Beijing: Days 1 - 3

Fly into Beijing (formerly Peking), the capital of China and unequivocally one of the greatest cities on the planet. With a population of over 14 million, this thriving metropolis first became a capital during the Mongol Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) and was the seat of power throughout the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

• unequivocally one of the greatest cities on the planet...

  Modern Beijing is a mix of skyscrapers and Olympic arenas built around old alleyways (hutong), temples and palaces, with the spectacular Forbidden City at its core.

• The city is laid out on a grid with a system of ring roads encircling the city center

• Taxis, hiring a private car and the subway are the best method to get around – or brave the streets in a bicycle if you are feeling adventurous

• If you don’t mind traveling in a group, an organized sightseeing tour is a great way to see many attractions more affordably than on a private basis. Any hotel could arrange this for you.

Where to Stay

• St Regis – This elegant hotel in the diplomatic district offers lovely rooms, a range of fabulous restaurants and bars, and the classic St Regis service complete with 24-hour butler

• Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street – Located in the Financial District, this brand-new hotel, is sleekly designed with a smart glass and chrome exterior and warm, stylish interiors decorated in creams and neutrals with gorgeous marble bathrooms.

• The Peninsula – Prestigious and centrally located within walking distance of the Forbidden City, this landmark property features spacious rooms with dark wood and neutral tones, chic restaurants and exemplary service

• Raffles Beijing – Stylish and atmospheric, this hotel is also near Tian’an Men Square is more classically decorated with French and Chinoiserie touches.

At the Great Wall

There are two super hotels near the Great Wall, and you may opt to spend a few nights in Beijing then one or two by the Wall and sightsee the Ming Tombs from here.

• Commune by the Great Wall – Run by Kempinski, this group of contemporary villas designed by 12 renowned Asian architects was awarded a prize at the Venice Biennale

• Red Capital Ranch - This eco-resort comprises 10 restored ancient villas modeled after a Manchurian hunting lodge and set on 50 acres of land nestled along the Wall.

What to Do

There are an astounding amount of sights in Beijing so plan to be on the go and armed with an excellent street map. I’ve listed the top sights be proximity.

In Beijing

• The physical and cultural heart of Beijing is Tian’an Men Square and the Forbidden City

• Tian’an Men Square – The ‘Square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace’ is a must to people-watch, visit Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, Tian’an Men, a Ming dynasty gate with the infamous Mao portrait, and Qian Men, the original front gate now a museum. The location of the 1989 student massacre, this square with Communist-era buildings exemplifies mid-20^th century China.

• Underground City – History buffs won’t want to miss these bombproof tunnels beneath the city built in the 60s. The maze was stocked with weapons, hospitals, food and water in the event of an emergency.

• Dazhalan & Liulichang – Located in the historic Chinese Quarter, these charming hutong (labyrinthine cobblestone lanes) feature shops, restaurants, cinemas and many residents still live here today. Rickshaw is a delightful way to experience these neighborhoods, which are rapidly disappearing as Beijing modernizes.

• Forbidden City – In the heart of Beijing, this complex, officially called the Palace Museum, is arguably China’s most famous landmark and one of the most glorious examples of imperial architecture on earth. Completed in 1420, the palace was the center dynastic China rule for over 500 years and 24 emperors. Until the 1920s it was exclusively for royalty and dignitaries, only opened to the public in 1949. This impressive compound merits a few hours of exploring

• Outer Court – This remarkable section is the center of the complex

• Golden Water – Symbolizing the five fundamental virtues of Confucianism, five marble bridges span the Golden Water which flows from West to East in a manner meant to resemble the jade belt worn by administrators

• Hall of Supreme Harmony – The largest hall features an ornate throne and painted ceiling was used for important ceremonies

• Palaces of Heavenly Purity & Earthly Tranquility– Imperial sleeping and living quarters

• Imperial Flower Garden – Tranquil symmetrical gardens adorned with pavilions, temples, halls, ancient rock gardens and trees

• North of the Forbidden City near Di Tan Park is Lama Temple – This colorful 17^th century Tibetan Buddhist temple combines Han, Mongol and Tibetan styles and houses a magnificent 55-ft tall statue of Buddha carved from a single block of sandalwood

• Southeast of the Forbidden City is the Ming dynasty Temple of Heaven – This temple features boldly painted and gilded ceiling and pillars and was where the emperor would pray to his ancestors during the winter solstice.

Outside Beijing Proper – Arrange a trip outside the city via taxi, private car & driver or an organized tour to see these main highlights

• Great Wall of China – Built in 221-210 BC to protect newly unified China and then successively added to from the 5^th century BC to 16^th century AD, this earthen, sone and brick wall winds approximately four thousand miles across the countryside. There are numerous spots to visit along the Great Wall, some with more facilities than others, some in near-ruin.

• Badaling – (44 mi NW of Beijing) A popular spot due to the presence of a cable car, guardrails, restored watchtower and tourist amenities, it is also the most crowded and filled with hawkers. The breathtaking view and Yuan dynasty Buddhist carvings won’t disappoint, however.

• Juyong Guan - En route to Badaling, the Wall is more recently restored and quieter here

• Mutianyu – (56 mi N of Beijing) Sensational hillside setting with fewer vendors

• Simatai – (68 mi NE of Beijing) Partially repaired section offering a more genuine impression of the original wall. While ruined parts are dangerous and care should be taken, the views offered are superb

• Ming Tombs – Usually visited in conjunction with the Great Wall, these 13 imperial burial chambers are spread across 15 square miles on a site chosen for its auspicious feng shui configuration

• Chang Ling – The most impressive, beautifully restored tomb is that of Emperor Yongle (1360-1424), his wife and 16 concubines.

• Summer Palace – 6 miles NW of Beijing, this extensive Qing dynasty palace and grounds was the summer retreat from the Forbidden City. The current layout is attributed to Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736-95) but Empress Dowager Cixi had it rebuilt twice after its destruction by the French and English troops in 1860 and after the 1902 Boxer Rebellion.