Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world. Beijing is the nation's political, cultural, and educational center. The city's history dates back three millennia. As the last of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, Beijing has been the political center of the country for much of the past eight centuries. The city is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, gardens, tombs, walls and gates, and its art treasures and universities have made it a center of culture and art in China.