“Beijing has a complex relationship with its past. (The city has been known as “Beijing” since 1403, the time of the third Ming emperor, but the first city on the site, Ji, dates to the 11th century B.C.) Wishing to project an image of modernity and prosperity, the communist authorities have steadily erased much of Beijing’s ancient architecture, and no building, with the exception of national icons such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, has seemed safe from peremptory demolition. This has not always been popular with the citizens, many of whom resent the destruction of the hutongs (traditional low-rise neighborhoods). Of late, I am pleased to say, voices in favor of preserving China’s ancient heritage have received a more sympathetic hearing.” –Mr. Harper
Visit the Summer Palace, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, all UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Tour the living temples, including the Temple of Azure Clouds and the Temple of the Origin of the Dharma, “perfect examples of the cultural continuum that Beijing represents,” says the Guest Services Team at Aman at the Summer Palace.
Explore the hutongs—narrow, maze-like alleyways—in the Houhai area, recommends Jeremy Brook, director of marketing for the Peninsula Beijing.
Visit the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube,” now the National Stadium and National Aquatics Center, built for the 2008 Olympics.
Hike the Longquanyu or Mutianyu Great Wall, suggests Aman’s Guest Services Team. Or, Brook suggests, see the Great Wall by helicopter.
Tour Beijing by night, when the mix of ancient and modern structures is highlighted by specialized lighting, says Aman’s Guest Services Team.
Go to the Chateau Changyu Winery, “one of the leading Chinese wineries within the local mainland market,” says Aman’s Guest Services Team.
Visit the night market in Wangfujing Street, which has culinary offerings such as fried scorpions, sea horses, cicadas and starfish.
Sample classic dishes, such as Peking duck, Chinese pancakes and Chinese dumplings.
Shop in the Panjiayuan antique market.
Visit the National Art Museum of China.
Go to private museums, funded by local residents, “to get a better idea of the culture,” recommends Brook. Explore the 798 Art Zone.
See Peking Opera at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, known as the “Bird’s Egg.”
Catch a show by the National Acrobatic Troupe.
Watch a Kung Fu show at the Red Theatre.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
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