Proud host of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Beijing's skyline is punctuated with some of the world's stunning architectural marvels, while the city resonates with business activity, designer shopping, fine dining, nightlife and cutting-edge contemporary art.

At the same time, the city's historical attractions are reminders of its imperial past's breathtaking feats of ingenuity and beauty -  the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven.