Beijing is not an organization but the capital city of the People’s Republic of China and a major global center for politics, culture, economy, and technological innovation[1][4][7]. With a population exceeding 22 million as of 2025, it is the world's most populous national capital and China’s second-largest city by urban area after Shanghai[1][5].
As a municipality directly governed by the central government, Beijing functions as the political heart of China, hosting all major national governmental institutions including the National People’s Congress. The city government is led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Municipal Committee, with the CCP Secretary of Beijing being a key political figure and member of the Politburo since 1987[1]. The city is administratively divided into 16 districts, including urban, suburban, and rural areas[1].
Beijing’s history as a seat of power dates back centuries, and today it is renowned for its cultural heritage, boasting eight UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, including the newly recognized Central Axis—the highest number worldwide among cities[2]. The city’s geography, nestled between the Taihang and Yanshan mountain ranges, adds to its historical and cultural prominence[4].
Economically, Beijing is a powerhouse with a projected Gross Regional Product (GRP) growth of about 5.2% in 2024 and the highest per capita GRP among China's provincial-level jurisdictions[2]. The city balances rapid economic growth with sustainability, maintaining the lowest energy consumption and carbon emissions per 10,000 yuan of GRP nationwide[2]. It leads in innovation and technology, ranking among the top three Chinese cities for innovation and smart city development, with advanced infrastructure like widespread 5G deployment and digital government services[3].
Beijing also actively promotes foreign investment and high-tech industries through initiatives like Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town), which supports hydrogen energy, AI integration, and new-generation IT technologies