Beijing

A massive city with an ancient history, Beijing has been the capital of China throughout several centuries and dynasties. Even today, Beijing is centered around the Forbidden City, so-named as only officials, the imperial family, and their servants were permitted within its confines; none could leave or enter without the Emperor's permission. For centuries, war and peace, trade and exchange, and other matters of life and death were debated, discussed, and finally, decreed within its regal structures.

Nowadays, Beijing is organized in concentric, oblong loops, called ring roads. While there is no first ring road, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are the de facto first ring. Business centers and fashionable restaurants and clubs lie within the second; Beijing's diplomatic community within the third. Universities, such as the internationally respected Beijing and Tsinghua Universities, are in the fourth; and the fifth ring road has been nicknamed Olympic Avenue, as the 2008 Olympic Summer Games' major venues were built within this area.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

798 Art Zone

Designed by East German Bauhaus architects in the 1950s, the Dashanzi Art District was originally intended to produce electronics and armaments. Today, it has been repurposed and redesigned to house scores of galleries and artists’ studios; it takes its name, “798,” from one of the factories here. Tour this dynamic, fascinating area with an art expert, and learn about the vibrant Chinese contemporary art scene.

Chinese Calligraphy

Have a poetic Chinese name bestowed upon you and learn how to write it during a private calligraphy lesson. Most names convey parents' wishes for their children's future - integrity, prosperity, health and wisdom are all popularly used characters.

Chinese Opera

Be serenaded by virtuosos of traditional Peking opera as they perform classic Chinese characters, such as the mischievous Monkey King, or his gluttonous, pig-like sidekick Zhu Baijie.

On certain occasions, Remote Lands can arrange a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera stage.

Modern Architecture Tour

Go on an architectural tour of modern Beijing, led by an internationally renowned architect. Visit the Water Cube and Bird's Nest, icons of the 2008 Summer Olympics. In central Beijing, see the towering CCTV building designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the National Center for the Performing Arts, or "Alien Egg," designed by Paul Andreu.

Peking Duck

Have an authentic Peking duck lunch at a casual, family-owned operation which has hosted Al Gore, Jet Li, and scores of other dignitaries and celebrities. An elaborate dish involving special preparations such as pumping air between the skin and the meat and roasting the duck with special woods, Peking duck was once reserved for the Chinese imperial family.

Summer Palace

This magnificent palace was once the royals’ retreat from Beijing’s summer heat. One of the most famous attractions in Summer Palace is the Marble Boat, a symbol of opulence built by Empress Dowager Cixi in lieu of real naval ships. This 36-meter long lakeside “boat of purity” features two long decks with mirrors to reflect and radiate natural beauty.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex was declared a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design” with its gorgeous combination of pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges surrounded by lush gardens and a large, serene lake. On weekends, the palace grounds are filled with locals flying kits, practicing tai chi and enjoying the environs.

The Forbidden City

Explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which mostly remains as it was during the last emperor’s time. The world’s largest palace complex, the Forbidden City is divided into two parts: the southern section, also known as the Outer Court, was where the emperor held imperial proceedings, and the Inner Court to the north was where he lived with his royal family. As the imperial palace for over five centuries, the complex houses rare treasures and curiosities in its 9,999 rooms.

The Great Wall

One of the “new seven wonders of the world,” the Great Wall is a sight every traveler should see in their lifetime. Try to fathom the years of toil required to build the Great Wall of China as you follow its steep, snaking path through the countryside. The views of crumbling, original sections of the Wall winding over the steep mountain ridges into the far distance are highly memorable, especially with the guidance of noted historian and the world's foremost expert on the Great Wall.

China Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Beijing Itineraries

Classic China

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,800
See Itinerary

A Journey Across the Rooftop of the World: Beijing to Lhasa by Train

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,800
See Itinerary

Cities, Slopes And Serenity: Skiing the Mountains and Seeing the Cities of China

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,000
See Itinerary

Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
See Itinerary

Swing Across China: A Golfing Journey

Duration
18 days / 17 nights
Price Per Person
From $26,700
See Itinerary

Uncover Chinese Culture Through Expansive Artistic Venues

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,400
See Itinerary

China's Magnificent Mountaintops by Private Jet

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,200
See Itinerary

An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,500
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Aman at Summer Palace

