Which ancient civilization ruled Beijing in the 12th Century?
- Zhou
- Tang
- Jin
- Yuan
Correct Answer: Jin
Correct Answer Explanation: The Jurchen Jin dynasty conquered the Liao dynasty in 1122, which ruled the area of what is now Beijing, and made the city their “Central Capital” or Zhongdu in 1153.
Which modern-day tourist destination in Beijing was the imperial residence of emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties?
- Summer Palace
- Temple of Heaven
- Forbidden City
- Tiananmen Square
Correct Answer: Forbidden City
Correct Answer Explanation: The Forbidden City, also called the Purple Forbidden City, was the imperial palace compound that was the home of emperors for over 500 years from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
What is the approximate elevation of Beijing’s urban area in meters?
- 1,000
- 40-60
- 2,303
- 43.5
Correct Answer: 40-60
Correct Answer Explanation: The urban area of Beijing, located on the plains in the south-central of the municipality, has an elevation of between 40 and 60 meters.
In the 1860’s, which Western power looted and burned the Old Summer Palace in Beijing during the Second Opium War?
- Britain
- France
- Russia
- Japan
Correct Answer: Britain and France
Correct Answer Explanation: The Anglo-French forces, which combined British and French military troops, captured the outskirts of Beijing during the Second Opium War, looting and burning the Old Summer Palace in 1860.
The Chinese government designated which city as the capital of China in 1420?
- Nanjing
- Xi’an
- Kaifeng
- Beijing
Correct Answer: Beijing
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1420, the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty officially designated Beijing as the capital of the empire.
Which international sporting event led to the development of the Beijing Capital International Airport’s Terminal 3?
- 1990 Asian Games
- 2008 Summer Olympics
- 2015 World Championships in Athletics
- 2022 Winter Olympics
Correct Answer: 2008 Summer Olympics
Correct Answer Explanation: During the expansion of the Beijing Capital International Airport for the 2008 Summer Olympics, Terminal 3 was built.
How many Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Beijing in 2013?
- More than any other city in the world
- More than Japan
- More than the United States
- More than India
Correct Answer: More than any other city in the world
Correct Answer Explanation: Due to the concentration of state owned enterprises in the national capital, Beijing in 2013 had more Fortune Global 500 Company headquarters than any other city in the world.
Which natural disaster frequently affects Beijing with significant dust storms and sometimes dumps over 50,000 tons of dust on the city?
- Sandstorms
- Earthquakes
- Typhoons
- Flooding
Correct Answer: Sandstorms
Correct Answer Explanation: Dust from the erosion of deserts in northern and northwestern China results in seasonal dust storms that plague Beijing.
What is the name of the central axis that extends from the Forbidden City to the south to Yongdingmen in the south, and acts as the main design element for the city?
- Great Wall of China
- Grand Canal
- Tiananmen Square
- North-South Central Axis
Correct Answer: North-South Central Axis
Correct Answer Explanation: The North-South Central Axis of Beijing City extends 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) from the Forbidden City to Yongdingmen in the south.
Beijing’s urban expansion has been described as “spreading like a pancake.” Which feature of Beijing’s development has been attributed to this pattern of development?
- Air pollution
- Traffic congestion
- lack of housing
- The loss of historic neighborhoods
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Beijing’s urban development pattern has been cited as a reason for the city’s environmental problems, including air pollution, traffic congestion, a shortage of housing and the loss of historic neighborhoods.
What is the name of Beijing’s technology hub located in Haidian District?
- Beijing Financial Street
- Zhongguancun
- Beijing CBD
- Beijing Airport Economic Zone
Correct Answer: Zhongguancun
Correct Answer Explanation: Zhongguancun is China’s “silicon valley,” and is home to established tech companies and start-ups.
Which Chinese opera form is regarded as one of the country’s highest cultural achievements?
- Beijing Opera
- Kunqu
- Yue Opera
- Huangmei Opera
Correct Answer: Beijing Opera
Correct Answer Explanation: Beijing Opera, also called Peking Opera, is a traditional Chinese theatrical form widely known throughout the country.
In 2012, Beijing was designated as a City of Design by which organization?
- The United Nations
- UNESCO
- The World Bank
- The World Trade Organization
Correct Answer: UNESCO
Correct Answer Explanation: In 2012, Beijing was named a City of Design and became a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
What is the name of the traditional Chinese housing style, with a common courtyard shared by the surrounding buildings, that is common in Beijing?
- Hutong
- Siheyuan
- Gongsi
- Fang
Correct Answer: Siheyuan
Correct Answer Explanation: The Siheyuan is a courtyard house that was a common architectural style in Beijing.
How many districts make up Beijing Municipality?
