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Beijing
High growth and tech hotbed

By

Published: Tuesday 03 June 2008

What's so special about Beijing?
Beijing is a hotbed of technology that embodies the best and the worst of the industry. Its high tech centre, Zhongguancun, dubbed "China's Silicon Valley", continues to be a major centre in electronics and computer-related industries.

Now classed as a Science and Technology Zone, it still hosts some of the technological powerhouses that grew up there, such as the world's third largest PC manufacturer Lenovo Group, China's second-largest personal computer vendor Founder Group, and high tech enterprise the Stone Group.

Underpinned by a bedrock of technical expertise from Peking University and Tsinghua University, analysts are bullish about its future, drawing parallels with Silicon Valley whose growth was driven by Stanford University.

Unfortunately Beijing is also notorious as a source of pirated goods, with rip-offs of Microsoft and other software readily available in the markets of Zhongguancun.

Tech Hotspots judge and partner with legal firm Field Fisher Waterhouse Simon Briskman said: "The Z-Park, the universities, the drive and the vision - and with Chinese growth rates this really is a hotspot."

Key tech companies Stone Group, Founder Group and Lenovo Group.

Key Institutions Peking University, Tsinghua University.

Local salaries Graduate software engineer: $10,673.

Famous faces Founder of the Lenovo Group and hero of Zhongguacun, Liu Chuanzhi.

Population 17.4 million.

iPod cost $180 Source: CommSec, Apple.

Time zone GMT +8 hours.

Voltage and plugs 220V three-pin plug.

How to get there The main airport is the Beijing Capital International Airport, near Shunyi, which is about 20km north-east of Beijing city centre. Most domestic and nearly all international flights arrive and depart at the three-terminal Capital Airport. Linked to central Beijing by the Airport Expressway, a 40-minute drive from the city centre. In preparation for the 2008 Olympics, another expressway is being built to the airport, as well as a light rail system.

Watch out for The Forbidden City. Get there at about 8.30am if you want to walk through the vast and spectacular courtyards in relative peace and bask in the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court from the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Places to stay, eat or drink The Bai Jia Da Yuan restaurant in the Haidian district is located in the former residence of a prince. Or try the Beijing Da Dong Roast Duck House which is famous for - well you guessed it - roast duck. The Grand Hyatt Beijing is a privately-owned five-star hotel with an enormous swimming pool in the basement.

What you might not know Much of the city's infrastructure is being rebuilt and sites renovated for the Olympics, making it a hectic time to visit.