Beijing
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Beijing - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. 798 Art District
ChaoyangChinese contemporary art has exploded in the past decade, and to see some of the finest examples of the scene look no further than 798 Art District, located in the northeast corner of the city. This was once the site of several state-owned factories, including Factory 798, that produced electronics. Beginning in 2002, artists and cultural organizations began to move into the area, gradually developing the old buildings into galleries, art centers, artists' studios, design companies, restaurants, and bars. Note that most if not all of the galleries here are closed on Mondays. Experimenting with classical mediums such as paint and printmaking as well as forays into new and digital media, installation, and performance art, young Chinese artists are caught between old and new, Communism and capitalism, urban and rural, rich and poor, and East and West. These conflicts set the stage and color their artistic output, with varying results. Although more and more Chinese artists are achieving international recognition, 798 still abounds with knockoffs of bad Western art. Nevertheless the area remains the hub of contemporary creative arts in Beijing and is definitely worth a visit if you're at all interested in the state of the arts in China. Although the scene was at first a completely DIY affair, the quality of art produced and international media attention starting from the early 2000s meant that the district government took notice. Eventually the area was declared a protected arts district, paving the way for commercial galleries, cafés, and souvenir shops. Priced out of their original studios, many working artists have decamped further afield to the Caochangdi and Songzhuang neighborhoods. Both of these smaller areas are worth visiting, though neither is easily accessible except via taxi. Ask your hotel concierge for a detailed map or, better yet, call ahead to the galleries you're interested in visiting and get driving instructions. 798 is more accessible, however, and eminently walkable. Keep in mind that cabs are prohibited from driving into the complex, and much of the area is pedestrianized. Though it's also open Tuesday through Friday, most people visit on the weekend. Many of the galleries there now are hit or miss, but establishments such as the Ullens Center for Contemporary Arts (UCCA) put on informative, challenging exhibitions.
2–4 Jiuxianqiao Rd., Beijing, Beijing, 100015, China -
2. Ancient Observatory
ChaoyangThis squat tower of primitive stargazing equipment peeks out next to the elevated highways of the Second Ring Road. It dates to the time of Genghis Khan, who believed that his fortunes could be read in the stars. To China's imperial rulers, interpreting the heavens was key to holding onto power; a ruler knew when, say, an eclipse would occur, or he could predict the best time to plant crops. Celestial phenomena like eclipses and comets were believed to portend change; if left unheeded they might cost an emperor his legitimacy—his mandate of heaven. Records of celestial observations at or near this site go back more than 500 years, making this the longest documented astronomical viewing site in the world. The main astronomical devices are arranged on the roof. Writhing bronze dragon sculptures adorn some of the astronomy pieces at Jianguo Tower, the main building that houses the observatory. Among the sculptures are an armillary sphere to pinpoint the position of heavenly bodies and a sextant to measure angular distances between stars, along with a celestial globe. Inside, the dusty exhibition rooms shelter ancient star maps with information dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Most of the ancient instruments were looted by the Allied Forces in 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, only to be returned to China at the end of World War I.
2 Dongbiaobei Hutong, Beijing, Beijing, 100005, China010-6524–2202Sight Details
Rate Includes: Y20, Tues.-Sun. 9–4 -
3. Central Business District (CBD)
ChaoyangThe fast-rising CBD encompasses the China World Trade Center (the third tower, completed in 2010, is the tallest building in Beijing) and a slew of new and impressive skyscrapers, some designed by internationally known architects. One example is the CCTV Tower, by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren. The multimillion-dollar complex employs a continuous loop of horizontal and vertical sections, and its distinctive shape has earned it the moniker "big pants." Nearby is The Place, a shopping mall best known for its massive canopy-style LED screen.
Beijing, Beijing, China -
4. Chaoyang Park
ChaoyangThe sprawling, modern Chaoyang Park lacks the imperial aura that marks other Beijing parks, but it has quite a bit to offer in terms of recreation. About one-fourth of the park is water, and there's several kinds of boating available, primarily pedal-powered paddleboats. There's a swimming pool with an artificial beach, tennis courts, beach volleyball grounds, a gymnasium, and a small amusement park. You can hire a slow-going electromobile for easy mobility around this sprawling park on your own, or hail a ride on a group trolley. There are many snack stands serving simple dishes, but if you're looking for something more substantive, walk around to the west gate of the park, where you'll find a street lined with popular Western and Chinese eateries, or check out the Solana mall at the northwest corner of the park.
Nongzhanguan Road South, Beijing, Beijing, ChinaSight Details
Rate Includes: Y5, Mid-Mar.–mid-Nov., daily 6 am–10 pm; mid-Nov.–mid-Mar., daily 6 am–9 pm -
5. Jianguomen
ChaoyangThe embassy area has some good foreign restaurants, but is mostly quiet blocks of gated embassy compounds; in the center there's lovely Ritan Park with its winding paths, lotus-flower ponds, a climbing wall, and a few upmarket restaurants. The area is close to the heart of Beijing's new Central Business District, aka CBD, which has some of the city's most impressive modern architecture, including the CCTV Tower, the Park Hyatt Hotel, and Tower III of the China World Trade Center, which at 81 stories is Beijing's tallest skyscraper.
Beijing, Beijing, China -
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6. Ritan Park
ChaoyangA cool oasis of water, paths and trees just west of the Central Business District, Ritan Park (also known as "Temple of the Sun Park") is a popular place to go for some peace and quiet, and is where many locals head to stretch their legs. Stop in at the Stone Boat café if you're in need of refreshment.
Beijing, Beijing, China010-8563–5038Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 6am–9pm -
7. Sanlitun
ChaoyangSanlitun is the nightlife hub of Beijing. Vics and Mix at the north gate of the Workers' Stadium are two clubs always packed with people looking for a big night out, while the bars at The Opposite House hotel are a swank respite. Taikoo Li, Beijing's hottest shopping complex, can be credited with changing the face of what was once a fairly seedy area. The Japanese-designed open-air center includes a number of international shops as well as a movie theater and some of Beijing's best restaurants and cafés, and has become the city's major hangout for the in-crowd, both local and foreign.
Beijing, Beijing, China -
8. Workers' Stadium
ChaoyangNorth of Ritan Park is the Workers' Stadium complex, where many of the biggest visiting acts perform. The main stadium here is also home to Beijing's top-division soccer team. Running north–south, the famous Sanlitun Bar Street is several blocks east of the Workers' Stadium; it's known for its nightlife catering to foreigners, expats, and young Chinese.
Beijing, Beijing, China
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