China’s capital for seven centuries and well over 3,000 years old, Beijing is now a modern, flourishing city that will host the Summer Olympic Games in 2008, yet its ancient monuments remain among the great wonders of the world.  Marvel at the impressive Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, hidden from public view for over 500 years, and the magnificent Great Wall, which winds dragon-like along the ridgeline, north of the city.  Be enthralled by the ancient Temple of Heaven or explore the Summer Palace with its beautifully landscaped imperial garden.  Visit the giant pandas at the Beijing Zoo, or visit a Lama Temple.  Travel to Xi’an to tour the archaeological site of the tomb of First Emperor Qin, which so far has yielded over 6000 terracotta soldiers and horses.  The pomp and grandeur of imperial China lives on in these historic landmarks so integral to the nation’s soul.