal compound of the Forbid-den City-the old imperial palace-on the northern side of the square. The original city of Beijing was planned and for a time developed in such a way that the Forbidden City remained at the true center of the capital. Old meets new every where in Beijing-the ancient Forbidden City is overlooked by skyscrapers, the famous Great Wall pass north of the city proper is now surrounded by car parks, the centuries old observatory stands nest to a motor flyover, old court houses are dotted with glittering supermarkets, broad tar-paved avenues are flooded by millions of bicycles, ringing an echo of jingle bells, and damp underground tombs of the bygone emperors are illuminated by electric lighting.
      Beijing, the capital of the People¡¯s Republic of China, is one of the most historical cities in the world. It is not only the political and administrative center of the country, but also China¡¯s greatest repository of monuments and treasures. And almost all of the visitors in Beijing are attracted and fascinated by the special charm of the Chinese capital city. When talking about Beijing, one can¡¯t help mentioning the largest public square in the world, Tian¡¯anmen Square. More than ninety percent of foreign visitors who come to China want to see Beijing, and their tour of Beijing usually starts at Tian¡¯anmen Square in the heart of the city, a site of great political and historical significance.
   
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