The City in Beijing

Nowhere else brings together so many historic sites in one place. The Forbidden City sits at the heart of the city, with Tiananmen Square just next door, while north of the centre, Qianhai Lake is a favourite spot for locals to cool off in summer. To the south, the Temple of Heaven rises amid Chongwen’s streets, and east of the city centre, the Chaoyang district is home to modern restaurants, bars, and art spaces. Preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games brought refurbishment to old buildings and the rise of new skyscrapers. Alongside this modernisation, Beijing has kept much of its traditional charm. Wandering the city’s old streets, you’ll find silk shops, antique stores, and tea houses that offer glimpses into daily life and centuries of culture. Beijing is also a food city. From traditional dumplings and street snacks to the original Peking Duck, its hundreds of restaurants and food stalls make it easy to explore local flavours at every turn.