Beijing Adventure

Our Local Expert Says:

Tiananmen Square is quietest early in the morning before the crowds gather, although it is easily accessible throughout the day. Getting there by subway is the most convenient option, as the wide roads and official buildings in the area make it hard for taxis to stop. Tiananmen Square is the best place to experience the look and feel of Communist China.

Description:

The centre of both glory and controversy in China's modern history, Tiananmen Square is a vast space located next to Forbidden City. Although the square was originally constructed in 1651, it was not until 1958 that it was significantly enlarged and concrete laid down that it became the square seen today. The site of a number of political battles over the last fifty years, Tiananmen Square is also home to the tomb of Chairman Mao. A sprawling and spacious area, Tiananmen Square perfectly highlights the divide between Imperial and Communist China.

Description:

When you go shopping in the Qian Men commercial area, two majestic towers greet your eyes. They are the Gate of True Sun and Arrow Tower, dubbed as Qian Men (front gate), which stand on the south side of Tiananmen Square. Originally built in 1419, the gate was the south entrance of the Beijing inner city during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). It is the largest well-preserved city gate in Beijing. The gate has become a museum of local customs, and visitors can see Beijing's old city wall, streets, markets and houses through historical photos and relics.

Description:

Standing on the rostrum of the Gate of Heavenly Peace, visitors have a panoramic view over Tiananmen Square. Built in 1417, the 33.7 meter 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.

Description:

This night market has to be seen to be believed. Eager crowds jostle alongside red and white stalls, responding to the calls of vendors or the sight of something delicious or extraordinary to behold. Food comes on skewers, in soup bowls, wrapped in tortillas, or even in half a pineapple, and includes familiar fried and roasted meat, fish, seafood, vegetables and fruit, alongside hearts, brains, stomach and other innards. Try baby sparrows, scorpions, crickets and silkworm grubs. Glutinous and sticky, savory and sweet rice dishes are filling and cheap. Vegetarians can eat corn, broccoli, mushrooms and noodles.

Our Local Expert Says:

Chinese shopping malls are somewhat different to those in the West, and there are often really great places to eat inside the many malls at Wangfujing. Take some time to look around these seemingly generic and modern spaces and you can find some tasty treats from all over the world.

Description:

As one of the oldest and most famous commercial streets in China, it is no wonder that Wangfujing is now the modern shopping centre of Beijing. A wide collection of pedestrian streets and modern shopping malls mixed with the traditional snack stalls and architecture of old China, Wangfujing shows how the ancient and modern can blend to great effect. Alongside today's fashion brands such as French Connection and Nike lay traditional Chinese shops such as Shengxifu Hat Store, Tongshenghe Shoe Store and the Wuyutai Tea House. A great place to enjoy modern China whilst still taking in the history of Beijing.

Our Local Expert Says:

The main draw of Forbidden City is the impressive Imperial architecture and the sheer scale of the palace. Visiting on a clear day in winter offers the best chance for photographs of this historic site with a clear blue sky in the background. Take a day to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square together, as they are right next to each other.

Description:

Located in the heart of Beijing near Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City is the most vivid reminder of China's Imperial past. Constructed from 1406 to 1420 and serving as the Imperial palace from the Ming to Qing Dynasties, Forbidden City is the largest palace in the world. There are nearly 1,000 surviving buildings in total, and many of these have been carefully restored to their former glory. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City contains artefacts from China's Imperial past and is a must-see attraction when visiting Beijing.

Description:

If you want a clear aerial view of the Forbidden City, you'll find it here. The park's central hill was created using earth left over from the digging of the imperial moat and was the highest point in the city during the Ming dynasty. It was designed to enhance the fengshui of the Forbidden City, by blocking the harsh northern wind and by burying a Mongol Yuan dynasty pavilion, the Yanchun Ge. In something of a riposte to the Chinese Ming dynasty, the Manchu Qianlong emperor built a tower by the same name (albeit in a very different style) in the Jianfu Gong Huayuan, within the Forbidden City. A tree on the east side of the hill marks the spot where the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, supposedly hanged himself in 1644, just before Manchu and rebel armies overran the city. The original tree, derided as the "guilty sophora" during the Qing, was hacked down by Red Guards who failed to recognize a fellow anti-imperialist.

Our Local Expert Says:

Order the xiaolongbao and the chicken soup.

