Beijing the capital of China, is situated in the north of the North China Plain, covering an area of 16,808 sq km and boasting a population of 15.8 million. One of the ancient capitals of China, the municipality has changed radically over the past few decades. Whilst preserving hundreds of years of rich culture and history, the city is also an...
In 2006, Beijing's total gross domestic product (GDP) reached RMB 787.0 billion (US$100.3 billion), growing by 12.8% and recording a double-digit economic growth for the eighth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Beijing??s per capita GDP amounted to RMB 50,467 (US$6,428).
In 2006, total foreign trade experienced a growth amounting to US$70.5 billion, of which imports and exports amounted to US$45.6 billion and US$24.9 billion respectively. Beijing??s largest export market was Hong Kong, followed by the U.S and Japan, while imports were mainly from Japan, Germany and the U.S, in order of import volume.
As manpower, land costs and environmental pressure have been relatively higher than other Chinese cities, Beijing has placed its focus on higher-value added manufacturing. In 2006, the manufacturing sector reached RMB 184.9 billion, representing a growth rate of 12.1%. Table 8.1.3 shows the industrial output of the key sectors in Beijing.
This involved developing areas such as the Zhongguancun Science Park (ZSP), Beijing Economic and Development Area (BDA), the Central Business District (CBD), the Olympic Central Area, Financial Street and the Aviation Economic Area.
Beijing boosts the presence of many renowned institutions including the Peking University, Tsinghua University as well as the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).In 2006, Beijing enrolled 150,000 tertiary students, with a graduating cohort of 124,000 students.