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.

Blue Zoo Beijing

Not a zoo at all, but an excellent modern aquarium, reckoned to be the best of its kind in Asia. The main attraction is a central tank holding literally thousands of fish, plus there are also 18 additional tanks with specifically themed displays (see Blue Zoo Beijing).
Browns

Live jazz every Thursday from 9pm.
Cafe Sambal

An old-style courtyard house serves as the venue for exquisite dishes prepared by a genuine Malaysian chef (see Cafe Sambal).
Cafe Sambal

Sambal, a sauce made with chillies, features on the menu at this stylish Malay restaurant, along with other Southeast Asian specialties. The food is complemented by a beautiful courtyard-house setting (see Cafe Sambal).
Calligraphy

It’s a skill that is as revered as painting. Master calligraphers practice their art assiduously, and their works can be very expensive. However, hanging wall scrolls are available at affordable prices and make beautiful souvenirs, especially for anyone with an appropriately Zen-like apartment back home.
Can yong

Like a kabob but this version involves silk worms. The grubs are first boiled and skewered, and then grilled to order. They are supposedly high in protein.
CCTV Building

Of all the buildings under construction in preparation for the Olympics, the most striking is the new headquarters of China Central Television. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, it is a gravity-defying loop of horizontal and vertical sections. When completed it’s likely to become one of the world’s most recognizable icons.
CD Jazz Café

Beijing’s only dedicated jazz venue.
Centro

Beijing’s classiest bar is off the lobby of one of the city’s swankiest hotels. Louche and loungey, it boasts live jazz, sexy waitresses, and the last word in cocktails.
Ceramics

China has been producing ceramics for centuries. The finest come from Jingdezhen, and can be seen at Ceramic City at 277 Wangfujing Dajie. Just remember, you have to get it home in one piece.

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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