The Forbidden City. Beijing has more than its fair share of magnificent sights: the splendor of the Imperial Palace, the elegance of the Temple of Heaven, the idyllic surroundings of the Summer Palace, the symbolism of the Ming tombs and the sheer size of the Great Wall. For more than 600 years, the city was the capital and political center of the Chinese Empire. The Imperial Palace where the Emperor resided lay at the heart of Beijing, in fact of the whole empire, and for centuries the city landscape remained unchanged, right up until the establishment of the Chinese Republic in 1912. This was followed by the foundation of the People's Republic in 1949, and the walled compounds gave way to socialist functionalism. Over the next two decades much of the city's traditional structure disappeared.

Nevertheless, numerous grand edifices remain to bear witness to the city's past, and many have been lavishly restored. Ancient temples are back in use and age-old traditions continue; they can be observed in the typical Chinese dwellings, eating houses and alleys in the old town and in the neighborhood around the Bell and Drum towers.

Tourists may not be aware of the changes that have taken place in recent years. It is now straightforward to find a comfortable hotel room, a telephone that works and a taxi in the wee hours of the morning. The people are clamoring for Beijing to become a world-class city. No doubt this will happen eventually, but for the moment, it is worth taking the time to view the city in close-up and observe its fascinating transition.

The Insight FlexiMap of Beijing is a great travel addition. Here is an innovative laminated folding map that marries durability and convenience with accuracy, utility, and readability.

Produced with state-of-the-art technology, FlexiMaps feature detailed city street and road maps clearly marked with all the sites and services of particular interest to travelers.

Text and photographs offer a wealth of valuable tourist information including "10 sights you shouldn't miss," plus information on transportation, visas, currency, important telephone numbers, emergency services, and more.

Price: $7.95