Beijing

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and is the second largest city in China. Previously known in English as Peking, the name was changed when the system for spelling Chinese words in English changed; the name in English means "northern capital". Beijing is one of the Great Ancient Capitals of China and has hosted the seat of government for much of China's history.

Beijing Capital International Airport ("PEK") is the primary international airport serving Beijing and is the central hub for China's civil aviation network. Numerous international airlines serve Beijing's airport, providing flights from cities around the world. The airport is located northeast of the city center and is about 30 km from Tsinghua University where UbiComp 2011 will be held.

There are many world-renowned tourist sites in Beijing, including, for example, the Forbidden City, the Tian'anmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace), the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Dynasty Tombs, and The Olympic Park.

Early fall (September, October) is the best season in Beijing. September weather average for Beijing: average high 78oF (25oC), average low 59oF(15oC). Chinese currency is known as the yuan ("CNY"), also known as renminbi ("RMB", literally "people's currency"). Subdivisions of the yuan are known as the jiao (1 yuan equals 10 jiao) and the fen (1 jiao equals 10 fen). Chinese currency is issued in the following denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan; 1, 2, and 5 jiao; and 1, 2, and 5 fen. At the current exchange rate (July 2009), USD $1 is equal to about 6.8 CNY; EUR €1 is equal to about 9.6 CNY.

Additional Beijing information about the city is available from:

Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing/.

Beijing Official Website, http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/.

Travel China Guide, http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing.htm.

The China Guide, http://www.thebeijingguide.com/index.html.