Description:

Selected by the New York Times as one of the world's best restaurants 20 years ago, this Taiwanese dumpling chain has been riding the publicity ever since. Now with branches all over the world, this restaurant developed a faithful following with its dumplings, lovely service and sleek modern design. A playroom for the kids makes it a family favorite. Perfect for world famous dumplings.

Our Local Expert Says:

Popular bar and pizza joint. Fills up quickly on weekends, so grab a table and stay for live music.

Description:

A regular stop for Beijing's European community, this genial tavern in Sanlitun is rightfully known for its Belgian whites and assorted pizzas baked on the premises in a stone oven. Casually done up like a Belgian inn, it's a favorite of families who come early in the evening, as well as solitary drinkers who congregate along the welcoming brick-built bar.

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't miss the popular Tuesday night trivia. Put together a team of friends and compete for free drinks. Good happy hour from 8-9.

Description:

A solid favorite for Beijing's younger clubbers, this bar is multiple levels of good time fun, drawing in a predominantly foreign crowd with decent cocktails, happy hour specials, laowai DJs spinning chart dance hits and regular themed parties. In summer the action spills out onto the upstairs patio. Perfect for flirtatious bar games

Description:

Beijing Winterless hotel, located in the east of Central Business District CBD, is a modern multifunction comprehensive hotel, which is built according to the international three-star standard with accommodation, food and beverage, recreation and shopping and conference facilities. Winterless Hotel enjoys its convenient transportation, just 10 minutes drive to Tiananmen and 20 minutes drive to the Capital Airport. The hotel is the ideal place for business people to stay. Facilities include luxury guestrooms, unique restaurants, spacious and elegant banquet halls, complete health and recreation facilities.

Our Local Expert Says:

"Tiantan" is dripping in history and imperial significance. Grab a friend and share a secret across the Echo Wall at the Imperial Vault of Heaven. Crowd into the middle of Circular Altar, which the Chinese believe to be the point at the center of the universe.

Description:

Located in the South-eastern area of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is a stunning set of buildings completed in 1420 for prayer and worship. The Temple covers 2.73 square km of gardens and buildings, built to strict philosophical requirements. The centrepiece of Tian Tan is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. This 38-metre high tower is intricately decorated both inside and out, and is one of the most famous landmarks within the city. Extensive renovation of the site took place in 2006, with the Temple of Heaven recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Description:

If you only visit one temple after the Temple of Heaven, this should be it. A complex of progressively larger buildings topped with ornate yellow-tiled roofs, Yonghe Gong was built in 1694 and originally belonged to the Qing prince who would become the Yongzheng emperor. As was the custom, the complex was converted to a temple after Yongzheng's move to the Forbidden City in 1744. The temple is home to several rather beautiful incense burners, including a particularly ornate one in the second courtyard that dates back to 1746. The Falun Dian (Hall of the Wheel of Law), second to last of the major buildings, contains a 6m (20-ft.) bronze statue of Tsongkapa (1357-1419), the founder of the reformist Yellow Hat (Geluk) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is now the dominant school of Tibetan Buddhism. He's easily recognized by his pointed cap with long earflaps. The last of the five central halls, the Wanfu Ge (Tower of Ten Thousand Happinesses), houses the temple's prize possession -- an ominous Tibetan-style statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha), 18m (59 ft.) tall, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. Once something of a circus, Yonghe Gong is slowly starting to feel like a place of worship, as there are now many Chinese devotees of Tibetan Buddhism.

Description:

This is one of our favorite new neighborhood haunts -- the sunny outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy lunch or Sunday brunch. Their pizza is top notch, and if you're looking for a healthy breakfast, try the granola and fresh yogurt. The cafe also boasts wireless Internet access and a good wine selection. Service takes a sharp nose-dive when the restaurant gets busy, and you may find yourself repeatedly flagging down staff to get your food.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nanluoguxiang is a great place to chill out and enjoy the surrounding architecture. It has plenty of choices for eating and drinking without the all-out party atmosphere associated with Sanlitun bar area.

Description:

Nanluoguxiang is one of the best preserved historical areas of downtown Beijing, as well as being one of the most chic and trendy places to hang out in the afternoons and evenings. The 768-metre-long south-north central lane, with 16 hutong branching off the central lane, is full of interesting craft shops, relaxing cafes and trendy bars. The area has a history of over 700 years and is one of the oldest hutong neighborhoods in the city. Nanluoguxiang has been fully restored to its former glory, and is surrounding by other historic sites such as Houhai Lake and the Drum and Bell Towers.

Our Local Expert Says:

Try the sweet almond tofu dessert.

