16 stats that show Beijing's massive growth since 2008

There's rapid urban development – then there's Beijing

It's almost cliché to talk about Beijing's development as 'break-neck' or 'rapid', or to speak of a modern metropolis where the traditional and the futuristic live side by side. But the fact is, it's all absolutely true, and the stats certainly back it up: this city has gone through one hell of growth spurt in the last decade.

Ten years on from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, whose preparations would bring massive changes to the city, and an event that would serve as a catalyst for its continued expansion, we look at some of the standout figures.

Population of Beijing

Population over the age of 60

City GDP

Tallest building

Number of buildings over 150m

Green coverage of city area

Subway system

Average daily ridership of subway

Number of cars in Beijing

Total length of roads

Annual tourist visitors to Beijing

Number of letters posted annually 

Mobile phone subscribers

For even more insight into Beijing ten years on from the Olympics, hit 'Read more'. 

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