Impeccable standards have kept the Raffles Beijing Hotel at the top of every desirable list in town. Emulating infamous Orient luxuries every detail of this hotel emerges with significant reason. Frequented by the likes of dignitaries around the World, this exclusive hotel offers unparalleled amenities. Restaurants hailing both formal and informal settings allow guests a wide range of culinary options during their stay. Central to many common activities of Beijing it’s easy to feel like a local here.
Chances are you’ve tracked a considerable distance to get to China, so don’t let an incredible opportunity pass and try to squeeze in a few sights worth seeing while you there. Known for melting variations of Chinese cultures together, the capital city of Beijing has artfully mastered the continuation of ancient customs laid in place centuries ago. Evidence of ancient civilizations shines through modern conveniences in every corner of this city leaving your senses heightened and imaginations reeling.
No doubt as the World descends onto the Olympic stages set at Beijing, rivalrous electricity will fill the air and excitement will pulsate through the city. The rich culture and infamous traditions practiced by the Chinese are best experienced alongside the people themselves, out on the town. We’ve compiled some of the best experiences to be had in Beijing so pack your camera and don’t forget to call ahead when possible; the dense crowds will likely expel long waiting periods for popular sites and restaurants.
Where To Stay: Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski
If you are one of those people who believe that great patience is rewarded, you couldn’t be more right! A bit further down the road than the average hotel commute, resides the Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski. Contemporary in style and simplistic in nature, this is one of the most spectacular places to stay in all of China. Secluded in the Badaling Mountains, villas thoughtfully positioned by Asian architects offer sprawling views of the landscapes, including the Great Wall, from nearly every room. Each villa comes with wireless internet access, an around the clock butler, and a slew of other amenities we couldn’t dare live without. Restaurants serviced by master chefs display works of art at each meal. For lighter meals and more intimate settings a variety of café’s and lounge areas are also on hand.
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing
Located in the heart of the financial district, the Ritz Carlton Beijing delivers luxury for every traveler bound for China. Infusing the latest technology throughout every aspect of this hotel allows both business and pleasure trips to be met with the highest standards set by immensely dedicated staff. Ancient ritualistic Chinese massages, along with a variety of treatments geared towards holistic health, make time perched upon the rooftop spa a definite addition to your itinerary. Feeling refreshed? Minutes from popular native landmarks, shopping and exotic cuisines, the local markets and downtown are easily accessible to guests at this gorgeous location through arranged or public transportation.
Raffles Beijing Hotel
At the St. Regis Beijing incredible luxuries and passionate service have become second nature. This amazing hotel offers everything, seriously. Rooftop putting greens situated atop the St. Regis let you soak up the atmosphere overlooking the Beijing skyline day or night. They also serve as host to a bowling alley, swimming pool (with a natural hot springs jacuzzi), a fitness center, a hair and beauty salon and an array of treatments available by appointment at the St. Regis Spa. If you find yourself ready to leave this hotel and explore the city, you’ll be pleased to know you are located very close to just about everything, with exception of the Great Wall which has a longer commute. No secret here, the superb amenities offered by this hotel make it a great find.
Where to Eat:
Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant
The Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant has a well deserved reputation of preparing the best Peking duck around. The chaotic and friendly restaurant atmosphere draws locals and tourists alike and manages to stay busy, even with higher than average prices, so we definitely recommend calling ahead because the long wait has a reputation all it’s own. Also known for the assortment of sauces, the elaborate menu offered here includes both pictures and English to ease any ordering anxiety commonly experienced in foreign cultures.
Kong Yiji Jiulou
Kong Yiji Jiulou grabs its inspirational manner from the renowned father of Chinese literature, Lu Xun, in age old short story written about a scholarly drunk. Traditional Chinese literature remains the theme throughout the dining space complete with traditional scrolls, bookcases, and custom furniture. Some of the memorable specials served here include zuixia (or drunken shrimp) served lively in a wine filled glass bowl or maybe their signature yellow rice wines aged and served warm from varied silver pots would better suit your palate, either way this is a guaranteed fabulous time.
RBL
Super chic RBL, or Restaurant Bar Lounge, is the newest Beijing addition in upscale dining experiences. The journey starts with killer cocktails in the lounge before easing into savvy Japanese concoctions prepared with a twist. Creations like sakura smoked duck sushi and yukke marinated wagyu beef are highly recommended samplings. Once finished, be sure to check out the ultra hip Icehouse lounge where live music plays to an eclectic atmosphere until the wee hours.
Beijing Zoo and Aquarium
If you find yourself with a couple of hours to spare, a visit to the Beijing Zoo and Aquarium is definitely in order. Abiding by historically rich traditions this magnificent estate serves as home to over 7,000 animals stemming from 600 different species, complete with ultra-rare finds such as the Giant Panda and the Golden Monkey.
Dating as far back as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Beijing Zoo offers far more than exotic animals. Ancient buildings and gardens are free for discovery and carefully situated among the grounds serving as a portal into the past. Infamous for collecting and successfully breeding rare plants and animals, time enjoyed here is sure to divulge exciting adventures.
The Great Wall
Widely celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China has drawn citizens of all kinds to its walls for centuries. As the only man-made structure visible from Space, this massive venture stretches over 4,000 miles and has had immeasurable historical contributions to this area. With millions of tourists a year gathering along the Great Wall, in addition to the barrage of people in for the Olympic Games, crowds here will likely be greater than usual.
Deserving of more than a quick trip, spending time exploring through the ancient ruins and still accessible areas of the Great Wall is sure to leave lasting impressions. Enormous walls several stories high declare an ancient message that will stand clear for centuries to come. Admiring the mysterious intellect of ruler’s past, the perplexing methods used to build this grandiose structure remain buried within these walls. With an abundance of places to marvel at the extraordinary scenery, this excursion is nothing short of inspiring and requires loads of extra film.
Peking Opera
No visit is complete without catching a performance of the Peking Opera. Existing for several hundred years, the Chinese have magnificently articulated cultural traditions into theatrical art showcased by localized performers. Recently revamped programs were added to appeal to the modernized younger generations, resulting in dynamic renditions of traditional storylines. Handcrafted costumes in vivid colors are elegantly displayed while dramatic make-up compliments the artists’ presence, clarifying their role. An intimate look into this culture showcases harmonious evolvement in a truly can’t miss performance, if you can snatch some tickets!
The Temple of Heaven
Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1420 AD, the Temple of Heaven is supreme dedication at its best. This intricately manifested temple was meant for Chinese Emperor’s to worship Heaven and often held sacrifices to satisfy the Gods. Several buildings including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Alter make up this designated site which spreads purposefully over a generous portion of Chinese land. Ultra cool features like the Echo Wall lend intrigue to the elaborate design and only taking 1½ hours to tour, this can easily be on your list.
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 at 7:06 am and is filed under Asia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
