From the Jurchen Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Beijing served as the capital of the country for more than 800 years. Today, its magnificent palaces, picturesque gardens, ceremonial temples, and historical neighborhoods preserve the legacy of China's dynastic past, inviting visitors to explore the architecture, court life, and stories that shaped China from the 12th to the early 20th centuries.