Beijing offers a glimpse into the nation's expansive history and its rapid modernization. You'll find preserved palaces rubbing elbows with new subway stations and tranquil lamaseries sharing space with world-class stadiums. Many of the city's historical sites, such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, are well-known to the world. Yet, the most popular attraction is located outside Beijing: The Great Wall of China serpentines through the hills north of the city.