Beijing: China's Capital

Mr. Gu's English Class

Overview History Pronunciation Landmarks Facts

Beijing

/beɪˈdʒɪŋ/
Proper noun Capital city

Definition: The capital city of China

Origin: From Chinese 北京 (Běijīng), meaning "Northern Capital"

📚 Historical Significance

Ancient Capital

Beijing has served as China's capital for over 800 years

Beijing became the capital during the Yuan Dynasty.
History

Cultural Center

Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Forbidden City is located in central Beijing.
Culture

Modern Metropolis

A global city blending tradition and modernity

Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Modernity

Beijing is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with history dating back over 3,000 years.

🔄 Comparison

English Examples

Beijing is China's political and cultural center.

The population of Beijing exceeds 21 million.

This Beijing guidebook was updated in 2023.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British
/beɪˈdʒɪŋ/

Bay-jing

American
/beɪˈdʒɪŋ/

Bay-jing

Pronunciation Tips:

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing as "Bee-jing" (should be /beɪˈdʒɪŋ/)
  • Putting stress on the first syllable
  • Omitting the "j" sound

🎯 Major Landmarks

The Great Wall

World's longest man-made structure

The Great Wall near Beijing is well-preserved.
Heritage

Forbidden City

Imperial palace complex

The Forbidden City has 980 buildings.
History

Temple of Heaven

Imperial sacrificial altar

The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420.
Architecture

Quick Facts

Population: 21.7 million
Area: 16,411 km²

⚠️ Common Confusions

Note:

Beijing is the largest city in China. (Incorrect)

Correct: Shanghai is China's largest city by population.

Beijing has always been China's capital. (Incorrect)

Correct: Beijing became the permanent capital in the Ming Dynasty.

✍️ Quick Quiz

Translation Practice

1. Beijing is located in northern China.
2. The Great Wall is accessible from Beijing.
3. Peking duck is a famous Beijing dish.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat after these sentences:

• Beijing is China's capital. [beɪˈdʒɪŋ]
• I visited Beijing last summer. [beɪˈdʒɪŋ]
• The Forbidden City is in Beijing. [beɪˈdʒɪŋ]

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. Beijing is in southern China.
2. Pronounced [biːˈjɪŋ]
3. Shanghai is China's capital.

1. Beijing is in northern China.

2. Pronounced [beɪˈdʒɪŋ] (stress on second syllable)

3. Beijing is China's capital.