As the capital of the Peoples Republic of China, Beijing does its title proud, serving as the prime location to experience both the dramatic evolution of the world’s fastest moving country alongside the rich history of one of the planet’s oldest civilizations. Nowhere else in China do glistening skyscrapers cast shadows over ancient hutongs and massive boulevards and flyovers hide remnants of imperial splendor. Action packed it may be, yet Beijing succeeds in shaking off the rat-race so common in Shanghai and Hong Kong and goes about its daily life in its own unique way.
Beijing is an absolute goldmine of tourist attractions and activities bringing pleasant and unexpected surprises from the dawning of each new day. At the heart of everything is Tiananmen Square, the ideal place from where to start exploring the city and the perfect landmark for easily confused travelers. From here the opportunities are boundless, from delving into the Forbidden City to visiting fine museums and galleries, shopping for clothes and herbal medicines in the market districts to kicking back in the lakeside parks of the northern suburbs. By night, Beijing becomes a whole new spectacle, offering a host of bars, restaurants and theatres and traditional acrobatic shows that will marvel and amaze.
As China’s prime city it would seem that everything starts and finishes in Beijing and transport links throughout the rest of the country are limitless. By land, buses and trains reach all imaginable domestic destination in addition to international locations like Moscow, Pyongyang, Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and Vietnam. It goes without saying that Beijing’s airport is a busy one, receiving flights from Australia and New Zealand, Europe and across the USA. Furthermore, as the main base for those heading on to the Great Wall of China the popularity of this thriving metropolis is complete. Tiananmen Square - More often than not the first point of call on any visit to Beijing, Tiananmen Square is the true heart of the city and the site of many of the China’s revolutionary events. Sprawling across 40-hectares the square is colossal and peppered with a whole host of other important sites. Visit the tomb of Chairman Mao at the Great Hall of the People, take in a performance at the National Grand Opera House or get a taste of the past at any of National Museum of China, Museum of the Revolution and the Courtyard Gallery. And no visit to this area is complete without exploring the magnificent Forbidden City (ImperialPalace), home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Qianmen - Head south from Tiananmen Square and through the dominating Qianmen Gate and on to Qianmen Diaje, a street chock full of traditional herbal medicine stores, silk traders, clothes shops and an eclectic collection of food stalls. Besides the bundles of shopping opportunities, the district is also home to the Beijing Museum of Natural History and AncientArchitectureMuseum. Whilst in the area, be sure to check out the beautiful Temple of Heaven and take a stroll around the busy Muslim Quarter.
Northern Zone Beijing - Formerly the residential district of royalty, monks and the high society, north of the Forbidden City is blessed with an assorted collection of sights. Passing the regal parks of Jingshan and Beihai arrives at the pleasant Houhai area, rich in hutong heritage and home to Prince Gong’s Palace and the famed Bell and DrumTowers. Make sure to check out the gallery of Xu Beihong Museum and Tibetan Lama Temple of Yonghe Gong and don’t miss the chance to stroll down the bohemian street of Nanluogo Xiang.
Eastern Zone Beijing - East of Tiananmen Square is Beijing’s main commercial centre housing the city’s finest shopping streets of Wangfujing and Jianguomen. Away from the shopping this neighbourhood plays host to a number of culturalal activities, largely focused around the 798 Art Space, a complex of galleries, workshops, bars and cafés. Two of the most popular galleries are the Contemporary Chinese Art Gallery and Red Gate Gallery.
Great Wall of China - No visit to China is complete without walking / hiking some part of the Great Wall, one of the world’s most astounding feats of architecture stretching for c5500-miles and dating back to the 5th Century when it was built as a protectorate of the Chinese Empire. Being only 2-hours away, Beijing is perhaps the best place from where to organise a tour as there is plenty of competition, therefore allowing the chance to weigh up all the options.
Beijing Nightlife - Beijing’s nightlife is on the rise with new bars and nightclubs springing up all across the city. By far the busiest area is Sanlitun, where the scene has a distinct western flavour, as do the prices. Other good areas to hangout in are along the lakes of Houhai and the bohemian street of Nanluogo Xiang. For an idea of what is going on, check the listings of The Beijinger and City Weekend.
Beijing Bars
Bed Bar - The beautiful people come out in full force at this swanky lounge bar and converted hutong house.
Paddy O’Shea’s - Popular Irish-bar serving the city’s best Guinness, hearty pub grub and offering extended happy hours.
Pass By Bar - Funky yet friendly courtyard bar on Nanluogo Xiang.
Tree - Laidback Sanlitun bar serving a wide range of Belgian beers and tasty pizzas.
Beijing Nightclubs
Vics Club - Dance the night away to soul, R&B and reggae inside the Worker’s Stadium.
White Rabbit - The place to be for an underground scene dominated by drum and bass.
Beijing Theatres
Shanghai Circus World - The extraordinary and nightly - ERA: Intersection of Time - acrobatic show is a must see.