Description:

This lovely little café is more upmarket and expensive than its Nanguoluxiang neighbors, but taste the blanc mange and you'll not begrudge it. Perfect for sweet snacks on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Description:

An imperial playground dating back to the Tartar Jin dynasty (1115-1234), Bei Hai lies to the north of Zhong Hai and Nan Hai, which were also opened to the public in 1925. In the best tradition of Animal Farm, the Communist leaders created a new Forbidden City and named it Zhong Nan Hai. Bei Hai was left to the masses. Although it's a convenient way to combine a morning visit to the Forbidden City with a more relaxing afternoon in the Back Lakes area, most visitors have a quick peek at the southern half and then disappear. Unfortunately, they miss the north side of the park, which is more interesting.

Entering from the south, you come to Tuan Cheng (Round City), a small citadel on a raised platform whose most notable structure, Chengguang Dian, houses a 1.5m-tall (5-ft.) statue of a feminine-looking Buddha, crafted from Burmese white jade. Crossing the Yong'an Bridge to Qiong Dao (Qiong Islet), you soon reach Yong'an Si, where the founder of the prominent Geluk sect, Tsongkapa, was the focus of devotion. He is now portrayed as a Chinese reformer of corrupt Tibetan Buddhism, on the grounds that he was born in Qinghai rather than "autonomous" Tibet. From here, boats run to the north side of the park for ¥5 (65¢/35p), or you can walk around the east side, passing calligraphers wielding enormous sponge-tipped brushes to compose rapidly evaporating poems on the flagstones.

Boats pull in to the east of Wu Long Ting (Five Dragon Pavilion), where aspiring singers treat the public to revolutionary airs popular in the 1950s. Off to the left is an impressive green-tiled pailou (memorial arch; the green tiles signify a religious purpose, in contrast to the yellow imperial tiles of the Forbidden City and Guo Zi Jian). Continue on to the square-shaped Jile Shijie Dian, encircled by a dry moat. Built by the Qianlong emperor to honor his mother, the sandalwood structure is exquisite, topped with a priceless gold dome (apparently too high for either foreign troops or local warlords to reach). The gaudy fiberglass statuary inside brings you back to the present. To the west stands an impressive Nine Dragon Screen, which guarded the entrance to a now-vanished temple. Further east is Daci Zhenru Bao Dian, an atmospheric Buddhist hall built during the late Ming from unpainted cedar; topped with a black roof (to protect the precious wood from fire), it has a cool slate floor. Continue east to the northern exit onto Ping'an Dadao, which marks the southern end of the Shicha Hai (Back Lakes) area.

Description:

Popular Hakka dishes prepared in a casual setting at the edge of Houhai keep the patrons coming back for more. Lao Hanzi's "three cup duck" and sizzling perch cooked in tinfoil also make for a dramatic dinnertime display. Service can get a bit slow, especially during dinnertime, so be prepared for a long drawn-out meal. This is fine, if and when the beer is cold.

Description:

Aladdin is one of the first art clubs in Beijing's Hou Hai neighborhood, which is known for its trendy hot spots. The decor is Egyptian, with replicas of pyramids, and a faux Nile River made from sand on the glass floor. You can smell the mystery upon entering the place. Another major Egyptian element about Aladdin is their Sheesha - an Egyptian smoking technique featuring a variety of fruit-flavored smoke. With Hou Hai Lake right in front of the club, during the summertime, you can sit on one of the cozy couches outside the club looking at the sunset and its reflection in the water. Nothing could be more enjoyable.

Description:

Beijing Winterless hotel, located in the east of Central Business District CBD, is a modern multifunction comprehensive hotel, which is built according to the international three-star standard with accommodation, food and beverage, recreation and shopping and conference facilities. Winterless Hotel enjoys its convenient transportation, just 10 minutes drive to Tiananmen and 20 minutes drive to the Capital Airport. The hotel is the ideal place for business people to stay. Facilities include luxury guestrooms, unique restaurants, spacious and elegant banquet halls, complete health and recreation facilities.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although not as precipitous as Mutianyu Great Wall, Simatai does require some level of fitness to traverse. It is further from Beijing than some other sections, but affords better views of the surrounding hills than the Badaling section. Simatai is also generally quieter than Badaling, although it can still be busy during peak season.

