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.

Lu Xun Museum

Lu Xun is regarded as the father of modern Chinese literature, responsible for ground-breaking works such as “Diary of a Madman” and “The True Story of Ah Q”. This is the house in which he lived from 1924 to 1926. The rooms display artifacts relating to his life and there’s also an adjacent exhibition hall with more than 10,000 letters, journals, photographs, and other personal objects.
Lufthansa Center

This glossy mall-style development caters for aspirational Beijingers with a department store full of imported luxury goods, a basement Continental deli, and a BMW showroom. More down to earth, just west on the south bank of the river is the Liang Ma Flower Market, which is a riot of color and fragrances.
Made In China

The kitchen is open allowing diners to view ducks roasting and nimble fingers speedily making disks of dough and spooning in fragrant fillings to make the little dumplings known as jiaozi, a Beijing specialty (see Jiaozi).
Made In China

Classy venture with stunning design and even better food (see Made In China).
Magnetic compass

Developed from an instrument used for feng shui and geomancy, it helped the Chinese explore the world.
Mahjong

Like gin rummy it’s all about collecting sets or runs to score points, only mahjong uses tiles, not playing cards. A visit to any Beijing park will invariably be soundtracked by the rat-a-tat of slammed pieces.
Malian Dao

Beijing’s wholesale tea street, with more than 600 tea-shops spread over a mile. Try four-story Tea City (Cha Chang), halfway along the street.
Mansion of Prince Gong

Summer performances only (see Mansion of Prince Gong).
Mao memorabilia

The great icon, Mao appears on posters, badges, banners, and almost anything else with a flat surface. There are shops and stalls that trade in nothing but Mao in the Dazhalan district and at Panjiayuan Market.
Mao’s Mausoleum

The mausoleum gift shop is the best source of Mao badges, posters, and shoulder bags.

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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