Beijing, China

Aman at Summer Palace, which opened in fall 2008, is located just outside the east gate of the palace, and meticulously designed to harmonize with the graceful architecture of the former retreat of China's emperors. A series of century-old guesthouses, built for guests awaiting an audience with Empress Dowager Cixi, have been transformed into a hotel with 18 rooms and 25 suites. With their trademark sensitivity to historic properties, Aman has decorated the interiors with period furniture and rich fabrics that evoke the grandeur of the palace itself. There are three restaurants: The Grill; The Chinese Restaurant, which has an elegant Ming Dynasty interior; and Naoki, helmed by chef Naoki Okamura and specializing in his trademark "French Kaiseki", which combines the best of French haute cuisine with Japanese artistry. Other amenities include a bar, a library, and the Aman Club — a spa and fitness-center complex including a large pool, located underground to preserve the harmonious aesthetic of the architecture. The Aman is a 45-minute drive from central Beijing and a 45-minute drive from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Preferred Hotel

Conrad Beijing

Beijing, China

Conrad Beijing provides an ideal location from which to explore the exciting city of Beijing. The luxury hotel is situated in CBD & World Trade Center, within easy access to come of the capital city’s main attractions as well as Jintaixizhao and Hujialou subway stations. In typical Conrad style guest's comfort and convenience comes first, with top quality amenities and well-planned rooms. There are a total of 289 inviting rooms with large comfortable beds, living areas, work desks and en-suite bathrooms. The hotel’s grand facilities include an indoor pool, fitness center and a range of four restaurants and two bars serving Chinese and international cuisine. The Conrad Beijing is 30 minutes drive away from Beijing International airport (PEK).

Preferred Hotel

Dhawa Jinshanling

Beijing, China

Few things are more quintessentially Chinese than the Great Wall. Seeing it is a must for visitors to the Middle Kingdom, and the Dhawa Jinshanling hotel is an excellent choice when the time comes. Accommodations feature classically designed exteriors in keeping with regional aesthetics paired with wholly modern, yet undeniably Chinese, interiors. Even entry-class rooms are appointed with king-size beds, and many have private courtyards for guests to enjoy. There are also a number of rooms that offer direct views of the Great Wall. The main restaurant serves cuisine ranging from Northern Chinese dishes to contemporary Cantonese entrees, and there is also an indulgent bar. Unwind at the end of the day with an on-site massage, or relax at the recreation center where you can enjoy a game of mah-jong or participate in a weight-bearing exercise.

Preferred Hotel

Park Hyatt Beijing

Beijing, China

Towering above Beijing's Central Business District, the brand-new Park Hyatt Beijing occupies the top floors of the central building of the new, mixed-use Yintai Centre, the tallest skyscraper on Chang'an Avenue and a symbol of the new China. Directly opposite the China World Trade Centre and the new CCTV Tower, the 237 rooms and suites of the Park Hyatt offer king-sized beds, flat-screen televisions, satellite TV, climate control, and dramatic views over the Beijing cityscape. The hotel's sleekly modern interior makes the most of the 360° panorama and includes the highest restaurant in Beijing, the China Grill, which sits on the 66th floor and is crowned by a dramatic glass pyramid. There are two other restaurants serving Western and Chinese dishes, as well as the China Bar, a swank cocktail lounge adjoining the China Grill. In the lower floors of the tower, the Park Life complex offers further options for dining, bars and entertainment, as well as luxury boutiques and beauty services. The Tian Spa (tian means heaven in Chinese) has eight treatment rooms offering massage, and aesthetic and treatments rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as a relaxation lounge, exercise studio and a lap pool. The fitness center, within the Park Life complex, includes cardio and weight areas, an exercise studio, and an indoor swimming pool. Personal butler service is available, and there is also a 24-hour business center and high-speed wired or wireless Internet throughout the hotel. The Park Hyatt is 15 minutes from the Forbidden City by car, and 40 minutes from the Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Beijing

Beijing, China

Situated in the Central Business District of China's bustling capital city, this luxurious hotel offers some of the most spacious rooms in Beijing. The opulent designs of the rooms, with plush amenities and gorgeous artwork, extend to the restaurants, which are not only gorgeously decorate but also feature gourmet dishes as prepared by experienced chefs, ranging from traditional Chinese dishes to international flavors. An expansive spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and magnificent pool solidify the hotel’s status as a premier destination.

