DK Travel : Beijing

At the heart of Beijing is tradition, given physical form in the mighty Forbidden City, from where successive imperial dynasties have ruled since the 15th century. Neighboring Tian’an Men Square is the China of recent history, of red-flag socialism and Mao. But this is also a city on the move, as an all-pervading spirit of change makes Beijing the most 21st-century of capitals.

Chang’an Grand Theater

Daily two-hour performances of mostly complete operas.
Chaoyang Festival

Street theater, live music, circus, and dance.
Chaoyang Park

The largest afforested park in Beijing, with well-maintained flower and grass areas.
Chaoyang Theater

Daily hour-long performances of highlights.
China Art Seasons

A high-ceilinged space well suited to large-scale sculpture (see China Art Seasons).www.artseasons.com.sg
China Ethnic Culture Park

A theme park devoted to all 55 of China’s ethnic minorities, the complex is crammed with a weird and wonderful array of buildings such as the distinctive circular dwellings of the southern Hakka people, some of which are full-size replicas, while others are scale models. There is also a Chinese Song and Dance Theatre featuring daily performances by ethnic representatives in full costume. If you aren’t going to be traveling around the country, this is a fine way to get an idea of the diversity of China.
China Ethnic Culture Park

Like an overgrown model village, “China World” is filled with colorful models of buildings representing all the nation’s many and varied ethnic minorities. Some of the models are huge, and it’s all very colorful, as are the regular performances by ethnic musicians and singers in full costume (see China Ethnic Culture Park).
China Huangzhou Westlake Tearoom

Lively, with music at the weekends.
China National Museum

Two museums in one, this imposing building houses both the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Revolution. Of the two, the former is by far the more interesting, with an unsurpassed collection of great works of Chinese art; the halls here are also used for temporary exhibitions. The rather dull Museum of the Revolution contains models, documents, and photographs connected with the history of the Chinese Communist Party – for political enthusiasts only.
China National Museum

Every bit as brutal and ugly as the Great Hall, which it faces across the square.