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.

Tong Li Studios

Four floors of independent designer clothing and decorative arts stores, plus jewelry and hip cafés, and up on the top floor a couple of lively bars. One block west of Bar Street.
Traders Hotel Beijing

In the heart of the CBD, and offering every possible business facility, plus plenty of comforts, including an excellent Southeast Asian buffet. Next to the China World Shopping Mall and its subway station.
Underground City

At the height of the Sino-Soviet rift in the 1960s, Mao Zedong gave orders to carve out a vast network of bombproof tunnels beneath Beijing. Part of this subterranean hideaway, which was all built by hand, is open to the public. Guides show visitors around a circuit of dank tunnels, where signs illustrate the earlier functions of rooms, variously designated as hospitals armories, and stores for food and water. Unlit passageways branch off from the main corridors, but many are blocked, and it is dangerous to wander off alone.
Urban Planning Museum

On display here are dreams of the architecture and urban landscape of Beijing to be. These are dramatically represented through the medium of two films, plus a vast model that covers most of the third floor, and which is viewable from a gallery above.
Wangfujing Dajie

Beijing’s main shopping street is filled with department stores and giant malls (see Shops, Malls, and Markets), as well as stores selling silk, tea, and shoes. However, the highlight is the Night Market with its range of open-air food stalls (see Wangfujing Night Market). A little to the north is St. Joseph’s, one of the city’s most important churches, recently restored at a cost of US$2 million (see St. Joseph’s Church).

Wangfujing Dajie shopping street
Wangfujing Grand

Good value in one of Beijing’s priciest and most central hotel districts, with views of the Forbidden City from the west-facing rooms. There’s adequate service thanks to Hong Kong management and all new fixtures thanks to a recent renovation.
Wangfujing Musical Instrument Hall

A whole mall devoted to musical instrument shops. Some of these places are also good for official Chinese releases of foreign CDs, which cost a fraction of what you would pay back home.
Wangfujing Night Market

A line up of 40 or 50 stalls entice and repulse in equal measure with meat kabobs but also flame-grilled snake and scorpions.
Wangfujing Snack Street

Kabob, noodle, and soup stalls fill a narrow alley off the bottom end of Wangfujing Dajie.
Wanshou Temple

Up in the northwest Haidian district, the Wanshou (Longevity) Temple is worth a stop en route to the Summer Palace. Looking not unlike a mini Forbidden City, the complex houses the Beijing Art Museum – a collection of historical relics including bronzes, jade, carved lacquer, and a small but exquisite collection of Buddha images.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under ¥200
- ¥200–¥400
- ¥400–¥800
- ¥800–¥1400
- over ¥1400
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