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Beijing : Overview & Top 10

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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.

  • Gimmick or culinary wonder? Make your own mind up, but certainly take a look at Beijing’s most jaw-dropping, China-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland interior (see Green T. House).

  • Cozy bar with a tranquil atmosphere, although with cocktails at just ¥30 things often don’t stay that tranquil for long.

  • “Ghost Street” is a fun place to dine, and this hotpot specialist is one of its best eateries (see Guizhou Luo Luo Suan Tang Yu).

  • Sharing a hotpot is an essential Beijing experience and there’s no better place to do it than on beguiling “Ghost Street.” The décor may be a bit dingy but ingredients are fresh and the broth and dipping sauces are terrific (see Guizhou Luo Luo Suan Tang Yu).

  • Stumbled on by Daoist alchemists seeking the elixir of life.

  • Among the older hotels in Beijing, but renovated to a standard above other Chinese-run options in this range. Rooms are comfortable, if a bit gaudy, with nice views from the upper floors. It’s round the corner from the railway station.

  • Bustling two-story rustic restaurant with a large outdoor dining area always packed with locals enjoying simple, tasty Hakka dishes (see Han Cang).

  • Han Cang

    Little known even in China, the cuisine of the southeastern Hakka people is a delight. They use heaps of hot salt to bake chicken and fish, and do lots of dishes featuring smoky pork. Han Cang does excellent Hakka dishes and has a fun and vibrant atmosphere to boot .

  • Smallest, most obscure, and possibly most pleasant courtyard hotel in Beijing. Rooms in the tree-shaded rear courtyard are exquisite. Walking distance to Wangfujing.

  • Small street market just off Wangfujing, which is crammed with stalls selling all manner of knick-knacks, curios, and handicrafts.

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