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.

Beijing Bienniale

Artists from a multitude of countries exhibit beside their Chinese counterparts.
Beijing Book Fair

Three days for the trade followed by two days of public participation.
Beijing Books Building

China’s conservative state-owned Xinhua bookstore teamed up with maverick Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas to produce one of the world’s most digitally dynamic structures. The entire front wall of the eight-story building will be one vast “electronic bookshelf” with a giant video screen, which will address passing pedestrians much like the talking billboards in the movie Bladerunner.
Beijing Botanical Gardens

About a mile (2 km) northeast of Xiang Shan Park lie these pretty gardens, containing some 3,000 plant species and some pleasant walks. The garden’s Sleeping Buddha Temple (Wofo Si) is renowned for its magnificent 15-ft (5-m) bronze statue of a reclining Buddha. China’s last emperor, Pu Yi (see The Last Emperor), ended his days here as a gardener.
Beijing Bullion Kaiyue Hotel

Excellent, modern three-star on a narrow lane just a few minutes’ walk from Wangfujing. All rooms have laptop portals, and satellite TV, and represent good value for money.
Beijing City Youth Hostel

Good value and very convenient for those with early morning trains from Beijing Zhan. Twin rooms and dorms are relatively new and clean, and there are cooking facilities and a 24-hour shop.
Beijing Curio City

Just south of Panjiayuan, Curio City has four levels packed with antiques, porcelain, carpets, Buddhist statues, jewelry, and furniture.
Beijing Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

It is the opinion of a great many Beijingers that there is no finer duck than that served here (see Beijing Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant).
Beijing Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

Lots of restaurants specialize in Beijing’s most famous dish, and debate rages endlessly over who serves the best fowl. This place is less over-blown and over-priced than many of its rivals, and for that it gets our vote (see Beijing Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant).

Preparing Beijing duck
Beijing duck

The best-known dish in north Chinese cuisine. The duck, a local Beijing variety, is dried and brushed with a sweet marinade before being roasted over fragrant wood chips. It is carved by the chef and eaten wrapped in pancakes with slivered scallions (spring onions) and cucumber.

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Hotel price categories

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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.
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