GHA DISCOVERY

in Beijing

Discovery in Beijing

A modern city rich in history

An intriguing metropolis with more than 3,000 years of history, Beijing combines imperial grandeur with modern, tech-forward flair. The splendour of the Forbidden City, the sheer scale of the lakeside Summer Palace and the distinctive flavours of fried dumpling and crispy duck street food leave a lasting impression. From relaxing tea and dim sum ceremonies to adventurous afternoons hiking the Great Wall of China, there are many wonderful reasons to visit Beijing.

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What to admire

The Forbidden City provides a glimpse into the past of Imperial Beijing. The vast UNESCO-listed palace complex was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, forming the seat of Chinese power for more than five centuries. You can stroll through ancient buildings and intricately landscaped gardens, marvelling at treasures from bygone eras.

Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Taking in a traditional Chinese temple is a must-do during your trip. One of the most celebrated is the Lama Temple (Yonghegong in Chinese), which dates back to the 17th century and features the 18-metre tall Maitreya Buddha, gifted to the Qianlong Emperor by the 7th Dalai Lama. Carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, the statue is a proud Guinness World Record holder for its size.

For a taste of modern Beijing, pay a visit to the 798 Art Zone. This area of decommissioned military factories has been transformed into the city's creative hub. Galleries and exhibitions take place inside the old halls, while contemporary sculptures dot the alleys in between. Fashionable boutiques and hip brunch spots round out this artistic neighbourhood.

The Forbidden City

China's most significant attraction, it traces back to the 13th century.

Lama Temple

Built in 1745, this temple is decorated with valuable art.

Tiananmen Square

An important Chinese landmark, it can hold a million people.

Beijing Zoo

Explore a diverse collection of animals and exhibition halls.

What to experience

Arguably the most exciting thing to do in Beijing is a day trip to the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Many sections are easily accessible from the city: well-restored Badaling is a two-hour drive from the centre, while Jinshanling has some of the wall's most impressive architecture. You can take a boat trip to the Huanghuacheng section, which is nicknamed the 'Water Great Wall' as it's partially submerged by a reservoir.

Another exceptional activity is a visit to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall on Tian'anmen Square. The huge mausoleum is built from materials sourced from each Chinese province. The main chamber has a marble statue of the Communist ruler sitting in front of a sweeping tapestry, and the Hall of Mourning contains his embalmed body displayed in a crystal coffin.

Great Wall of China

Fireworks at Forbidden City

Rise with the sun for a special sight just north of here in Ritan Park. In the mornings you can see locals performing entrancing fan dances, serene Tai Chi and stirring opera among the lotus flowers.

Beijing's biggest celebration is the Chinese New Year. Based on lunar cycles, it falls in late January or early February. Breathtaking firework shows occur throughout the week, pop-up markets appear at nearby temples and parades with costumed dancers perform dragon and lion dances in the streets.

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What to savour

From Western-inspired fine dining to regional Chinese cuisine cooked at busy counters, Beijing has an incredibly diverse food scene. The most famous dish is Peking duck, made in the city since the Imperial era. The thin, crisp and well-seasoned skin is the perfect complement to the juicy roast meat. It's presented in strips, which you can roll into pancakes and top with cucumber, spring onion and a sweet bean sauce.

Singapore Street Food

For another renowned recipe, try zhájiàng noodles. Hand-pulled and dense, they're tossed in a smoky, yellow soybean paste and topped with minced pork. Fresh, crunchy veggies like bean sprouts, edamame beans and radishes come on the side for diners to add to cut through the distinctive salty flavours.

Although technically Cantonese rather than Mandarin, no visit to Beijing should be without a dim sum lunch – a selection of bite-sized dumplings served in small steamer baskets. Lightly spiced with scallions and ginger, these are traditionally accompanied by a pot of tea.

Kung Pao Chicken

Zhájiàng Noodles

Dim Sum

Mongolian Hotpot

Where to stay

Any of our opulent Beijing hotels make the ultimate retreat after a day's exploring. Located next to the creative 789 Art Zone, NUO Hotel Beijing epitomises five-star luxury. Its unique interior design is an updated twist on Ming Dynasty aesthetics. Modern Chinese artwork is exhibited throughout the building, which has seven world-class restaurants.

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing, China

Marco Polo Parkside is a short drive from the Beijing National Stadium, the 'Bird's Nest' and home to the 2008 Olympic Games, and is in one of the city's thriving business districts. The indoor swimming pool has skylights for sun-soaked swims, while the spa offers a range of treatment options and deluxe VIP areas with hydro-therapy tubs.

The Pan Pacific Beijing is minutes from Beijing Financial Street and the Forbidden City. The rooms have a fresh, gold-hued tone, as do the hotel's two bars and three restaurants. A fourth-floor pool with a retractable roof and 24-hour fitness centre provide space to exercise.

Away from the bustle of central Beijing, the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel overlooks the sparkling waters of Yanqi Lake. This fascinating, circular structure is designed in the shape of a rising sun and has an on-site spa for a rejuvenating scrub or oil massage.