Areas of Interest in Beijing

The Forbidden City cannot be missed.  The Imperial Palace covers an area of 72 hectares and runs 960 metres from north to south.  It was the imperial residence and centre of the kingdom during the reign of 24 emperors, which ruled from this palace for 491 years.  It is now the largest and best preserved ancient architecture in China. 

Lama Temple is Beijing’s biggest Buddhist temple and a working monastery.  It boasts an 18 metre high Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

Behai Park is beautiful, and perfect for a walk along the lakeside.  Local Beijingers boat here in the summer and ice skate in winter.  If you cross the bridge to the central island you will see the striking Tibetan Dagoba and you can enjoy a pot of jasmine or tea in a lakeside café.

A short walk from Behai Park is Coal Hill.  This is the only one in the flat city and is artificial, created from mounds of earth taken to create the Forbidden City’s defensive moats and canals.  At the top there is a temple and viewing area, offering a great 360-degree view of the city.

The Oriental Plaza shopping mall is popular with locals but for authentic Beijing shops wander down Wangfujing Street.  For antiques, bric-a-brac, paintings, jewellery, pottery and everything Chinese possible visit the Panjiayuan Market south east of the centre.  The Silk Market on Changan Avenue is well known for counterfeit fashion and becomes congested with tourists.  Bargaining in markets is expected, remember to be tough and barter.

Eating Out in Beijing

Houhai Lake has plenty of restaurants and bars.  South Silk Road is one of the best specialising in spicier food from Yunnan Province.  Nuage beside the Silver Ingot Bridge is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Beijing with a great atmosphere.

Beijing is famous for its Peking Duck.  Try it at Quanjude Restaurant just south of Tiananmen Square, which has been the home of Peking Duck since 1864 and foreign celebrity photos line the walls.

To enjoy something delicious with a view, visit Xiao Wang’s Home restaurant at the northern end of Houhai Lake.  It serves excellent non-MSG food.

The Courtyard Restaurant found near the Forbidden City, looks over the East Gate of the Imperial Palace.  It Serves a superb east-west fusion of cuisine and also holds a celebrated modern art gallery displaying many cutting edge contemporary works.

Night Life in Beijing

Nightlife offers everything from traditional entertainment such as opera, acrobatics and martial arts to more modern treats such as ballroom dancing, bars and clubs.

The Red Moon Bar on top of the Grand Hyatt Hotel is recommended to enjoy a great view over the city with cocktails.

Local Information

Beijing is the epicentre of China’s history and future as it is changing so fast.  Although the city may seem endless, all the great sights are in an easily manageable area. 

Buses seem to be slow and are over crowded, and although the metro system is excellent the best method of transport is via taxi.  Even a journey of half an hour will only cost around 25Rmb (less than £2.)

From the Airport to Beijing

Capital Airport is 20 kilometres north east of Beijing, and taxi’s run cheaply.  You can get your hotel name translated at the tourist information stand in the arrivals hall to show to the taxi driver.