Beijing is one of the worlds most ancient capital cities with so much rich history!  A place that is so set in traditions that one shouldn’t forget the social guidelines that are in place for visitors. Best time to visit is between March – May and September – October. Also don’t forget that Americans and Canadians need a visa when traveling to China.  I would recommend 2-3 days for Beijing.  If you would like to visit other areas of China and the thought of organizing your own trip is overwhelming, visit Discover China, for guided tours.

HOTEL:

*Opposite House- This is THE hotel to stay in if you visit Beijing!  They will pick you up in a maserati if it’s available!  A luxurious modern hotel that is in a fabulous location, walking distance to Yashow Market, and has all the amenities one looks for (gym, pool, modern rooms, great restaurants, etc.).

*Others recommended are: Shangri-La’s China World;  Hotel Eclat Beijing (best boutique hotel); Raffles

For deals at the above hotels or others in Beijing, visit Beijing Hotels

 

 
SIGHTS: (Hire a guide/driver!) I highly recommend Daphne with Daphne Chen Tours (daphnechentour@gmail.com) 900 RMB for guide and car rental.

*1st Day:  Visit Tiananmen Square (most surveilled spot on earth) which is free then followed by the Forbidden City (entry is @ 60 RMB p.p.).  Finish the day in a rickshaw touring the Hutongs (neighborhoods/alleys) (100 RMB) and visit Nanlougoxiang (a small street that reminds me of Harajuku in Tokyo with trendy shops and cafes).

 

 

 

 

*2nd Day:  Start early for a visit to the Great Wall, which is @ a 2 hour drive from the city.   I recommend the Mutianyu section because it is less touristy, has beautiful foliage in the right seasons and has the luge to ride down, which is a must!!!!  The cable car and luge are fine for all ages and is such a great way to break up all the walking.  Entry fee for the wall is 45 RMB p.p..  Have lunch at the famous Schoolhouse before heading back to the city.  In the afternoon visit the Summer Palace (one of the largest and most well preserved imperial gardens in the world).  You can take a boat ride through the lakes and gardens, great for people watching!

 

 

 

*3rd Day:  Start the morning visiting the Temple of Heaven (35 RMB p.p.) which is considered Beijings holiest of temples built during the Ming dynasty.  If you have stamina for one more temple, visit the Lama Temple, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in the world.  Have lunch at the famous Din Tai Fung (my favorite is the Xiao Long Bao dumplings). I would save the afternoon for shopping…….read below for recommendations.

 

 

FOOD:

*Capital M– This is a mediterranean restaurant where we dined on a deck with the most amazing view of Tiananmen Square, definitely worth the experience

*Duck De Chine-Stylish restaurant in the hidden city known for its roast duck–it was delish- great atmosphere!

*Dadong– known for famous duck set in a huge Chinese banquet style restaurant

*Made In China– restaurant in the Hyatt

*Li Qun– famous for duck

*Noodle Bar– good for lunch (traditional hand pulled noodles)

 

 

 

SHOPPING:

*Hongkiao (Pearl Market):  It is THE place if you are looking for pearls.

*”Knock Knock Market”:  It is on a street parallel and to the north of Pearl Market–head down the alleyway, turn right and then left to a metal door. Knock on the left door and enter through a small doorway.  You can find fake designer everything here….bags, uggs, cashmere sweaters, scarves, etc.. Negotiate!

*Panjiayuan:  Antique shopping on the weekends

*Yashow:  Clothing and Gadget market, also some copy bags—you can bargain here!

*The Village: Commercial shopping with stores like Apple, Uniqlo, etc.. Next to Yashow.