China's capital city can overwhelm on a first visit—the streets seem that much wider, the population that much denser. Even its UNESCO-listed cultural sites sound daunting: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall. Keep your eyes wide open, though, and you’ll discover the city’s rich heritage—and its future. You can experience the city in one perfect weekend, or stretch your trip out to see everything the city has to offer. Choose an elegant hotel stay at the Waldorf Astoria, the Opposite House, or the Shangri-La. Find the best dumplings and Peking duck. And see an extensive collection devoted to Chinese history at the National Museum of China..
Here's what else to check out once you've seen the classics.
Architecture, Supersized
Everything in and around Beijing feels larger than life. Take a tour of our favorite architecture in the city, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Olympic venues like the "Bird's Nest" stadium and the National Aquatic Center, and Zaha Hadid's Galaxy Soho complex.
The 798 Art District
Beijing’s 798 Art District has gone through a massive transformation—from a bustling industrial park to a hub of working artists’ studios to a mecca of modern Chinese art and design. Highlights for a stop include the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Magician Space gallery, Fei Space, Café Flatwhite for cup of coffee, and, if you're looking for a hip stay, the Yi-House Art Hotel 798.
The Hutongs
While the high-rise glamour of modern Beijing dominates the skyline, the hutongs are the lifeblood of the city. This network of cramped alleyways is where you’ll be woken by the sound of the knife sharpener starting his day at 6 a.m., just hours after the cocktail bars have cleared out. Soak up all the energy with a stay at the Orchid, grab a bite at Temple Restaurant or Li Qun, a drink at Capital Spirits or Great Leap #6, and find something to take home with you at Lost and Found.
