Memories of Old Beijing

Beijing is a historic and cultural city with more than 3,000 years of urban history and over 800 years as a capital. Along with Xi'an, Luoyang, and Nanjing, it is one of China's four great ancient capitals. It boasts six World Heritage Sites and more cultural heritage sites than any other city in the world, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a city rich in history and culture.

But how well do you really know Beijing?

Do you know how many names it has had throughout history?

Is Qianmen Gate really ninety-nine feet tall?

Who designed the Gate of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City?

Why are old Beijing's courtyard houses missing their southeast corners?

And how did old Beijingers celebrate the Spring Festival?