Beijing or peking what is the difference
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Beijing or Peking: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the Name
The name "Beijing" literally means "Northern Capital," reflecting its longstanding role in China’s history as a capital city, in line with East Asian naming traditions. Similarly, "Nanjing" means "Southern Capital," highlighting the historical shifts between these two cities as political centers based on the power structure of the time.
Historical Background
The site of Beijing first became the capital in 1057 BC under Emperor Wu. Over time, the city has been known by various names, including Ji, ZhongDu, and Dadu. The Ming Dynasty's Emperor Chengzu finally named it Beijing in 1421. Before 1949, Westerners referred to it as Peking. It regained its status as the capital when Mao Zedong declared the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
Beijing's Evolution
Beijing first served as the capital of a largely unified China in 1264 when Kublai Khan's Mongol forces established Dadu (Great Capital). This northern location was strategic for the Mongols. After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty in 1368, the capital moved back to Nanjing. However, in 1403, the third Ming emperor, Zhu Di, relocated the capital to Beijing and gave it its current name.
During Beijing's golden era, iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven were constructed. It remained the capital through the Qing Dynasty and into the early 20th century. However, following the abdication of the last emperor, the city was engulfed in warlord conflicts. The Kuomintang moved the capital back to Nanjing in 1928, renaming Beijing as Beiping ("Northern Peace") to denote its non-capital status. Eventually, the Communists triumphed, and in 1949, they established the People's Republic of China with Beijing as its capital.
Modern Beijing
Today, Beijing is divided into 18 districts, each with its unique characteristics. Central districts include:
- Haidian District: Known for Zhongguancun, China's Silicon Valley, and home to prestigious universities like Peking and Tsinghua.
- Chongwen and Xuanwu Districts: Famous for their traditional medicine shops.
- Chaoyang District: Renowned for its art scene and vibrant flea markets.
- Xicheng and Dongcheng Districts: Charming areas with public parks, traditional hutongs, and boutique hotels like the Spring Garden Courtyard Hotel. Dongcheng is also popular among international backpackers.
For accommodations, options range from the 9 Dragons Youth Hostel, the Saga Youth Hostel, the Courtyard Hotel, Beijing Harbour Inn Hostel, to the Beijing New Dragon Hostel. These venues cater to various preferences, providing comfortable stays in this bustling capital.
Beijing remains a city of historical significance and modern vibrance, appealing to tourists with its rich culture and diverse accommodations.
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