- 10
- 12
- 16
- 18
Correct Answer: 16
Correct Answer Explanation: Beijing Municipality currently comprises 16 administrative county-level subdivisions including 16 urban, suburban, and rural districts.
What is the name of the type of alley that connects Siheyuan in Beijing?
- Hutong
- Dongsi
- Xidan
- Qianmen
Correct Answer: Hutong
Correct Answer Explanation: Hutong are the narrow alleys between the Siheyuan.
What is the name of the largest reservoir located in Beijing Municipality?
- Miyun Reservoir
- Chaobai River
- Yongding River
- Juma River
Correct Answer: Miyun Reservoir
Correct Answer Explanation: The Miyun Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Beijing Municipality.
Which geographic feature borders Beijing Municipality to the north, northwest, and west?
- Mountains
- Desert
- Plain
- Ocean
Correct Answer: Mountains
Correct Answer Explanation: The mountains to the north, northwest, and west of Beijing Municipality shield the city and northern China’s agricultural heartland from the encroaching desert steppes.
What is the name of the famous bridge near the Wanping Fortress southwest of Beijing that is associated with the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War?
- Marco Polo Bridge
- Lugou Bridge
- Jade Belt Bridge
- Baliqiao Bridge
Correct Answer: Marco Polo Bridge
Correct Answer Explanation: The Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which triggered the Second Sino-Japanese War, happened on July 7th 1937. The bridge is also known as the Lugou Bridge.
What is the name of the Beijing district that is known for being a center of electronics in China?
- Zhongguancun
- Xidan
- Wangfujing
- Tiananmen Square
Correct Answer: Zhongguancun
Correct Answer Explanation: Zhongguancun has become a major center for electronics in China.
Which two universities in Beijing are consistently ranked among the best in Asia-Pacific?
- Peking University and Tsinghua University
- Renmin University of China and Beijing Normal University
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Beihang University
- Beijing Institute of Technology and China Agricultural University
Correct Answer: Peking University and Tsinghua University
Correct Answer Explanation: Peking University and Tsinghua University consistently rank among the best universities in the Asia-Pacific region.
What is the name of the traditional Beijing snack food resembling a flat disk with a filling made from fu ling, a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine?
- Peking Duck
- Fuling Jiabing
- Siheyuan
- Hutong
Correct Answer: Fuling Jiabing
Correct Answer Explanation: Fuling Jiabing is a popular snack food, and is considered a traditional Beijing food.
What is the name of the well-known traditional commercial street outside Qianmen Gate along the southern Central Axis?
- Wangfujing
- Xidan
- Qianmen Avenue
- Nanluoguxiang
Correct Answer: Qianmen Avenue
Correct Answer Explanation: Qianmen Avenue is a traditional commercial street outside Qianmen Gate.
Which of the following is a religious site located in Beijing?
- Summer Palace
- Temple of Heaven
- Forbidden City
- Great Wall of China
Correct Answer: Temple of Heaven
Correct Answer Explanation: The Temple of Heaven is a large religious complex dedicated to prayer for good harvests, and is located in southeastern Beijing.
What is the name of the Beijing park where the oldest scholar tree in the city was planted during the Tang Dynasty?
- Beihai Park
- Shichahai
- Zhongnanhai
- Jingshan
Correct Answer: Beihai Park
Correct Answer Explanation: The oldest scholar tree in the city was planted in Beihai Park during the Tang Dynasty.
What is the name of the Beijing park that exhibits over 6,000 species of plants, including a variety of trees, bushes, and flowers, and an extensive peony garden?
- Beijing Botanical Garden
- Taoranting Park
- Longtan Park
- Chaoyang Park
Correct Answer: Beijing Botanical Garden
Correct Answer Explanation: The Beijing Botanical Garden exhibits over 6,000 species of plants, including a variety of trees, bushes, and flowers, and an extensive peony garden.
What is the name of the street in Beijing that is known for its lively nightlife?
- Wangfujing
- Xidan
- Qianmen Avenue
- Houhai
Correct Answer: Houhai
Correct Answer Explanation: Houhai, Sanlitun, and Wudaokou are Beijing’s nightlife hotspots.
Which of the following is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Beijing?
- Temple of Heaven
- Summer Palace
- Forbidden City
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Beijing.
Which of the following is NOT a theme park located in Beijing?
- Universal Studios Beijing
- Happy Valley Beijing
- Waterbom Beijing
- Beijing Zoo
Correct Answer: Waterbom Beijing
Correct Answer Explanation: Waterbom Beijing is not a theme park, but is an outdoor water park.
What is the name of the largest mosque in Beijing?
- Niujie Mosque
- Dongsi Mosque
- Huashi Mosque
- ChangYing Mosque
Correct Answer: ChangYing Mosque
Correct Answer Explanation: The ChangYing Mosque, located in Chaoyang District, is the largest mosque in Beijing.
