Beijing’s Development of Tourism after the Olympics

Since the early 1980s China's urban economy has been changing rapidly, with a massive housing development together with a heavy growth of infrastructure. Today, cities throughout China are experiencing an unprecedented growth of both population and productivity. It is no exaggeration to say that China is at the forefront of a global urban revolution which is rapidly transforming Asia and our planet as we know, or knew, it. With significant socioeconomic development and a growing population, land-use efficiency is a big problem in China; and it remains the issue today. This paper discusses the role of Beijing's economy after the Olympics and how it affects social capital and the production of goods in contemporary cities. Particular attention is paid to the sustainability of the socio-economic development of this unique city of Beijing and the potential role it could play in the global economy. The cultural heritage must not only be preserved, it must also be given a new and more prominent life in the community. Cultural heritage is not only an intangible, essential dimension of social life, but also that it is a true economic resource that can contribute to the “human development” of a community. With globalization at full speed, the inherent “value” of cultural heritage is oftentimes challenged. What is clear now is that a fundamental way of life that has existed for hundreds of years is being changed and a new one is being created.