Beijing, a city with over 3,000 years of urban history, has served as the capital of multiple dynasties in Chinese history, including the Jin (1153–1214), Yuan (1271–1368), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Today, it remains China’s political, cultural, international exchange, and science and technology innovation hub—and home to the newest BASIS International & Bilingual Schools campus, BASIS Bilingual School Beijing, opening in the fall of 2026 and located in the city’s vibrant Shunyi District, a key area for international education and family living.
As a native Bejinger who spent nearly a decade overseas, the unique charm of this city still drew me back home. Come discover its magic with me, and see if Beijing calls to you, too.
Beijing: A History Lover’s Paradise Found
As a world-renowned historical and cultural city, Beijing boasts numerous precious cultural heritage sites, seven of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. Even as a local, I uncover new layers of history every time I visit the sites—always leaving with fresh perspectives.
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is undoubtedly Beijing’s most iconic historical building. Built way back in 1406, this sprawling palace complex covers 720,000 square meters – that’s huge! Walking through its 70+ palaces and 9,000+ rooms, even after all these years, I’m still struck by the sheer scale and history under my feet. No wonder it’s one of the world’s most visited spots!
Then there’s the Great Wall, especially the stretches near Beijing – they’re incredibly well-preserved. Seeing it snake over those rugged mountains never gets old.
But Beijing isn’t just about grand monuments. To really feel its soul, you need to wander the hutongs and peek into the siheyuan courtyard houses. Places like Nanluoguxiang and Shichahai are living museums! Getting a little lost in those narrow lanes, seeing the traditional architecture, maybe hearing neighbors chatting… that’s the real, breathing history of old Beijing for me. It’s a different kind of magic, and simply precious.
A City Where History Meets Cutting-Edge Innovation
Beijing is not only an historic city, but also a leader in China’s technological innovation and development, attracting many Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions. At the same time, Beijing ranks among the world’s leaders in innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G communications, and blockchain technology.
New-generation tech giants such as ByteDance and Xiaomi have emerged here and expanded into global markets. From robotaxis to convenience stores run by humanoid robots, cutting-edge technology makes this ancient capital pulse with a futuristic radiance.
Beijing’s culture: a blend of history and modernity
As a cultural capital with a history spanning thousands of years, Beijing has developed a unique urban culture that is inclusive and diverse. Beijing boasts a rich variety of traditional art forms, with Peking Opera, as the representative of Chinese opera art, being hailed as a “living fossil” of Chinese culture.
In recent years, Beijing’s cultural and creative industries have flourished, forming several cultural and creative clusters such as the 798 Art District, Langyuan Station, and Longfu Temple. These cultural and creative spaces, converted from old factories and warehouses, retain the historical features of industrial architecture while incorporating modern design elements, becoming hubs for art exhibitions, fashion shows, and creative design activities.
A Food Lovers’ Wonderland
Beijing’s food scene is also captivating. The crispiness of Peking roast duck, the deliciousness of Beijing hot pot, and the home-style flavor of Zha Jiang Mian noodles are all unforgettable. Old-established and Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as traditional teahouses and coffee shops, reflect the inclusiveness and innovation of Beijing’s food culture.
Air Quality & Nature
You might recall headlines from years past about Beijing’s air quality challenges. While those concerns were valid a decade ago, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation through strict environmental policies. Heavily polluted days are now rare, replaced by regular stretches of clear blue skies.
Even as a bustling metropolis, nature is always within easy reach in Beijing. When you need a break from the urban rhythm, escapes like Longqing Gorge’s turquoise waters and the forested trails of the Western Hills deliver instant serenity.
Living in Shunyi District, Beijing
BASIS Bilingual School Beijing is located in the core commercial center of Houshayu, Shunyi District, which is truly an ideal place for both living and working. The nearby Shine Hills Shopping Center features a variety of delicious foods and small markets, with almost all restaurants offering outdoor seating. In the evening, sitting outdoors to dine, enjoying a gentle breeze, and sharing a drink with friends is simply delightful. The area around the school offers comprehensive international-standard amenities, including Sam’s Club and the Beijing Friendship Hospital Shunyi International Medical Centre, catering to daily shopping and medical needs. The school is also close to major transportation facilities, such as the Capital Airport, Shunyi Subway Station, the Jingcheng Highway and the Airport North Line Highway. Convenient transportation allows you to visit any place you want around Beijing every weekend.
Beijing has distinct seasons and, as the famous Chinese writer Lao She once said, “The autumn in Beijing is like paradise on earth.” Beijing is a beautiful city, and it’s beautiful in all four seasons. In the spring, you can smell the apple blossoms in the Forbidden City. In the summer, you can see the lotus flowers in Beihai Park. In the autumn, you can witness the crimson leaves in Fragrant Hills. And in the winter, you can be entranced by the snow-covered Great Wall.
As a native Beijinger, I think Beijing isn’t just a city—it’s a living community that respects where you’ve come from while propelling you toward where you’re going. Let’s get together to explore the stunning beauty of Beijing in all its seasons. You will experience the perfect mix of history and modernity, tradition and innovation, in this lively city.
Ms. Fay Guo
Director of Human Resources and Administration
BASIS Bilingual School Beijing
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