Beijing

Pellegrini, Nancy. Beijing. Part of the Global Cities series. 2007. 60p. ISBN 978-0-7910-8848-0. Available on the library shelves at 951 PEL.

The second most populous city in China, Beijing is also the country’s capital. With over 12 million people, Beijing’s population has exploded in the last quarter century, which has brought both challenges and success stories. The capital on and off for over a thousand years, Beijing lies in an arid plain not far away from mountains. It sat at the intersection of major trade routes and was protected by the Great Wall. With the economic liberation that followed the death of Mao, the country’s standard of living as increased and residents of cities have benefited the most. Hundred of millions of peasants have flocked to cities, and Beijing has seen more of its share.

An increase in population brings more economic opportunities, but also severe environmental and infrastructure costs for a city spreading faster than what is sustainable. Major projects such as canals to bring water, high speed trains, metros, highways, and pollution control are all designed to help the capital grow while ensuring that the basic needs of citizens are taken care off. As old Beijing is being demolished to make way for a new Beijing, tensions between those who are rich and those who aren’t are growing, and the local government will have to manage what has been unbridled growth.