A Short History of BeijingA guide to the history of Chinas capital, from before its rise to prominence as the seat of empires to the 2022 Winter Olympics. Before Chinas capital became a sprawling megacity and international center of business and culture, its fortunes fluctuated under a dozen dynasties. It has been a capital for several states, including those headed by Mongolian chiefs and the glorious Ming emperors, whose tombs can still be found on its outskirts. And before