Beijing 08

Home to over 20 artists, this space, situated in the Dashanzi Art District, features some of the most cutting edge art around. Originality and potential are the main factors the directors look for when they seek out artists. What comes from this is beautiful pieces expressing new mediums and artistic concepts. It is definitely worth a visit.

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.

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

TravelMuse writers offer tips to help travelers stay balanced when facing potential cultural challenges on a first visit to China.

This stadium, first opened in 1959, can hold 80,000 spectators in the stands, and 1500 athletes in the 300 rooms beneath the grandstand. One of its early functions was to host the First National Sports Meet of the People's Republic of China, and in recent years it has seen all manner of sporting and cultural events, including pop concerts. International and domestic soccer matches and other sporting events are regularly held, and the stadium was revamped for the purpose of hosting some football (soccer, to Americans) matches of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

With 200 hectares (500 acres) of man-made forested landscape, Ban Di Dian Forest Park is the largest such area in Beijing. Formerly a piece of desert, it has been seeded with more than 200,000 poplars, willows, cedars, Japanese Pagoda trees and apple trees since its inception in 1985. There is also a 53-hectare (130-acre) orchard of apples, pears, haws, peaches and grapes. During harvest season you can pay for a bag and harvest fresh fruit to your heart's content. The most beautiful time to visit is between April and October.