Beijing, has been the capital city of China almost continuously since Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis, established Mongolian rule over China in 1279, founding the Yuan Dynasty which lasted until 1368.

Beijing Municipality borders Hebei province to the north, west, south, and for a small section in the east. The southeastern part of Beijing borders Tianjin Municipality.

Beijing is one of the 4 municipalities of the PRC, cities whose status is equivalent to that of a province, and thus are administered directly by the central government. Beijing has been a provincial-level municipality since the foundation of the PRC.

Beijing is China's second largest city in terms of population, after Shanghai. Beijing is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and expressways entering and leaving it in all directions. Beijing is also the focal point of many international flights to China. Beijing is recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of the People's Republic of China, while Shanghai and Hong Kong predominate in economic fields.