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.

Temple of Heavenly Tranquility

Home to Beijing’s most striking pagoda, the temple (Tianning Si) was built during the 5th century AD, making it one of the city’s oldest. The 196-ft (60-m) octagonal pagoda was added in the early 12th century. The bottom of the pagoda is in the form of a huge pedestal decorated with carved arch patterns, symbolizing Sumeru, the mountain of the gods. Above are thirteen levels of eaves, very close together, with no doors or windows – the pagoda is with-out stairs inside or outside and is, in fact, solid.
Temple of the Five Pagodas

Just north of the zoo, this temple displays obvious Indian influences. It was built in the early 15th century in honor of an Indian monk who came to China and presented the emperor with five golden Buddhas. The pagodas sport elaborate carvings of curvaceous females, as well as the customary Buddhas. Also here is the Beijing Art Museum of Stone Carvings, with 2,000 decorative stelae.

Temple of the Five Pagodas
Ten Fu’s Tea

Tea from all over China, sold loose or in beautiful presentation boxes. Staff will brew small cups for sampling.
The Ascott Beijing

Acclaimed top-end living for international executives in the heart of the CBD, also providing 1–3 bedroom apartments. Service is exceptional and apartments are elegantly furnished and fully equipped.
The Bookworm

Lending library, bar, and a great place for healthy light lunches.
The Tree

A huge favorite among the city’s expats, this is a convivial, stone-floored pub that marries a fantastic array of beers (40 Belgian brews alone) with excellent wood-fired pizzas.
The Tree

Popular Sanlitun pub that does excellent wood-fired pizzas (see The Tree).
The Tree

The music is incidental to the business of drinking, but the occasional act impresses.
Theater

Beijing is home to several excellent theaters, where a few established troupes perform regularly. Canonical works such as Lao She’s “Teahouse” are increasingly supplemented by big-budget Western musicals such as “Rent” and “Aladdin on Ice”. See the English-language press for what’s on.
Thousand-year-old eggs

These are raw duck eggs that have been put into mud, chalk and ammonia and left, not for a thousand years, but more like two weeks. When retrieved, the egg is steamed or hard-boiled: the white has turned a greenish-black. The eggs are cut up and sprinkled with soy sauce and sesame oil.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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- ¥200–¥400
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