Description:

Simatai Great Wall section is 5.4 km long and is located some 120 km from the centre of Beijing in Miyun County. There are 35 beacon towers along this section, and it marks one of the most strategically significant parts of the Great Wall. Simatai was built in the early part of the Ming Dynasty in the late 14th century, and is the only part of the wall to still have original Ming Dynasty features. Simatai has not been rebuilt in the same way as Badaling, and it is somewhat steeper and harder to climb. It is a good compromise between the touristy Badaling and the difficult Mutianyu, offering convenience, fair hiking and stunning views.

Our Local Expert Says:

Larger sized rooms are nice for a group foot massage after a long day of touring.

Description:

A range of decadent Thai and Chinese-style massages in a soothing, modern setting. One of the best in Beijing.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best American-style pizza in Beijing. Huge pies.

Description:

A favorite of the university crowd, The Kro's Nest offers huge portions of great pizza at very reasonable prices.  Recently, a dispute / lawsuit has changed the name to Tube Station Pizza!  There are also two other locations for the Kro's Next / Tube Station Pizza:

Gongti North Gate, VICS club South, Chaoyang   -  Phone:  010-65535253

BeiTaiPingZhuang Qiao, #2 YouYanDaSha Building B  -  Phone: 010-82014899 / 620234790

Our Local Expert Says:

Vic's features three different club settings to suit any mood.

Description:

Throwing some of Beijing's earliest hip hop parties, this dance club perfected the booty grind, hook up formula. The well-connected ownership (which also owns The Den) draws in a hipper Chinese crowd, but doesn't stray too far from the tried and true. Recent renovations make it one of the biggest clubs in Beijing. Perfect for bump 'n' grind.

Description:

True to its name, this ever-popular venue is decked out like an opium den of old China. By night, the upstairs disco is a seething mass of drunken flesh, with plenty of 1980s music keeping people dancing well into the early hours. The downstairs area provides a respite from the chaos upstairs, and is a cozy restaurant and bar by day. A fairly standard array of popular European and Asian dishes, such as the Tuna Salad or mixed grill pad out the menu, while the brunch specials are a big hit with the expatriate community.

Description:

Beijing Winterless hotel, located in the east of Central Business District CBD, is a modern multifunction comprehensive hotel, which is built according to the international three-star standard with accommodation, food and beverage, recreation and shopping and conference facilities. Winterless Hotel enjoys its convenient transportation, just 10 minutes drive to Tiananmen and 20 minutes drive to the Capital Airport. The hotel is the ideal place for business people to stay. Facilities include luxury guestrooms, unique restaurants, spacious and elegant banquet halls, complete health and recreation facilities.

Our Local Expert Says:

Incredible 3-D model of Beijing is worth the visit alone.

Description:

The city's historical and cultural protection plan, business district plan, Olympic plan and Beijing's future city layout are featured in the four-storey museum. IMAX theater features a short 3D movie on Beijing's development.

Description:

A 32-kilometer city lies beneath Beijing. Built between 1969-1979, during a period of Sino-Soviet tension, it was intended to house the area's population in case of enemy air raids. The complex even included daily necessities such as hairdressers and grocery stores. Visits are guided, but could be improved if the operators made re-creations of what underground life might have been like. What you do see is blocked-off tunnels and signs giving directions to Tiananmen Square, The Summer Palace and other locations. It is worth a visit as long as you use your imagination.

Description:

Firmly established on the tourist trail, this backstreet courtyard restaurant packs in those on the hunt for Beijing's best bird. The duck is roasted in front of your eyes and is well worth the hassle of trying to find the place. Unfortunately, the rest of the menu is merely adequate and Li Qun's popularity often equates to lackadaisical service. The photos of visiting dignitaries equates to tourist prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Summer Palace is extremely large and to see all of its beauty will take at least one day. It is stunning at all times of the year as the seasons change the natural landscape. Highlights of the palace include the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the Cloud Dispelling Hall and the Temple of Buddhist Virtue.

Description:

Dominated by the 60-metre high Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, this palace is located in the North of Beijing and was originally constructed in 1750. The palace has been ransacked and destroyed on a number of occasions throughout history, with its current incarnation being finished in 1902 after the Boxer Rebellion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the Summer Palace is a perfect example of Chinese palatial garden design. With its lakes, maze-like collection of buildings and beautiful pagodas, this landmark is the most beautiful and peaceful attraction to visit in Beijing.

