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Beijing
Photo: Dean Kaufman
Neighborhoods
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members have been here
For Ming dynasty emperors—who presided over the creation of masterworks like the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the later stages of the Great Wall of China—Beijing was nothing less than the center of the universe. In August of 2008, when it hosted the Summer Olympic Games, China’s capital once again had the eyes of the world upon it. In preparation for its global coming-out party, the city embarked upon a flurry of development—the results of which include several striking, architecturally innovative projects such as the China Central Television Tower headquarters, the National Center for the Performing Arts, and the world’s largest airport terminal. And if these new icons don’t quite match the ancient marvels that are still at the heart of this city, they are certainly evidence of Beijing’s continuing cultural relevancy and enormous ambition. See the slideshow.
Don't Miss
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An excursion to the spectacular Great Wall of China—if possible, via one of the wilder, less-visited entry points like Simatai.
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Exploring the Forbidden City in the early morning. If you can get there before the tour groups converge, you’ll get a true sense of the compound’s hushed, echoing enormity.
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Getting gloriously lost—and getting a glimpse of old, traditional Beijing—in the Dongcheng district’s clamorous warren of hutongs, or alleyways.
T+L Favorites
Where to Stay
Commune by the Great Wall
One of the most aesthetically dramatic properties in China, the Commune by the Great Wall has lod
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Aria, Beijing
The most fabulous of the restaurants in the sprawling China World Hotel, Aria attracts a hip, wel
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12 sqm Bar and Café
This bar’s name accurately represents its size—which, at 130 square feet, is easily the smallest
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Tips See All BEIJING Tips
Don't get quarantined in the Beijing Airport
To avoid being quarantined for seven days, make sure you don’t do anything that would make a stranger think you’re sick, like blowing your nose in public. The legacy of health officials’ mishandlin... More
Taxis in Beijing
Taxis, which are metered and cheap, are vital for getting around this spread-out city. You can hail taxis anywhere; the rates start at 10 yuan, with an additional 2 yuan (28 cents) per each additio... More
Tourist resources for Beijing
The Web site for the Beijing tourism board, english.visitbeijing.com.cn, has comprehensive (if slightly outdated) information on the city’s major sights, neighborhoods, restaurants, hotels, and att... More
When to go to Beijing
Since winters here are bone-chillingly cold, and summers are shirt-drenchingly hot, spring and fall—when the temperatures hover around 60-70 degrees F—are easily the best times to visit the city. B... More
Getting to Beijing by air
As the capital city of the world’s fastest developing and most populous nation, Beijing is serviced by daily flights from all over the globe. North American carriers include Northwest Airlines, Uni... More