Beijing represents both a mystical cultural heritage and a bright new future fueled by China's increasingly powerful economy.Fodor's Beijing 1st Editiontakes readers straight to the best of the city, from the sleek glass high-rises, to the red flags of Tiananmen Square, to the endless steps of the Forbidden City. Brand-new illustrated features highlight Buddhism and other spiritual beliefs, Chinese cuisine, the origins of tea, and the effects of a changing economy. Other spreads cover important sights such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. New neighborhood profiles of Beijing's eight major districts with maps, good walks, fun facts, and indexes of the sights, restaurants, hotels, shops, and nightlife venues in each district. Expanded directory of Chinese translations and pinyin pronunciation guides for every listing. Coverage of markets and shoppingwhere to find them, how to navigate them, and how to bargain for specific goods, including pearls and silk. Four-color city and subway maps 8-page color insert