Preferred Hotel

The Opposite House

Beijing, China

Located in Beijing's stylish new Village at Sanlitun shopping and entertainment complex, the Opposite House is a unique small hotel designed by noted Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. While the exterior is clad in squares of varying hues of vibrant green, the 99 rooms and suites are soothing, decorated in warm, neutral tones and fitted with pale wood furniture and crisp white linens. Kuma says he intended for the blend to create the calm of an "urban forest." The hotel's name is derived from the Chinese term for the guest house in a traditional courtyard compound, which was located opposite the main house. There are a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from, in keeping with the hotel's Sanlitun location: Michelin-starred Jing Yaa Tang is known for its Peking duck and dim sum; Frasca offers wholesome Italian dishes; Superfly is a modern mix of Sichuan plates, creative cocktails and craft beers; while UNION is all about the welcoming hospitality along the Silk Road. There is no business center, but wi-fi is available in all rooms and public spaces. There is also a high-design spa surrounding a large and visually striking stainless-steel-clad pool, which offers massage therapies, a steam room, sauna and fitness center. Opposite House is 40 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Preferred Hotel

The Peninsula Beijing

Beijing, China

The timeless Peninsula Beijing sets the bar for elegance and luxury even higher, as it completes a full renovation, and emerges even more palatial. In the heart of China’s fast-paced capital, the hotel combines imperial architecture and ancient culture with contemporary style and luxurious modern conveniences. From the hotel’s own fleet of chauffeur-driven custom Rolls Royce Phantoms, to decor featuring masterpieces by internationally-renowned Chinese artists, every detail is attended to. Fully overhauled rooms and suites feature sleek decor in cool, tranquil hues, decked out with every conceivable convenience and comfort. From afternoon tea in the iconic lobby to world-class cuisine crafted by well-traveled chefs, diners will be delighted, and both business and leisure guests will find relaxation amid the spa and wellness facilities.

Preferred Hotel

Waldorf Astoria Beijing

Beijing, China

Located in the shopping district close to Wangfujing Street and 1.5 miles from the Forbidden City, this purpose-built hotel expands the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand across China. This new addition to the iconic chain comprises a gleaming 12-storey block and a traditional hutong wing located in a 200-year-old courtyard mansion restored beautifully with luxury interiors. Decor reflects Eastern aesthetic values with a contemporary edge, with paintings and sculptures by famed local artists throughout and dramatic gold and bronze features, adding old-world glamor. Executive guests will appreciate the complimentary use of corporate amenities and meeting rooms, while all travelers can enjoy free, property-wide WiFi. The Waldorf Astoria also boasts top-notch leisure facilities, including a spa with Eastern and Western treatments, a sleek indoor pool with whirlpool and a high-tech fitness center. Cantonese, European and New York-inspired food is offered in the on-site restaurants, with a sophisticated lounge area setting the scene for supper, late-night cocktails or traditional afternoon tea. An international, English-speaking staff is on hand to provide information and assistance around the clock, with concierges ready to organize bespoke touring and shopping services. 

Lhasa Express

Lhasa Express

Beijing, China

Travel from Beijing to Tibet, enjoying beautiful scenery roll by, from the comfort of your sleeper cabin on the Lhasa Express. Each compartment has 4 sleeping beds with sheets, pillows and quilts, a small table, outlets, and a door with lock for privacy. For guests’ comfort, oxygen outlets and tanks are available for use as the train ascends to higher altitudes. There are two toilets and washing areas located at either end of each sleeper carriage. The dining car onboard serves Tibetan and Chinese cuisine, three meals a day. There are also food carts that offer packaged snacks, drinks and fruits throughout the day.

Mandarin Oriental Beijing

Mandarin Oriental Beijing

Beijing, China

The Mandarin Oriental is situated in the heart of Beijing at Qianmen, just south of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. While located in a vibrant part of the city complete with nearby retail outlets and restaurants, the hotel's 72 courtyard suites are imbued with a sense of serenity, borrowing design tips from Beijing’s traditional hutong architectural style of courtyard houses connected by narrow lanes and sleepy alleyways. The hotel features a variety of dining venues such as a rooftop terrace restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, traditional tea house, and Mandarin cake shop. The hotel is also equipped with a holistic spa, indoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, and is guaranteed to match the high standards of the Mandarin Oriental hotel group.

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