Best places to stay:
Housed in an eye-catching glass cube designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, this is one of Beijing’s most design-oriented hotels. Minimalist rooms are dressed in blonde woods and white furnishings, with spa-style bathrooms and wooden tubs.
The location, right in the middle of Beijing’s main nightlife district, is ideal for night owls and fashionistas.
The pick of the hotel’s in-house restaurants is Jing Yaa Tang, serving traditional wood-fired Peking duck alongside the greatest hits of regional Chinese cooking.
In the heart of Sanlitun, a little way east of the centre. The Opposite House is integrated into Taikoo Li, a swanky shopping, entertainment and dining area. The adjacent Nali Patio boasts some of Beijing’s liveliest bars and restaurants.
It’s an energetic, all-hours location – perfect for night owls, but not those seeking peace and quiet.
Subway stations aren’t particularly convenient, and Sanlitun is a notorious traffic jam after dark, so transport in and out of the area can be an issue.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Beijing, China[1 miles]
Beijing’s best park is also one of its only central hills, offering inspiring views of the Forbidden City. It’s also where elderly locals come to sing, dance and let off steam.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Beijing, China[1.3 miles]
Once the preserve of emperors, the sculpted surrounds of Beihai Park are dotted with fascinating temples, halls and pavilions, and crowned by the magnificent White Dagoba, towering over the central boating lake.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Beijing, China[1.6 miles]
A magnificent and unique 15th-century complex of imperial palaces that served as the home of Chinese emperors for 500 years. Beijing’s must-see attraction.
Best for ages: 13+ | £6
Beijing, China[2.2 miles]
Beijing’s most spectacular religious site, this palatial temple complex is a reminder of China’s long and complex association with Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Beijing, China[0.9 miles]
Beijing’s official timekeeper since the age of the Mongols, this splendid, 47-meter tall stone tower, facing its compatriot the Drum Tower, houses a gigantic copper bell said to weigh over 60 tons.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Beijing, China[0.9 miles]
Rising up imperiously over grey hutong rooftops, the Drum Tower (together with the adjacent Bell Tower) has sounded the rhythm of Beijing for centuries. Climb the steep steps for exhibits on time-keeping in ancient China, and an hourly drumming performance.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Beijing, China[1.6 miles]
Three inter-connected lakes surrounded by willow trees, hutong lanes, and bars – a fun place to experience local culture, and take a rickshaw ride.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Beijing, China[2 miles]
Carved tortoise-like beasts heave enormous stone slabs on their backs at this grand temple complex honouring China’s foremost spiritual thinker, the great sage Confucius. The attached Guozijian (Imperial College) is where scholars of old studied for their civil service exams.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
China
A burgeoning megacity with one foot in the past, Beijing is a marvellous melange of UNESCO-listed heritage buildings set within an ever-more tech-forward cityscape. Come for the culture, the people, and of course the food.
