Beijing is an ancient city with a long history. It has been the capital of China in many dynasties in the country's long history, and most recently since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This fascinating capital city, at first glance, seems to effortlessly blend tradition with modernism - first-time visitors will immediately be struck by the contrasts between old and new and the inescapable sense that change is happening at an accelerated pace.
Beijing has many cultural treasures. Winding for several kilometers in Beijing area, the Great Wall is the only man-made structure that could be seen in space. The Summer Palace is a classic composition of ancient royal gardens,and the Forbidden City is the largest royal palace in the world. The Temple of Heaven is where the emperor used to fete their ancestors, and also the soul of Chinese ancient architecture. The four sites above have been confirmed world cultural heritage by UNESCO.
However, the best representatives for Beijing are the vanishing Hutongs and square courtyards. Through hundreds of years, they have become the symbol of Beijing life. Tian'anmen Square being still brilliant today with cloverleaf junctions and skyscrapers everywhere, the old-time scene and modern culture are combined to present a brand new visage of Beijing.
No matter what you're looking for, Beijing has it. And the best part is, there is always more to explore as the city is constantly evolving in the race to modernize and beautify itself. Contrasts and contradictions await you at every turn-exclusive apartment buildings next to dilapidated old-style buildings, luxury cars driving alongside hawkers transporting their goods on the back of their bikes, ancient temples surrounded by modem high-rises.
参考中文译文
北京是一个有着悠久历史的城市。在中国的漫长历史中，许多朝代都建都在此，最近一次就是1949年中华人民共和国成立后它成为了中国的首都。这个迷人的城市，乍一看，似乎很容易就把传统和现代结合在一起—一第一次来参观的游客会立即被它新与旧的对比所震撼，同时，游客们还不可避免地有人一种它正在加速发展变化的感觉。
北京有许多文化宝藏。北京蜿蜒数公里的长城是唯一可以从太空看见的人造建筑。颐和园是古代皇家园林中的经典作品。而紫禁城是世界上最大的皇宫。天坛是皇帝过去祭祀祖先的地方，也是中国古建筑的灵魂。这四处景点已被联合国教科文组织列为“世界文化遗产”。
然而，北京最具代表性的却是正在消失的胡同和四合院。历经数百年的风雨变幻，它们已经成为北京生活的见证。天安门广场在立交桥和随处可见的摩天大楼的掩映下仍然熠熠生辉。古老景观和现代文明的结合展现了北京全新的面貌。
不论你想寻找什么，在北京都可以找到。其中最吸引人的地方就是——在这个城市不断发展，变得更加现代化，更加迷人的过程中，总有更多的东西等待着你去发现。对比和不同随处可见——高档的公寓大楼紧挨着残破的古老建筑，豪华小轿车与商贩运货的三轮车并肩行驶，现代高层建筑包围着古老的庙宇。