Beijing Travel Guide

• Getting around in Beijing

• Beijing at a glance

• Useful phrases

• Guide to popular dishes

• Luxury unbounded—superlative hotel experiences in Beijing

  The big city blues can be difficult, and yet somehow a romantic personal drama. Beijing is one such urban giant where urban alienation could be a common side-effect, but for those on a vacation, the best of luxury hotels in Beijing can help you cope with any such melancholic emotions.

• The best mid-budget hotels in Beijing

• Budget accommodation in Beijing that every backpacker would love to stay in

A stunning concoction of heritage and modernity, Beijing most definitely towers above most in the Asian continent. Restaurants in Beijing as one can expect, are quintessentially Chinese, with its diverse style, including Cantonese, Sichuan, Uighur, and Shanghai. But apart from the regular exotic Chinese fare, one can also expect world cuisine here in Beijing. Amidst high towers, and luxury shopping centres, one can be certain of enduring hospitality at the varying restaurants. Be sure to try out the out-of-the-world Peking duck, and the very popular Chinese dumplings. While exploring Chinese cuisine, and world cuisine as a whole, you will find yourself comfortably placed in a world of Asian wonders.</p>

• 8 best places in Beijing to try local food

• 10 restaurants in Beijing for the vegetarians!

• Best cafes in Beijing

• Best restaurants in Beijing

Complex and compelling, the places to visit in Beijing will fill you up with charming surprises. There must be only a few places in the world which are home to the right amount of mysticism and historical significance, like Beijing. Explore the Great Wall of China (largest manmade structure in the world) as it snakes through north of Beijing and club the trip with an excursion to the Ming Dynasty Tombs. Marvel at the impressive architecture of the Forbidden City and relive the legends at the Bell and Drum Towers. History buffs can also have a fair share of their favourites visiting attractions like Today Art Museum, 798 Art District, Capital Museum and Caochangdi. Constantly transforming itself with a never ending building boom, exploring Beijing is a captivating experience between an ancient civilization and a new world

• 8 unusual places to visit in Beijing

  In Beijing, if you have been to all the customary places and have done all that needs to be done from the perspective of a traveller, then know that you are not done yet.

• Top attractions in Beijing

The capital city of China, Beijing was formerly known as Peking. One can never have enough things to do in Beijing, simply because of its historical significance. It was once the seat of power of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and thereby has numerous historical sites to be visited. One of the best things to do in Beijing would be to head to Nanshan Ski Village to experience the joy of skiing. For those who do not mind some dangerous adventure, there is Longqing Gorge Bungee. Besides, one can always explore the many cultural hubs of the city. Also, do not forget to hit one of the many karaoke bars located across the city.

• The best cultural hubs in Beijing

• Get entertained in Beijing

• Exploring the great outdoors in Beijing

There is no shortage of things to buy in Beijing, and this makes it a paradise for shopaholics. Shopping in Beijing is an unmatched experience, with loads of electronic items on the offering; one can expect to get excited. Go to Yashow Market for a rip-off fair! Meaning, here you will find copies of all the big designer brands you can think of. For electronic goods, you should head to Zhongguancun, where you will find everything you can think of. Also, while in Beijing, do not forget to grab some Chinese tea, as China has a large market for its excellent tea, word-wide. Then there is Mega Mega Vintage, which for those who are looking to bring the old back in style.

• The complete guide to shopping in Beijing

  From cheap electronics to knockoff designer wear to traditional antiques, there’s dizzying array of options for shopping in Beijing. Start by visiting the city’s largest shopping district Xidan for high street brands and exclusive labels; bargain at Dongwuyuan Wholesale Market for bargain clothing; Silk Market for pirated goods; Zhongguancun for cheap electronics; and Yashow Market for fake designer labels and tailored clothing. Fashion lovers should head to the futuristic shopping complex Village Sanlitun, Uniqlo for chic Japanese-made garments, the NLGX Design Store for a dose of traditional Chinese culture, and the cute Spoon House store. There are also some quaint traditional stores that serve as reminders of old Beijing.

Nightlife in Beijing is an absolute blast. You could enjoy the skyline from a rooftop bar, or get lost in a crowd of disco enthusiasts. Sanlitun Bar Street is by far the most sought after drinking hub for tourists and locals alike. Lan Club is particularly known for its spectacular interior, and is considered to be one of the best lounges in the city. Other than bars and clubs, one can also a night of theatre, Beijing Opera, song and dance halls, or even tea houses. Beijing is most definitely a vibrant place full of life after sunset.

• Your guide to nightlife in Beijing

• 36 Hours In Beijing

  It seems like only yesterday that Beijing had its much-ballyhooed “coming out” party - the 2008 Summer Olympics - but things don’t slow down much in China’s frenetic capital.