Essay
Beijing
Geography
One of the most populous cities in the world Beijing is famous for its long and rich history. It used to have different names. The name Beijing stands for the ‘northern capital’ as it is located in the northern part of North China Plain. Once a provincial city, Beijing used to be a northern entryway into China. It is surrounded by mountains from the north, west and northwest. Beijing is mostly located on the plains. Chaobai, Yongding, Juma rivers flow through the city. To the north it includes the territory of the former residence of the former emperors of China, known as the Forbidden City. Its urban area is estimated to be 1368 square kilometers or 528 square miles.
History
History of Beijing as a capital city dates back to 1279. ‘It has served as the national capital for much of the time since the founding of the Liao dynasty in the tenth century a.d.’ (Gaubatz, 79). Many emperors left their mark on the city. Among the great number of historical attractions and places of interest are ancient temples, imperial gardens, palaces, etc. Stefano Cammelli compares Beijing with Rome and Vatikan and identifies it as the sum of symbols and values of Chinese and Central Asian origin (Cammelli, 2). S. Donald names Beijing ‘a city entered and lived through such complicated and vibrant human networks (Donald, 328).
Economy
Beijing economy is known for its being highly developed as it has headquarters of many international companies located here. Its nominal GDP gradually increase every year. Rapid economic development makes the city the economic center of China. Its innovative entrepreneurs and highly perspective start-ups make the city famous all around the world.
Transportation
As for external communication, 2008 Summer Olympics proved that Beijing has one of the best transportation systems ever as it is able to offer many optional means of transportation inside and outside the city. Beijing is considered to be a part of National Trunk Road Network what makes it connected to all parts of China with the help of the road links. In case the distance to or from the point of destination is not that long, one may use a train or a coach which are quite cheap, easy, convenient and safe ways of travelling. There are a number of domestic and international buses and trains departing from Beijing to neighbouring cities, towns and countries.
Population
Beijing population has increased greatly within the period between 2000 and 2010 – ‘from 13,569,194 in 2000 to 19,612,368 in 2010’ (Beijing Population 2015). However, it does not make Beijing the largest Chinese city. Shanghai remains to be the one with its population over 23 million people. According to official statistics, the current population of Beijing grew up to more than 21,5 million people by the end of 2014. City data show that it continues to grow what makes Beijing local government think of the ways to limit population. This step is inevitable as there is need to solve numerous problems connected with quality of the water supply, air pollution, cost of electricity and natural gas, traffic congestion, migrant flow control and other issues.
Foreign Exchange
Foreign Exchange offices are available at the Beijing Airport’s arrival areas or in banks. As per banks, one must keep in mind that the exchange of foreign currency is available only from Monday to Friday. Among other available options are hotels and ATM machines. Exchange rates and fees usually remain the same everywhere. However, there might be commission charge in hotels or at ATM machines. One should keep in mind that in case if later on there is need to change local currency back into foreign currency, it is important to save receipts in order to have the proof where and how you purchased the Yuan.
New York City
Geography
New York City is located in the northeastern part of the USA, in a naturally sheltered harbor at the meeting of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean. Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island make the boroughs of the city. Majority of these boroughs (four out of five) are situated on the islands Manhattan, Staten Island and Long Island. The area of the city is estimated at 830 square kilometers or 321 square miles.
History
Written documented historical references to New York City date back to 1524 when the first European discovered New York Harbor. When the Dutch founded a tiny settlement with 1500 inhabitants there in 1626, they named it New Amsterdam. People call the purchase of the islands from the Native Americans to be the deal of the century as it was bought for the amount of $25 in 1626 dollars. Later on the settlement was renamed to New York. Within times it played a very important role in the life of the country. The city changed dramatically with the flow of huge waves of immigrants which took place in the mid-19th century. Till nowadays it continues to be the city with the most diverse population. The nickname ‘Big Apple’ was popularized in the beginning of the 20th century to create a brighter and safer image of New York City.
Economy
New York City economy is universally recognized as one of the biggest economies in the world. New York is known as the home to the largest world stock exchange - New York Stock Exchange. The city remains to the center for architecture, art, business, design, fashion, information technologies, manufacturing, mass media, trade, etc. New York tourism contributes greatly to the local economy.
Transportation
In spite of the fact that New York City is the most populous city in the United States, it has one of the best public transportation in the country. To get around the city is actually quite simple with the help of airports, heliports, car rentals, public transportation, ferries, taxis, shuttles, etc. There are several airports featuring domestic and international flights: J.F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark International Airport, etc. Train service connects the city with other cities within the US. New York City subway system is known to be one of the largest in the world. Port Authority Terminal hosts numerous bus routes to states and cities around the country. The system of inexpensive transportation continues to prove its efficiency throughout times.
Population
Foreign Exchange
References
Beijing Population 2015. World Population Review. Retrieved from http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/beijing-population/
Cammelli, S., (2001). The History of Peking and How It Became the Capital of China.
Donal, St. H., (2011). Beijing Time, Black Snow and Magnificent Chaoyang: Sociality, Markets and Temporal Shift in China’s Capital. Theory Culture Society.
Gaubatz, P., (1995). Changing Beijing. American Geographical Society. Geographical Review, Vol. 85, No. 1 (Jan., 1995), pp. 79-96.
New York City Population 2015. World Population Review. Retrieved from http://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/new-york-city-population/
Roen R., Wieler S., Pereira J., (2005). New York City Immigrants: The 1990s Wave. Current Issues in Economics and Finance. Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Volume 11, Number 6. – P.1-7.
