[Beijing] The capital of China, in the northeast part of the country. Founded c. 700 B.C., it served as kublai khan's capital (13th century) and the capital of China (1421-1911; 1949-). It is a major commercial and industrial center and the political, educational, and cultural center of the country. Population: 7,362,426

[Xian] A city of central China southwest of Beijing. The Capital (221-206 B.C.) of the QIN dynasty, it is a major commercial center and the capital of Shaanxi Province. Population: 2,872,539

[Guilin] A city of southeast China northwest of Guangzhou. The original city dates back to the sixth century A.D. Population: 557,346

[Shanghai] A city of eastern China at the mouth of the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River) southeast of Nanjing. The largest city in the country, Shanghai was opened to foreign trade by the tready of Nanking (18420 and Quickly prospered. France, Great Britain, and the United States all held large concessions in the city until the early 20th century. Shanghai is lacated in Jiangsu province but is administered as a separate govern- mental unit. Population: 8,205,598