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.

Three Guizhou Men

Test your taste buds on the likes of sour fish soup and a startling take on ribs and mashed potato (see Three Guizhou Men).
Three Guizhou Men

Authentic Guizhou food, uncompromisingly spicy and sour, is generally too coarse for foreign tastes, but here it is blended with more conventional Chinese flavors. The atmosphere is stylish, in keeping with the local hipster fondness for minority cuisines (see Three Guizhou Men).
Tian Qiao Happy Teahouse

Old Beijing variety shows Mon–Fri.
Tian Qiao Happy Teahouse

Tea ceremonies with food and bite-sized cultural morsels at the upstairs theater.
Tian Qiao Happy Teahouse

One of the best known teahouses in town. Teas and snacks, plus duck dinners, and nightly Beijing Opera and acrobats.
Tian’an Men Square

Although now thoroughly synonymous with Beijing, until relatively recently there was no Tian’an Men Square. For centuries this was just a main thoroughfare leading to the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tian’an Men) and the approach to the Forbidden City. The area was cleared in the first half of the 20th century, then quadrupled in size in 1959, supposedly allowing for up to one million people to gather. Many of the buildings flanking the square were erected at this time (see Tian’an Men Square).

Tian’an Men traffic policeman
Tian’an Men Square

The world’s largest public square is not pretty, but it is surrounded by august cultural and political institutions, and it is also the final resting place of Chairman Mao Zedong (see Tian’an Men Square).
Timezone 8

Art book store with a small gallery specializing in photography (see Timezone 8).www.timezone8.com
To Live

(Zhang Yimou; 1994) Tragedy and black humor in the tale of one family from the 1940s to the 1980s.
Tomb-Sweeping Festival

Also known as Qing Ming, which literally means “clear and bright.” Chinese families visit their ancestors’ graves to tidy them up and make offerings of snacks and alcohol, an event that often turns into a picnic.

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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