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.

Acrobatics

Beijing Opera is a form of “total theater” with singing, speech, mime, and acrobatics that combine graceful gymnastics and movements from the martial arts. Training is notoriously hard. Costumes are designed to make the jumps seem more spectacular by billowing out as they spin.
Acrobatics

China has a worldwide reputation for its gymnasts, who perform breathtaking routines that showcase their unnerving flexibility. Displays of balance often involve props such as chairs, plates, and bicycles. Several Beijing theaters put on shows, of which the best is possibly that at the Chaoyang Theater (Dong Sanhuan Bei Lu; map H3); your hotel will be able to help with reservations.
Afunti

The most famous and popular Uighur establishment in Beijing, specializing in Muslim Xinjiang cuisine. Expect lots of lamb, skewered and roasted, in addition to after-dinner table-top dancing and live music (see Afunti).
Afunti

A Xinjiang restaurant, which means lamb kabobs, flat breads, plus live bands and the inevitable audience participation. It may be touristy but it’s fun (see Afunti).
Agricultural Exhibition Center

In 1959 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, this was one of ten “key” buildings commissioned in “modern” Chinese style.
Alameda

The look is LA or Sydney, the food is Brazilian. The well balanced menu includes good- value set lunches and dinners that change with the availability of fresh ingredients but great steaks are standard (see Alameda).
Alameda

Beautiful modern restaurant serving Brazilian-inspired contemporary cuisine (see Alameda).
Aliens Street Market

Bizarre name, but the aliens in question are the Russians, who do most of the buying and selling here (see also Aliens Street Market).
Aliens Street Market

Another in the same mold as the Silk Market, but with a pronounced Slavic twist (see Aliens Street Market).
Ancient Architecture Museum

Close to the Temple of Heaven, south of Tian’an Men Square, this place is worth visiting for the museum building alone, which is the pavilion of a former grand temple complex (see Ancient Architecture Museum).

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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