Visit and Discover.

Due to Beijing’s venerable history, there is no doubt that this historic city has always been a place worth visiting.  Yet, at no other time has Beijing been as prepossessing to the rest of the world as it is today.  Unfortunately, recent changes to their entry and exit policies have made visiting Beijing harder than ever.

Beijing’s recent popularity is likely due to, in large part, a combination of the country’s staggering economic development, and its role as host city of the 2008 Olympics.  Given the globalized nature of the world today, it’s almost certain that the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be the most popular yet.  As for the Chinese, they are taking those odds, and betting big.

Since China won the Olympic Bid in 2001, the projected flood of visitors to Beijing has ignited a frenzy throughout virtually all sectors of Beijing’s economy. New stadiums, high-rises, shopping centers, and hotels have been going up at an astounding rate.  In the time it took English officials to approve the construction of an additional runway at Heathrow, the largest airport in the world was built in Beijing.  Simultaneously, Beijing’s subway system has had a complete overhaul, with the addition of state-of-the-art trains, electronic ticketing aisles, and the construction of entire new lines.   The government has gone so far as to try and rid the capital city of crude cultural tendencies.  These measures include a ban on smoking inside public places, spitting, and going shirtless. All in all, Beijing has never been as accommodating to foreigners as it is today.

Unfortunately, as a result of the onslaught of “foreign friends” expected to arrive this summer, the Chinese government has undergone a massive restructuring of its immigration department.  Ironically, it is proving to be one of the most difficult times for getting into the country.  Please, visit the VISA section for up-to-date information on entry and exit policies.