About the Area for SilverDoor Serviced Apartments in Beijing

Formerly known in English as Peking, Beijing is China's second largest city in terms of population, after Shanghai. It is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and expressways entering and leaving it in all directions. It is also the focal point of many international flights to China. Beijing is the political, educational, and cultural centre of the People's Republic of China, while Shanghai and Hong Kong predominate in economic fields. It is an ancient city founded 3,000 years ago and will host the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Tian'anmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) and Tian'anmen Square are at the centre of Beijing, and are directly to the south of the Forbidden City, former residence of the emperors of China. To the west of Tian'anmen is Zhongnanhai, residence of the political leaders of China. The city spreads out in bands of 5 concentric ring roads, and running through central Beijing from east to west is Chang'an Avenue, one of Beijing's main thoroughfares.

The Beijing Central Business District is centred in the Guomao area, and is home to a variety of corporate regional headquarters, shopping malls, and high-end housing. The Beijing Financial Street, in the Fuxingmen and Fuchengmen area, is a traditional financial center. The Wangfujing and Xidan areas are major shopping districts.

The International Airport is about 20km north east of the city centre and is a 45 minute drive from the city centre. Extensive improvements to road and metro transit are ongoing in preparation for the Olympics.