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Guide To Beijing

Beijing’s world status has been massively boosted thanks to the 2008 Olympics, and the city’s preparation for the games has seen it proudly reassert its importance in terms of Chinese culture, politics and popularity. The ancient city is China’s second largest, and the sheer amount of attractions here are enough to keep you busy for weeks!

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When To Go

There are some strange weather foibles to contend with in Beijing. Spring, which isn’t a particularly popular time to travel, has sand clouds from Mongolia and liuxu (willow catkins) that float through the air like snow. Peak season, however, is a lot more typical. From June to August, temperatures regularly reach 40C and the city reaps the benefits from attraction-hungry tourists. Autumn offers the most manageable weather – and it’s not so busy either.

Top 5 Places To Stay

  • Beijing Zhong-An Hotel

    Zhong-An Hotel is a four-storey building with 120 guestrooms. Amenities include airport transportation (surcharge), 24-hour front desk, tour assistance, and a picnic area during summer. The city centre hotel is two-kilometres from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

  • Sunworld Hotel Beijing

    Just around the corner from Wangfujing (Beijing’s best-known shopping street) Sunworld Hotel offers 300 guestrooms in an 11-floor building fronted by a gated courtyard. The basement relaxation centre has five massage rooms, a sauna and a relaxation lounge with TV.

  • Grand Hyatt Beijing

    Part of the Oriental Plaza commercial complex, this hotel is minutes from Wangfujing. All guestrooms have armchairs as well as desks and internet access. Seven dining venues, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 55-metre indoor swimming pool are also on offer.

  • Shangri-La's Kerry Centre Hotel Beijing

    Conveniently located in Beijing’s financial centre, this hotel is also close to historical sites such as the Forbidden City. Décor is contemporary Western, and the hotel has a three-level health club, shopping arcade and extensive conference centre.

  • Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Beijing

    This 16-storey hotel is part of the Chongwen district’s New World shopping complex, to which it has direct access. It has two restaurants, a lobby lounge, fitness centre and swimming pool. All 299 guestrooms offer sofas, desks and internet access.

Top 5 Things To Do On Your Visit

  • Forbidden City

    So-called because of its 9000 rooms, the Forbidden City was home to the Ming and Qing dynasty. Majestic, unique and breathtaking to witness first-hand, there’s even a beautiful royal garden too.

  • Great Wall Of China

    One of the world’s most famous images, the Great Wall Of China must be seen personally to really grasp its greatness. Stretching over 7000km, the Wall has spectacular views along winding cliffscapes. No trip to Beijing should miss it.

  • Tiananmen Square

    The iconic Tiananmen Square binds a number of impressive buildings together (including the Forbidden City). Recently renovated, the Square is a symbol of the People’s Republic Of China.

  • Beijing Planetarium

    There aren’t many places in Beijing where you can see the sky at night as clearly as this. The Planetarium puts on regular light shows, but really there’s nothing better than lazily surveying the stars yourself. It’s the perfect way to end your day.

  • Beijing Aquarium

    Teeming with dolphins, fish and sharks, you’ll find the aquarium entertaining no matter how old you are. There are regular animal shows, and the man-made rainforest has to be seen.

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