Description:

The Western Hills landscape has served as both a religious place and a scenic spot for local people. Eight Sites Park is known for the eight temples and pagodas that mark an ascending path to the summit of a hill within the park. Several temples are worth visiting due to the impressive statues and wall paintings, regardless of their faint color. The park is also an ideal spot for watching the beautifully colored maple leaves fall from the trees in autumn. Those who enjoy horseback riding can follow a meandering trail to the nearby Fragrant Hills Park.

Description:

For those seeking a breath of fresh air and a break from the urban hustle and bustle of big city life, the botanical garden makes an excellent day outing. The flowers and plants are in bloom from early spring to late fall every year. Visitors also have a chance to visit the Wufuo Temple here.

Our Local Expert Says:

For dinner, don't miss the three cup chicken or the kung pao shrimp. For dessert, don't pass on the mango desserts or red bean ice mountains.

Description:

This buzzy and fun destination is where the cool kids go for beef noodle soup after a night out at the clubs. With huge windows and comfortable chairs, you can snack away in style. Try their leaning towers of shaved ice smothered with sweet toppings. Perfect for hungry fashionistas.

Description:

Don't be put off by the drab interior of the hotel that houses Q Bar. The bar, located on the top floor, is an oasis of style, with dim lighting, lounge music, and a long bar nestled against a window with panoramic views. Here you will find the best martinis in town. Unfortunately, the love and devotion owners George and Echo pour into those drinks often translate into slow service. The expansive rooftop seating is fantastic and DJs spin lounge and house music on weekends. Open 6pm to 2am.

Description:

Beijing Winterless hotel, located in the east of Central Business District CBD, is a modern multifunction comprehensive hotel, which is built according to the international three-star standard with accommodation, food and beverage, recreation and shopping and conference facilities. Winterless Hotel enjoys its convenient transportation, just 10 minutes drive to Tiananmen and 20 minutes drive to the Capital Airport. The hotel is the ideal place for business people to stay. Facilities include luxury guestrooms, unique restaurants, spacious and elegant banquet halls, complete health and recreation facilities.

Our Local Expert Says:

Often referred to as the Guilin of the north, Shidu doubles as a popular destination for both rock climbing parties and local newlyweds hoping for that perfect wedding-day photo.

Description:

The scenic Shi Du region is located approximately 100 kilometers from Beijing city center. Covering 300 square kilometers, it features dramatic karst limestone formations, craggy mountains and winding gullies. The area is like a beautifully painted corridor; crystal clear rivers cut through the mountains, and water-pools can be found at the feet of the slopes. Historic sites and cultural relics are dotted amongst the natural scenery. Entertainment facilities have been added in recent years so tourists can enjoy bungee jumping, water-skiing and other outdoor activities.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best deals to be found are on tailored clothing, where a whole men’s suit can be tailored and handmade for under $150.

Description:

XiuShui market is a mecca for original and fake goods in Beijing. Moved from its original outdoor home in 2005, the indoor Silk Market consists of five floors of clothing, accessories, electronics, souvenirs and arts and crafts. This is a great place to find a deal and pick up gifts for friends as well as cheap but fairly decent quality fake versions of top fashion brands. XiuShui Silk Market can get a bit stressful and crowded, but it is an interesting experience and there are bargains to be had if you look around carefully. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to relieve stress after a few hours of shopping.

Our Local Expert Says:

Typically very crowded -- for a reason. Covered outdoor seating with views of the park is available rain or shine.

Description:

With mouth-watering German sausages and sauerkraut, this classic German establishment will satisfy any craving with hearty portions of traditional German fare in a comfortable environment. Perfect for an entertaining dinner out to satisfy major hunger pains.

Description:

It's a sign of the times that Mao's best-known slogan can be used so frivolously by this chic Thai eatery. In the heart of the San Li Tun diplomatic quarter, you'll find Beijing's finest Thai food at very reasonable prices. The grilled beef salad and green chicken curry are highly recommended, and the pad thai (rice noodles with seafood in peanut sauce) is done to perfection. The small but interesting wine list has a limited by-the-glass selection. The temptation to use inappropriate local ingredients (such as cabbage!) plagues other Thai restaurants in the capital, but here the people are given their due.

Description:

The Temple of the Sun (Ri Tan) served as an altar where the emperor conducted annual rites. Built in 1530, Ri Tan is a pleasant park with a delightful outdoor teahouse and a rock-climbing wall at its heart. Fishponds, a pedal-powered monorail, kites, and a bonsai market also keep the locals amused.

