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.

Natural History Museum

Neo-Classical Socialist Chinese – but nice inside.
Natural History Museum

There are around 5,000 specimens on display, including a fine collection of models and skeletons of dinosaurs, and other creatures that are even more prehistoric than the Socialist stylings of the museum building (see Natural History Museum).
Natural History Museum

As long as you steer them clear of the horror show that is the exhibit of partially dissected human bodies, children will love the giant animatronic dinosaurs and prehistoric skeletons, as well as the plethora of stuffed animals of all species and sizes (see Natural History Museum).
Natural History Museum

An overbearing piece of 1950s architecture houses a great collection of dinosaur skeletons, as well as stuffed pandas and other animals. There are also fish, both dead (preserved in formaldehyde) and alive (in the aquarium). Visitors of a nervous disposition may want to skip the partially dissected human cadavers, also pickled in formaldehyde, which are displayed up on the third floor.
Neiliansheng

Beijing’s best known shoe store, in business since 1853. Infamous for supplying footwear to Chairman Mao.
New China Children’s Store

A monster children’s store on Beijing’s main shopping street, with four floors of everything from carry cots and strollers to masses of local and imported toys. There’s even an in-store play area.
New Get Lucky

Nuren Jie bar majoring in Chinese rock, roots, and folk.
New International Terminal, Beijing Airport

The largest construction project on earth, British architect Sir Norman Foster’s new terminal will welcome athletes from around the world to the 29th Olympiad in 2008. The design resembles a soaring dragon in red and yellow.
New Year’s Day

Although overshadowed by Chinese New Year, which takes place soon after, Western New Year is still a public holiday throughout China.
No Name Bar

The perfect lakeside drinking den. Expect stiff competition from the house cat for the best seats (see No Name Bar).