By Ken Cheong
Summer Olympics 2008, China
China will host the prestigious Summer Olympics in 2008.Already, Olympics fever has gripped China and we'll probaby seeanother exciting Olympics in 2008. The two cities that will hostthe Olympics in China are Beijing, which is the nations capitaland Qingdao, a seaside city in the province of Shandong, innorth-east China. Let's get to know these two Olympics citiesbetter.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital for China. It was also a capital for thelast two monarchies that ruled China before being overthrown bySun Yat Sun in 1911 and has been the capital since Mao Tse Tungdeclared China a People's Republic in 1949.
Beijing is located in northern China, close to TianjinMunicipality and partially surrounded by Hebei Province. Thecity covers an area of more than 16,800 square kilometers (6,487square miles) and has a population of 13.82 million people.Beijing is at its best in late spring and autumn, particularlyduring the months of May, September, and October when people canenjoy bright sunshine and blue skies.
As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is thenation's political, economic, cultural and educational center aswell as being the China's most important center forinternational trade and communications. It has been the heartand soul of politics and society throughout its long history andconsequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery todelight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing's ancientpast and enjoy its exciting modern development.
Beijing is also the tourist capital of China, boasting offavourite tourist sites such as :
Great Wall of China
Forbidden City
Summer Palace
Temple of Heaven
Ming tombs
Tiananmen Square.
Beijing will also be the host for the Summer Olympics in 2008.Already, Olympics fever has gripped the city as construction ofnew buildings, hotels and stadiums, sprucing of touristfacilities, cleaning up of air and water pollution takes on afervent pace.
Qingdao
Qingdao is a bustling city located in Shandong province, in theNorth East of China. Qingdao will be the site for sailing eventsfor the Summer Olympics as Beijing is not by the sea.
Qingdao city lies on undulating hills with luxuriantly greentrees and buildings noted for their attractive architecturalstyles. The red colour of the tiled roves, green colour of thetrees thills and blue of the sea contrast beautifully. All thisalong with its beautiful climate, make the city well-known as asummer and health resort.
The city occupies an area of 10 654 km2. The city is located inflatlands, with mountains spurring up nearby. The highestelevation in the area is 1133 m above sea level. The city has a730.64-kilometer coastline. Five significant rivers that flowfor more than 50 km can be found in the region.
Qingdao is estimated to be the home for more than 7 millioninhabitants, of which around 2.6 million is residing in theQingdao urban area.
Qingdao enjoys mild summers and relatively warm winters, withthe average July temperature at 23.8°C and the average Januarytemperature at -0.7°C. The city gets most rain in June and July,at an average of 150 mm.
Qingdao has very strong German influence in the 19th century andmany German influenced buildings can still be seen. In fact,Qingdao beer is famous throughout the world, and every year,hundreds of thousands of people, both local and overseas gatherin Qingdao for the annual Beer festival.
Qingdao attracts many tourists due to its seaside setting andexcellent weather. Parks, beaches and sculpture -- as well assome unique architecture -- line the shore. Qingdao's majorattractions include:
* Ba Da Guan, the older area of town with some surviving Germanarchitecture.
* Laoshan, a famous Taoist mountain.
* Lu Xun Park, named after Lu Xun, a famous modern Chinesewriter.
* Qingdao Beer Museum, on the site of the old brewery.
* Qingdao Naval Museum
* Qingdao International Beer City, the primary site of theannual Qingdao International Beer Festival.
* Qingdao Underwater World
* St. Michael's Cathedral, a Gothic/Roman cathedral designed byGerman architect Pepieruch, completed in 1934.
* Zhan Qiao (Zhan Pier)
* Zhanshan Temple, Qingdao's only Buddhist temple.
Qingdao has such nice weather and scenary that the China rulingparty has a large rest and retirement santuary in Qingdao forit's retired cadres
Article Source: www.ArticlesBase.com
