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.

Crab Apple House

A handful of charming, private rooms set around a courtyard garden. Serves light and fragrant Huaiyang cuisine.
Cricket-fighting

Cricket season in Beijing has nothing to do with the genteel English game. The Chinese version involves ruthless antennae-on-antennae action as cricket-fanciers goad their insects into battle in the plastic bowls that serve as gladiatorial arenas. Once the favorite sport of emperors it now takes place in backstreets all over town.
Crossbow

Better range, accuracy, and penetration than the standard bow.
Crowne Plaza

Comfortable rooms with tasteful decoration give onto a nine-story atrium. Reasonable value, and within walking distance of Wangfujing and the Forbidden City.
Cui Ming Zhuang Hotel

Recently renovated and cheap given the location. Rooms are simple but clean, and surprisingly large. Staff are more pleasant than is usual for a Chinese hotel.
Cultural Palace of the Nationalities

The one “tenth anniversary” building of elegance. Its plan forms the Chinese character for “mountain.”
Da Hong Pao Teahouse

Stone-top tables and tree-stump seats, but a bit out of the way up in Haidian.
Da Shan Zi Art Festival

Not so much an art festival as an arts circus, incorporating music, dance, and performance.
Dan

Dan are the female roles. Laodan are old ladies and caidan the female comedians, while wudan are the martial artists. The most important category, qingyi, usually play respectable and decent ladies in elegant costumes.
Dazhalan & Liulichang

Running west off the northern end of Qian Men Dajie is Dazhalan Jie, an old hutong area that is great for exploring on foot or by rickshaw. It is full of quaint Qing-era specialty shops selling pickles, silks, tea, and traditional Chinese medicine. To the west of Dazhalan is Liulichang Jie, with more restored buildings and many fascinating antique shops.

Liulichang Jie

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under ¥200
- ¥200–¥400
- ¥400–¥800
- ¥800–¥1400
- over ¥1400
Restaurant price categories

For the equivalent of a meal for two made up of a range of dishes, served with tea, and including service.
- under ¥100
- ¥100–¥250
- ¥250–¥500
- over ¥500