beijing

Beijing is the capital of the most populous country in the world, the People’s Republic of China. It was also the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors until the formation of a republic in 1911. As such it is rich in historical sites and important government institutions.

Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008. Much of the city was in upheaval as infrastructure was being frenetically constructed and sights were being renovated for the Games. Post-Olympics visitors can look forward to some modern additions to the city’s attractions, including the “Water Cube” and the “Bird’s Nest.”

The Forbidden City is the spot to appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Despite the transformation of the city around it, the Forbidden City remains mercifully relatively untouched.

Hutongs are Beijing’s ancient alleyways, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture. Rent a bicycle and traverse some of the remaining hutongs. Visit the Temple of Heaven early in the morning to see thousands of people starting the day with tai chi. Or see a Beijing opera at the Laoshe Tea House near Qianmen station. There are always short shows in the afternoon. Admission is free, but you should buy a cup of tea.

Wang Fu Jing Avenue, or the "walking street," is lined with shops selling everything from women's fashions to eyeglasses and Chinese tea. There are several shopping centers like the Beijing Department Store, Sun Dong An Plaza, and Wang Fu Jing Department Store. Running parallel to Wang Fu Jing Avenue are Dong Dan Bei and Dong Si Nan Avenues, with a high concentration of small restaurants, shops and boutiques. Evening shoppers should not miss Dong An Men Avenue where a variety of street food-stalls sell everything from noodles to dumplings. If feeling brave, try the Deep-Fried Scorpion or Grasshopper.

Ever wondered where you could go to transform yourself into the Monkey King? This is the place to head. This fascinating little store stocks face paint, hats, shoes, swords, sequins, fans, umbrellas, boas and masks, and that is only the beginning. Complete costumes are available for a high quality tailor-made version. A similar shop next door also has a small selection of other fancy-dress items.

Landed in Beijing and not sure how to get around? Follow these tips to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing vacation.

This raucous Xinjiang (the Muslim/Uighur region in northwest China) restaurant attracts both local and foreign gourmands looking for hearty food and even heartier entertainment. Even the classic Xinjiang dishes, such as roasted mutton joints, barbecued beef and meat kebabs struggle to keep diners' attention from the dazzling spectacle of central-Asian musicians and dancers. The belly dancers are particularly distracting. Most evenings end with everyone dancing on the heavy wooden tables to this mad musical accompaniment. The experience is unforgettable, but is very popular with large corporate groups, so be sure to book several days in advance. Call to check for timings.

The Grand Hyatt Beijing is on East Chang An Avenue in the business, shopping, and tourist district, walking distance from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The hotel is part of the Beijing Oriental Plaza, China's largest commercial complex that includes eight office towers, four luxury apartment buildings, and a shopping mall.

There are plenty of additional historic and cultural attractions worth your while, but if visiting Beijing for the first time, here are 10 must-see sights to get you on your way.

Standing on the platform of the Gate of Heavenly Peace, visitors have a panoramic view over Tiananmen Square. Built in 1417, the 34-meter (110-foot) high gate consists of a terrace and a tower. The site was used for grand ceremonies in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has been renovated four times in the past 50 years and was opened to the public on July 1, 1988. Tiananmen, the front gate of the Forbidden City, is considered the center of Beijing.

If you plan on buying silk while in Beijing then this store, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, is the number one place. On the ground floor literally hundreds of choices are available like satin, velvet, linen, cotton. Upstairs there is a selection of both men's and women's silk clothing. Also, tailors can make items such as cheongsams and padded silk jackets.

While the infamous Silk Alley on Jian Guo Men attracts hordes of foreign tourists and prices to match, this little clothing market is where Chinese go for their silken chinoiserie. Running parallel to Qian Men Avenue at its northern end, it consists of stalls selling pyjamas, underwear, cheong sams, bags, ties and all manner of Chinese and Western garments made in silk. A popular product is the mini decorative silk mobile phone holder -- available in a variety of patterns for around RMB15. Prices are generally lower than in Silk Alley.

Discover the best of China’s capital while staying off the tourist-trodden path.

Walk along the world’s longest wall on a day trip from Beijing.

This raucous Xinjiang (the Muslim/Uighur region in northwest China) restaurant attracts both local and foreign gourmands looking for hearty food and even heartier entertainment. Even the classic Xinjiang dishes, such as roasted mutton joints, barbecued beef and meat kebabs struggle to keep diners' attention from the dazzling spectacle of central-Asian musicians and dancers. The belly dancers are particularly distracting. Most evenings end with everyone dancing on the heavy wooden tables to this mad musical accompaniment. The experience is unforgettable, but is very popular with large corporate groups, so be sure to book several days in advance. Call to check for timings.

There are plenty of additional historic and cultural attractions worth your while, but if visiting Beijing for the first time, here are 10 must-see sights to get you on your way.

Built in 1694, the Lama Temple (or Palace of Peace and Harmony) was the residence of Prince Yin Zhen, a son of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty. After the prince came to the throne, half of the residence was used as an imperial palace and the other half was converted to a lamasery. It features five large halls and five courtyards with beautifully decorative archways, upturned eaves and carved details. It houses a treasury of Buddhist art, including sculptured images of gods, demons and Buddhas, as well as Tibetan-style murals.

This is Beijing's most famous Peking Duck restaurant, and also one of the oldest, having been established in 1864. The huge, plush dining hall is filled with diners eager to try this dish in its most authentic setting. The menu also has dishes made from every other part of the duck, save the quack. Beers, spirits and soft drinks are served, and there is a separate fast-food section.

Located opposite the northeastern entrance to the Temple of Heaven, this market is somewhat of an institution in Beijing. Come here to find antiques, jewelry, clothes, food, souvenirs, gifts, toys, shoes and more. Prices are incredibly cheap, and the more you buy the bigger the discount. The quality of the goods is not always the best, but for the prices it is about what you should expect. It can be rather chaotic but you will have fun poking around. A fish market is located in the basement. Credit cards are accepted at some jewelry stalls.