Like China itself, Beijing is a study in contrasts: old versus new, tradition versus innovation, Chinese versus Western. These juxtapositions make this sprawling city a fascinating and vibrant place, but given its size (more than 21 million inhabitants) and history (three millennia and counting), Beijing can seem like an overwhelming destination to visit.
Still, every city has its superlatives, so we’ve handpicked the best of Beijing for you to consider for your next trip.
Spectacular palaces, historic temples, beautiful parks, bargain shopping, addictive cuisine, and so much more await you in the Chinese capital.
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798 Arts District
Anyone with even a slight interest in Chinese contemporary art should get a firsthand look at the scene at the bustling 798 Art District. Formerly the site of several state-owned factories, the complex began attracting a small group of artists in the late 1990s; more artists and cultural organizations followed starting in the early 2000s, when the old buildings were transformed into galleries, studios, art centers, restaurants, and bars. Now a protected arts district that has been largely pedestrianized, 798 is also home to cafes, commercial galleries, and even souvenir shops. The galleries these days are hit or miss — you'll see plenty of bad knockoffs of Western art and unappealing Socialism-era portraits — but the district still stands at the city’s most important contemporary arts hub.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Beijing Guide
Beihai Park
Northwest of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park is home to Beijing’s largest and most beautiful public lake. All you need to do to enjoy the park is stroll around or rent one of the paddle boats that fill the lake on summer weekends. If you wish to see the cultural sights, check out Yongan Temple, from which you can climb to the white stupa perched atop a small island in the lake. Afterward, continue north to explore Qianhai and Houhai, two connected lakes surrounded by shoreside restaurants and bars as well as hutongs.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Beijing Guide
Bicycle Tours
Even if traffic isn’t bad, which is usually is, or if the subways aren’t crowded, which they usually are, bicycles are the best way to get around Beijing when the weather is nice (rentals are available from Serk). If you don’t feel like cycling as your main mode of transportation, consider taking a tour to explore a part of the city you might not otherwise see. Bike Beijing offers a wide variety of tours for all skill levels and interests.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Beijing Guide
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