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.

Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong

Targeted at high-end business travelers, this Japanese-run hotel is convenient to the CBD, and offers several worth-while restaurants and bars. Rooms are small, but feature tasteful decoration.
Hotpot

Introduced to Beijing in the 13th century by the invading Mongols, hotpot is a much-loved staple. Literally hundreds of restaurants across the city sell nothing else but. It’s a great group dish, with everybody sat around a large bubbling pot of broth dropping in their own shavings of meat, noodles, and vegetables to cook.
Hou Hai

The most visitor-friendly neighborhood of Beijing, Hou Hai is three joined lakes surrounded by an expansive and labyrinthine sprawl of age-old hutongs (alleys). Visit for a handful of well-preserved mansions, as well as the opportunity to see a more humble form of Beijing life as it has been lived for centuries – but visit soon before the developers have their way and demolish the lot (see Hou Hai).

Mahjong players at Hou Hai

An exercise park beside Hou Hai
Hou Hai

By day visitors take rickshaw tours around the back lanes for a glimpse of fast-disappearing old Beijing; by night, attention shifts to the area’s lakeside bars and restaurants (see Hou Hai).
Howard Johnson Paragon

Comfortable and close to Beijing Railway Station, and just a short taxi ride to Wangfujing and Tian’an Men Square. Rooms, though not large, are recently renovated, and international standards ensure a quality of service superior to that of most other nearby hotels.
Hu Guang Hui Guan

Daily one-hour highlights shows.
Huafeng Hotel

Blander than when it was the Grand Hôtel des Wagons-Lits, but it offers good value for money in the pleasant Legation Quarter, and is walking distance from central Tian’an Men Square and Wangfujing Street.
Huang Ting

A beautiful restaurant: a recreation of a traditional siheyuan (courtyard) house reusing thousands of bricks from demolished properties, along with wooden screens, carved stone friezes, and door guardian stones. Dishes lean towards the Cantonese, but there are also Beijing favorites, including classic Beijing roast duck (see Beijing duck).
Huang Ting

Beautiful recreation of an Old Beijing-style restaurant in the basement of a five-star hotel (see Huang Ting).
Huxley’s

The house motto is “Shut up and drink.” Compliance is encouraged with cheap beer and cut-price cocktails.

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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