The other imperial altars are located in similar city parks, roughly marking the five points of the Chinese compass. To the north is Di Tan Gongyuan (Temple of Earth), just north of the Lama Temple; to the west is Yue Tan Gongyuan (Temple of the Moon); the much grander Tian Tan Gongyuan (Temple of Heaven) marks the southern point. She Ji Tan (Altar of Land and Grain) in Zhongshan Gongyuan southwest of the Forbidden City, pre-dates them all by several centuries, and marks that peculiarly Chinese compass point, the center.

Description:

Beijing Winterless hotel, located in the east of Central Business District CBD, is a modern multifunction comprehensive hotel, which is built according to the international three-star standard with accommodation, food and beverage, recreation and shopping and conference facilities. Winterless Hotel enjoys its convenient transportation, just 10 minutes drive to Tiananmen and 20 minutes drive to the Capital Airport. The hotel is the ideal place for business people to stay. Facilities include luxury guestrooms, unique restaurants, spacious and elegant banquet halls, complete health and recreation facilities.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best place to attempt a run outdoors in Beijing. Enter at the west gate and follow a local expat along the winding pathways. Currently undergoing expansion to the north, there is a decent driving range and 9 hole golf course on the southeast corner of the park.

Description:

This recently developed activity park has been touted as the 'Summer Palace of western Beijing', and while it offers little comparable in the way of history or culture, it is nonetheless a fun place to spend a summer's day. Activities for kids (large and small) include bumper cars, fairground rides and two large outdoor swimming pools. A 75 meter bungee tower over the lake caters to thrill seekers, while more sedate visitors can relax in a hired boat with an ice-cream or soft drink from one of the many vendors.

Our Local Expert Says:

A really great place to take the kids. Also features bumper cars and mini golf.

Description:

Tuan Jie Hu Park is located in the southwest part of the Tuan Jie Hu area, Chao Yang District. It covers an area of 13.8 hectares with a water surface of 5.4 hectares. The park features a southern Chinese garden-style layout. In summer, the lake in the center of the park is open. A large swimming pool with a yellow sand beach has become a major draw card for summer swimmers, especially with the addition of a wave machine. Beach bums may find a volleyball competition in progress.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mingle with the locals. Nice to combine into a two day trip with the Great Wall.

Description:

Lying in the city's northern suburbs, to the edge of the Great Wall, is a beautiful valley called 'Rainbow Trout Valley', for there are at least 30 trout fisheries scattered along the valley floor. Like most Beijing locals, you can make a weekend trip to the valley, fishing and picnicking. The captured fish can then be barbecued, steamed or cooked - as you like it. Many of the daytrippers prefer the barbecued style - tinged with pepper and cumin, the fish is wrapped in foil and stuffed with tomatoes, onions and ginger. Is your mouth watering yet? If a one-day trip is not enough, the well-appointed Heng Quan Club is there to offer you a pleasant overnight stay.

Description:

A driving range and 9 hole golf course allow you to escape the bustle of the city. Clubs available for rent. No need to reserve in advance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Voted Beijing's Best Pizza

Description:

This hard-to-find pizzeria occupies the site of a former Buddhist nunnery and features untouched murals in the loft. There's no religious theme to the handmade thin-crust pizzas, but if you've arrived from the wilds of China, you may experience something akin to a spiritual experience. The only jarring touch is the presence of green pepper and black olives on an otherwise sublime three-cheese pizza.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most reliable place for duck in Beijing in the most pleasant setting. Comprehensive menu with illustrations runs over 100 pages.

Description:

Da Dong's duck is as meltingly succulent as any; it claims to be lower in calories, but it sure doesn't taste like it. We know it's tough, but don't stuff yourself on the main event and overlook other dishes—the fried oysters in Sichuan pepper-salt are a must. Perfect for fans of traditional style duck dining.

Our Local Expert Says:

Authentic, aromatic and memorable

Description:

In Beijing, there are options galore for massages, but for a location that has guaranteed training for their employees, great services, low cost and high cleanliness, dragonfly is your top choice. Chinese, Japanese, aroma oil and oriental foot massage available as well as manicures, pedicures and waxing. There are few better ways to spend a day than the dragonfly way!

Description:

The Golden Elephant specializes in both Indian and Thai food. So you can scoop up the yummy Thai curries or their spicy Indian counterparts. The Green Thai curry is laced with mild coconut and butter, just perfect with hot steamed rice. Biryanis and Chicken Masalas can be ordered on days when you intend to add on calories faster. Enjoy the Asian hospitality and oriental decor as you wait for your curried delights.