Capital of China: Beijing’s Role Explained
Beijing (北京) is the capital of the People's Republic of China. The city hosts the Communist Party leadership, all foreign embassies, and the national legislature. From Tian’anmen to Zhongnanhai, here’s how the capital works—and what to know when you visit.
1949
PRC founding on 1 Oct 1949 reinstated Beijing as the national capital.
Zhongnanhai
The walled lakeside compound west of the Forbidden City houses top Party & State organs.
Chaoyang
Chaoyang District hosts 170+ embassies plus the CBD and expat services.
21.9M
Beijing is China’s second-largest city after Shanghai by resident population.
What “capital of China” means in practice
Beijing is not simply the political capital—it concentrates national-level culture, military command, and diplomacy. Understanding how each branch is arranged helps you plan meetings, sight visits, or heritage tours without surprises.
National leadership
Communist Party headquarters sit inside Zhongnanhai; State Council ministries line Chang’an Avenue; the Central Military Commission operates from the Bayi Building.
Legislature & courts
The Great Hall of the People hosts the annual “Two Sessions.” Supreme courts and procuratorates run from modern complexes in Fuxingmen and Haidian.
Diplomatic & media
Embassies cluster in Chaoyang District; leaders meet at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse; global media briefings happen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Symbolic venues
Tian’anmen Square, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall anchor state ceremonies and holidays.
Capital timeline: from Yuan dynasties to New China
Dadu (Khanbaliq) — Yuan Dynasty
Beijing’s first stint as national capital came under Kublai Khan. The Yuan grid shaped today’s inner city; Marco Polo called it one of the world’s greatest hubs.
Ming move from Nanjing
Emperor Yongle shifted the Ming capital north in 1421, constructing the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Nanjing remained a secondary capital.
Qing imperial seat
Manchu rulers expanded Beijing’s imperial institutions, adding Summer Palaces and codifying the Eight Banners system—all still visible today.
Republic of China era
The capital toggled between Beijing (then Beiping) and Nanjing. From 1937 to 1945 the wartime capital moved inland to Chongqing.
People’s Republic of China
Mao Zedong proclaimed the PRC from Tian’anmen. Beijing retains capital status, while Hong Kong, Macau, and Taipei function under separate systems.
Beijing sites that define the capital
Explore government compounds, embassies, and ceremonial spaces. Zoom in to plan walkable routes between Tian’anmen, Zhongnanhai, and the foreign ministry corridor.
Legend
- Government campus
- Diplomatic cluster
If you’re travelling on “capital” business
Where to base
Choose CBD/Guomao for quick access to ministries or Sanlitun for embassies, visa centers, and international hotels that accept foreign guests.
Timing meetings
Avoid early March unless you’re attending the Two Sessions; road closures and full hotels ripple across the city. Check our travel calendar.
Security checkpoints
Carry passport and residence permit. Expect screening around Tian’anmen, Zhongnanhai, key subway interchanges, and whenever the security level rises.
Digital admin
Use our mini-program toolkit to pay utility bills, book trains, and call taxis even without a mainland ID card.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beijing the capital of China?
Yes. Since the PRC’s founding in 1949, Beijing serves as the seat of government, the Communist Party headquarters, and home to all major diplomatic missions.
What about Shanghai or Hong Kong?
Shanghai is the financial capital, not the political capital. Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions under “One Country, Two Systems” with their own chief executives, but they report to Beijing.
Does China have more than one capital?
Officially no. Some provinces designate “vice capitals” and the government recognises historical capitals for cultural purposes (see our Ten Ancient Capitals guide), but national institutions sit in Beijing.
Where are embassies and visa offices?
Most embassies lie along Jianguomenwai Dajie, Sanlitun, and Liangmaqiao (Chaoyang District). Consular sections usually operate weekdays; check each embassy’s mini-program or website for appointments.
Key capital addresses at a glance
Use these coordinates for navigation apps or briefing decks. All are within central Beijing’s “Second Ring” except the embassy cluster in Chaoyang.
| Institution | District | Address / coordinates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Hall of the People | Xicheng | West Tian’anmen Square · 39.9075°N, 116.3915°E | NPC & CPPCC plenary sessions; visitor slots must be pre-booked. |
| Zhongnanhai | Xicheng | 1 Xichanganjie · 39.9135°N, 116.3820°E | Party & State leadership compound; closed to public. |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Chaoyang | 2 Chaoyangmen Nandajie · 39.9220°N, 116.4415°E | Press briefings (Mon–Thu) and diplomatic services. |
| Diaoyutai State Guesthouse | Haidian | 6 Fuxing Road · 39.9288°N, 116.3125°E | Heads-of-state accommodation; requires official invitation. |
| Sanlitun Embassy Area | Chaoyang | Jianguomenwai / Sanlitun · 39.9375°N, 116.4585°E | Embassies, visa centers, and expat services; allow time for security. |
Plan your time in China’s capital
Use our deep dives to navigate the capital’s culture, transport, and bureaucracy.
- Beijing city playbook — neighborhoods, itineraries, etiquette.
- Beijing subway & national metro guide — understand the QR and security flow.
- Budget & costs for China travel — capital pricing vs. other cities.
- China travel calendar — track political meetings and public holidays.
Need a custom briefing? Email [email protected].