Beijing

:Peking is also the name of an asteroid, see 2045 Peking.

Geography and climate

:Main article: Geography of Beijing

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Hills dominate the north, northwest and west of the municipality. The northwestern part of the municipality, especially Yanqing County and Huairou District, are dominated by the Jundu Mountains, while the western part of the municipality is framed by the Xishan Mountains. Mount Dongling in the Xishan ranges and on the border with Hebei is the municipality's highest point, with an altitude of 2303 m. Major rivers flowing through the municipality include the Yongding River and the Chaobai River, which are part of the Haihe River system, and flow in a southerly direction. Beijing is also the northern terminus of the Grand Canal of China linking Beijing with Hangzhou, and the North Grand Canal flows in a similar southerly direction into the Haihe system. Miyun Reservoir, found on the upper reaches of the Chaobai River, is Beijing's largest reservoir, and crucial to its water supply.

Related Topics:
Yanqing County - Huairou - Jundu Mountains - Xishan Mountains - Mount Dongling - Hebei - M - Yongding River - Chaobai River - Haihe River - Grand Canal of China - Hangzhou - North Grand Canal - Miyun Reservoir

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The urban area of Beijing, located at 39°54′20″ North, 116°23′29″ East (39.9056, 116.3914), is situated in the south-central part of the municipality and occupies a small but expanding part of the municipality's area. It spreads out in bands of concentric ring roads, of which the fifth and outermost (the Sixth Ring Road; the numbering starts at 2) passes through several satellite towns. Tian'anmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) and Tian'anmen Square are at the centre of Beijing, and are directly to the south of the Forbidden City, former residence of the emperors of China. To the west of Tian'anmen is Zhongnanhai, current residence of the paramount leaders of the People's Republic of China. Running through central Beijing from east to west is Chang'an Avenue, one of Beijing's main thoroughfares.

Related Topics:
Ring roads - Sixth Ring Road - Tian'anmen - Tian'anmen Square - Forbidden City - Zhongnanhai - People's Republic of China - Chang'an Avenue

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The city's climate is harsh, characterized by hot, humid summers due to the East Asian monsoon, and cold, windy, dry winters that reflect the influence of the vast Siberian anticyclone. Average temperatures in January are at around -7 to -4 °C, while average temperatures in July are at 25 to 26 °C. Annual precipitation is over 600 mm, with 75% of that in summer. http://www.beijing.gov.cn/bjgm/default.htm

Related Topics:
Climate - Monsoon - Siberian - Anticyclone - January - C - July - Precipitation - Mm - Summer

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Beijing also suffers from heavy pollution and poor air quality from industry and traffic. Dust from erosion of deserts in northern and northwestern China result in seasonal dust storms that plague the city. Efforts have been made of late to clean up Beijing in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Related Topics:
Air quality - Dust storm - 2008 Summer Olympics

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