Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, the seat of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, and the Central People's Government of China. It is the political, economic, cultural, and communication center of the country, as well as that for international relations. Beijing has historically been one of China's ancient capitals. Beijing has a history of over 3,000 years, which began with the overthrow of the Shang Dynasty (around the 16th-11th century B.C.) by King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty. Called Jing in ancient times, Beijing was once the capital of the State of Yan during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.). Later, during the Liao Dynasty, Beijing was the alternate capital, called Yanjing. During the Jin Dynasty, Beijing, then called Zhongdu, was formally made China's capital. Beijing was renamed Dadu during the Yuan Dynasty and later became Jingshi during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is now known as Beijing, meaning "north capital." Beijing, China's capital since the Jin dynasty, has already enjoyed a history of over 800 years. Through their wisdom and hard work, the laboring people of previous and ensuing dynasties have left many marvels, cultural relics and objects, and a brilliant cultural legacy. Tian'anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, is the center of Beijing. In its midst towers the Monument to the People's Heroes and in the south stands the Memorial Hall of Mao Zedong. Flanking the west of the square is the Great Hall of the People and in the east are the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution. Tian'anmen Square is now the essential destination for every visitor, Chinese or foreign, to Beijing. In addition, Beihai, Jingshan, and Xiangshan Parks, as well as the Badachu scenic area are all renowned tourist attractions in Beijing, praised by visitors from all over the world. 
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