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.

Ming Ren Teahouse

A chain of teahouses; this branch is conveniently close to Hou Hai.
Ming Tombs

Thirty miles (45 km) northwest of Beijing is the vast burial site of 13 of China’s 16 Ming emperors. One of the underground tombs can be visited but most impressive of all is the Sacred Way, with its 12 pairs of stone guardians (see Ming Tombs).
Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are the resting place for 13 of the 16 Ming emperors. These are Confucian shrines and follow a standard layout of a main gate leading to a series of courtyards and a main hall, with a “soul tower” and burial mound beyond. The tombs are not as colorful and elaborate as Buddhist and Daoist structures, and only three have been restored and are open to the public, however the necropolis is definitely a worthwhile stop-off as part of an excursion to the Great Wall (see Ming Tombs).

Spirit Way at the Ming Tombs

Spirit Tower, Ming Tombs
Minzu Hotel

No Chinese motifs – but suitably monolithic and drab.
Monkey

Clever, resourceful, and brave, Monkey is one of the favorite characters in Beijing Opera. He has his origins in classic Chinese literature.
Morel’s

One of the oldest Western restaurants in town is this homely spot serving simple, high quality Belgian fare. As an accompaniment to the food, the list of Belgian beers is second to none (see Morel’s).
Morel’s

Beijing’s sole Belgian restaurant is a big expat favorite for steak and seafood, including, of course, mussels, as well as a great range of Belgian beers (see Morel’s).
Musical instruments

Despite the dramatic visual elements of Beijing Opera, the Chinese say that they go to “listen” to opera, not to see it. Typically six or seven musicians accompany the dramatics. The stringed instruments usually include the erhu, or Chinese two-stringed violin, while percussion includes instruments such as clappers, gongs, and drums.
My Humble House

High-concept fusion food in a beautiful conservatory-like setting next door to the Grand Hyatt.
Na Li Market

A small dead-end lane off the southern end of Bar Street with a string of small clothing and jewelry boutiques that mix fakes with one-offs by young, local designers. Hip, but also reasonably priced.

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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