Beijing is where the old-meets-new cliche of 21st-century China truly boggles the mind. It’s a place where sights from the time of emperors sit side-by-side with modern architecture; where pensioners who lived through the Cultural Revolution browse in shops alongside the country’s coolest, most creative, consumer-goods-hungry kids.
It’s too hot in summer and too cold in winter, so the best times to visit are April-May and September-October. The first week of October is the regular slot for the annual Beijing Design Week.
Half a Day to Play With
China’s capital has a heart of art so be sure to check out the sprawling 798 art district, also known as Dashanzi, in the city’s north-east. This former factory complex is home to a wealth of glorious galleries and cheerful cafes – with some of the best shows usually found at the UCCA, or Pace. Take note that most of these galleries are closed on Mondays.
No trip to Beijing is complete without a nod to its imperial past. The Forbidden City, a huge palace once home to emperors, is the most impressive of these, but skip the queues by heading straight to the top of the hill in Jingshan Park, which offers stunning views of the palace while avoiding the crowds within.
Trips to the Great Wall require a full day, so instead stretch your legs by exploring the city’s hutong, a network of ancient alleyways that were once the lifeblood of the city, but are on their way to being demolished. The most famous of these is Nanluoguxiang, but you’d be advised to avoid it like the plague. Wudaoying near the Lama Temple offers a good variety of small stores and quirky cafes, while the Dashilar area south-west of Tiananmen Square is fun for a stroll.
Where the business crowd meets
If you’re in Beijing and mean business then you’ll want either Sanlitun or Guomao
The Village Café in Sanlitun is often abuzz with client chat, thanks to its stylish setting in a boutique hotel and central location in the city’s entertainment district. The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu. theoppositehouse.com
Most of the high-powered offices these days are clustered around Guomao and the China World Trade Centre. A new mall extension to the main tower, called China World Mall, has a plethora of options. Migas Mercado on Level 7 offers decent drinks and light Spanish bites, with the bonus of a killer view of the architecturally impressive CCTV Tower.
China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie. cwtc.com
Eat, stay, play
Duck de Chine: You can’t leave Beijing without trying the city’s most celebrated dish. Head here for top-notch food and a sleek, neo-industrial interior. It’s close to the city’s main nightlife spots for post-supper partying.
The Hidden City, Courtyard Four, off Gongti Bei Lu. elite-concepts.com
Dali Courtyard: Take a trip to China’s south-west with the Yunnanese-inspired set menus at this charming courtyard retreat hidden deep within the capital’s old alleys.
67 Xiaojingchang Hutong, off Gulou Dong Dajie.
TRB: Western-style fine dining in a 600-year-old temple complex makes this one of the top tables in town. The kitchen often hosts Michelin-starred guest chefs from Europe.
23 Shatan Beijie, off Wusi Dajie. trb-cn.com
EAST: Situated near the city’s 798 art district, EAST looks to the business traveller’s needs – meeting spaces; free and fast Wi-Fi; fitness centre with indoor pool – while maintaining a sense of style, fun and vitality. Good bar, too.
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu. east-beijing.com
Rosewood Beijing: Top-drawer service, swank rooms and a glass-domed indoor pool. Well located between the buzz of Sanlitun and the business centre of Guomao.
1 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie. rosewoodhotels.com
The original version of this article appeared in the Australian Financial Review.
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