What is the name of the Beijing district where the Central Theater Command of the Chinese military is headquartered?
- Haidian District
- Chaoyang District
- Fengtai District
- Shijingshan District
Correct Answer: Haidian District
Correct Answer Explanation: The headquarters of the Central Theater Command is located in Gaojing, Haidian District.
Which high-speed railway line connects Beijing to Shanghai?
- Beijing–Tianjin intercity railway
- Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway
- Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed railway
- Beijing–Xiong’an intercity railway
Correct Answer: Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway
Correct Answer Explanation: The Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway connects the two cities.
How many conventional rail lines radiate from Beijing?
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
Correct Answer: 9
Correct Answer Explanation: Ten conventional rail lines radiate from Beijing to various cities in China.
What is the name of Beijing’s second international airport?
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Beijing Daxing International Airport
- Beijing Nanyuan Airport
- Liangxiang Airport
Correct Answer: Beijing Daxing International Airport
Correct Answer Explanation: Beijing Daxing International Airport is the second international airport in Beijing, and is located south of the city.
What is the name of the Beijing subway line that serves the Beijing Capital International Airport?
- Airport Express
- Daxing Airport Express
- Capital Airport Express
- Beijing Suburban Railway
Correct Answer: Capital Airport Express
Correct Answer Explanation: The Capital Airport Express line of the Beijing Subway serves the Capital International Airport.
What is the name of the Beijing district that houses the Beijing Capital International Airport?
- Shunyi District
- Chaoyang District
- Daxing District
- Fengtai District
Correct Answer: Shunyi District
Correct Answer Explanation: The Beijing Capital International Airport is located in Shunyi District.
What is the name of the subway line that serves Beijing Daxing International Airport?
- Airport Express
- Daxing Airport Express
- Capital Airport Express
- Beijing Suburban Railway
Correct Answer: Daxing Airport Express
Correct Answer Explanation: The Daxing Airport Express line of the Beijing Subway serves the Daxing International Airport.
What is the name of the Beijing district that houses the Beijing Daxing International Airport?
- Shunyi District
- Chaoyang District
- Daxing District
- Fengtai District
Correct Answer: Daxing District
Correct Answer Explanation: The Beijing Daxing International Airport is located in Daxing District.
What is the name of the first subway line in Beijing?
- Line 1
- Line 2
- Line 4
- Line 10
Correct Answer: Line 1
Correct Answer Explanation: The first subway line in Beijing is the original line. It was completed in 1969.
What is the name of the Beijing district where the Central Military Commission of the Chinese military is headquartered?
- Haidian District
- Chaoyang District
- Fengtai District
- Shijingshan District
Correct Answer: Fengtai District
Correct Answer Explanation: The Central Military Commission is housed inside the Ministry of National Defense, located in Fengtai District.
What is the name of the Beijing district that is home to the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center?
- Haidian District
- Chaoyang District
- Fengtai District
- Shijingshan District
Correct Answer: Haidian District
Correct Answer Explanation: The Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center is located in Haidian District.
What is the name of the river in Beijing that is home to the Chinese giant salamander, Amur stickleback, and mandarin duck?
- Chaobai River
- Yongding River
- Juma River
- Huaijiu River
Correct Answer: Huaijiu River
Correct Answer Explanation: The Beijing Aquatic Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center protects the Chinese giant salamander, Amur stickleback and mandarin duck on the Huaijiu and Huaisha Rivers in Huairou District.
What is the name of the species of bat that is endemic to Beijing?
- Beijing mouse-eared bat
- Beijing barbastelle
- large myotis
- greater horseshoe bat
Correct Answer: Beijing barbastelle
Correct Answer Explanation: The Beijing barbastelle, a species of vesper bat discovered in caves of Fangshan District in 2001 and identified as a distinct species in 2007, is endemic to Beijing.
What are the two city flowers of Beijing?
- Chinese rose and chrysanthemum
- Peony and Plum Blossom
- Cherry blossom and wisteria
- Lily and orchid
Correct Answer: Chinese rose and chrysanthemum
Correct Answer Explanation: The city flowers are the Chinese rose and chrysanthemum.
What is the name of the international organization headquartered in Beijing that aims to improve economic and social outcomes in Asia?
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
- Silk Road Fund
- World Bank
Correct Answer: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Correct Answer Explanation: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank that aims to improve economic and social outcomes in Asia.
What is the name of the investment fund headquartered in Beijing that fosters increased investment in countries along the One Belt, One Road?
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
- Silk Road Fund
- World Bank
Correct Answer: Silk Road Fund
Correct Answer Explanation: The Silk Road Fund is an investment fund of the Chinese government to foster increased investment and provide financial supports in countries along the One Belt, One Road.