QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

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No longer is Beijing the grey city it once was. Hutongs and courtyards remain and the sound of the Peking opera still lingers, but at an astonishingly rapid speed this capital city has undergone an incredible transformation. With the 2008 Olympics still fresh in our memory, Beijing’s bewildering reshaping is happening literally at every corner – all under the microscope of international onlookers. The pull of modernity and centuries of dynastic tradition have made this city a cosmopolitan, exuberant and exhilarating destination. Beijing is a city that is on the go. A visit to Beijing promises to be most memorable. Blink and you’ll miss it.


GO THERE FOR

The New Wonders - Beijing is a hotbed of innovative architecture. Besides the striking “Water Cube” (National Swimming Centre) and “Bird Nest” (National Stadium) constructed for the 2008 Olympic Games, it’s also home to the world’s largest airport - Beijing International Airport - and the new CCTV tower that redefines what a skyscraper can be.

History & Culture - Despite the capital’s rapid development, in the face of globalisation and the recent Olympic Games, the cultural and historical aspects of Beijing remain steadfast. The Chinese capital‘s endless layers of history and culture are visible in every facet of life. Visiting the Great Wall is a truly remarkable experience and one cannot help but feel dwarfed in the presence of its imposing nature and the depth of its historical significance.

The Food - A melting pot of Chinese ethnicities comes together in Beijing. From Imperial cuisine to hand carved duck, a vast array awaits your palate.

Investment Opportunities - A recent real estate boom of renovated Hutongs and modern high rises are selling at unbeatable prices. The growth of Chinese contemporary art has wowed the press at international exhibitions and China auctions some of the most avant-garde of today’s international art.


DON’T MISS

Peking Duck - You can’t leave Beijing without having tried the dish that the city was named after. The two best restaurants for the Peking Duck are Da Dong, for a traditional feel, and Made in China for a more hip and modern surrounding.

Bargaining for Antiques - The noise and agitation at markets may drive you wild but bargaining and haggling are the best parts of the negotiation process.

Peking Opera - Some love it and some hate it but don’t judge until you see it, as it may be the most unique spectacle you’ve ever seen. Squeaky singing, painted faces and ornate costumes definitely make this an unforgettable experience.

Hutongs - Take a trip through Beijing’s alleyways by rickshaw where traditional courtyard homes decorate the streets with faded colours and long histories.

Massage - Traditional Chinese massage (Aka Tuina) is at once mysterious, marvellous and confusing, as is the traditional foot massage (Aka Zuliao). It is all about acupuncture points and internal energy, and will transform your stress into positive energy, leaving you revitalized and refreshed. Find an authentic massage master with Quintessentially’s help and complete your wonderful stay in Beijing.


THE BASICS

Quintessentially China
Wanda Plaza, Bldg. 3, Rm 1902, 93 JianGuo Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100022, China
Telephone: +86 (10) 5979 9982
Email: qchina@quintessentially.com

Country Code: +86
City Code: 10
Emergency: 110 for police; 120 for ambulance; 119 for fire brigade
Beijing Directory Inquiries: 114
Electricity: Electrical appliances in Beijing use 220 volts AC, 50HZ therefore an adaptor will be needed to convert any international electrical equipment. Electrical outlets in Beijing have the option of a two toothed plugs as well as three diagonally toothed plugs.
Official Language: Standard Mandarin
Currency: Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = 10.36, 1 CNY = .10 GBP (Subject to change)
Time: China Standard Time (UTC +8)
Beijing Capital International Airport
General Enquiries: 010-64541111, 010-64541100
http://en.bcia.com.cn/

Arriving: Public transport in China is considered very affordable by Western standards, which is why many choose to travel by taxi from the Beijing International Airport into the city. It should cost about CNY 80 (including toll fee of CNY 10) to get from the airport to the city centre (30-40 minutes). Do remind the taxi driver to switch on the meter and not just quote a price. We also advise that you queue at official taxi lanes and don't accept rides from so-called 'black' or illegal cabs as it is likely that they will charge more and rip you off.

Don't forget that almost all Beijing taxi drivers (and most Beijingers) can't speak any English - printing out the address of your destination in Chinese characters, or getting Quintessentially to help, will save you a lot of trouble.

Tipping: Tipping is not a part of Chinese culture or tradition, and several establishments actually have a strict no tipping policy. This includes restaurants, massage studios and so on. In fact, offering a gratuity may be considered impolite in certain situation as it can be taken to imply that one's work is undervalued by the employer.

Taxi drivers in Beijing, Shanghai and most other Chinese cities are not accustomed to tipping at all because they are required by the law to give a receipt to every passenger. The only place where a tip might be expected is at a high-end hotel catering to Western tourists. Nevertheless, with the influx of more and more western tourists, locals have started to become more accustomed to tipping.

Survival Skills: China has a relatively low crime rate. Private gun ownership is banned and violent crime is quite rare. Chinese people are generally very honest as there are serious repercussions for criminals.

That being said, no city is 100% safe and being street smart goes a long way. Avoid leaving important items unattended and keep an eye on your belongings in crowds. Always keep your taxi receipt - that way, it's easier to locate the taxi driver should you leave something behind.

Talking to Strangers: Most Beijingers ignore strangers on the street or on public transport but it isn’t unusual to come across friendly locals who want to practice their English or even take a picture with (or of) a foreigner. Shop assistants and most cabbies will certainly strike up conversations so feel free to practice your Mandarin!


GETTING AROUND

From the Airport
Located on the north east side of Beijing, between the Chaoyang & Shunyi Districts, the Beijing Capital International Airport is also the headquarters of China’s Civil Aviation Authorities. It was recently renovated and enlarged to accommodate the expected swarms of tourists for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Depending on traffic, it takes about 90 minutes to get to China World by metered taxi and costs around CNY 90. A cheaper alternative would be to take the airport-city shuttle bus, which costs only CNY 15. They may take a lot longer so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Around Town
Taxi: Beijing taxis mostly use Hyundai Sonnata, Elantra or some old Volkswagens. If you are really lucky, you may come by an English speaking driver. Thankfully, it’s mandatory for all taxis to be cleaned regularly. It is usually CNY 2 per kilometre rate.
Bus: They are always crammed with people but manage to stay clean. You only need CNY 3 to go from one end of Beijing to the other.
Subway: Try to avoid the subway during rush hour unless you want to feel like you’re stuck in a can of crammed sardines! CNY 2 takes you close to all the major tourist spots in the city but some walking may be required.


WHEN TO GO

Beijing’s tropical continental climate can swing from extremely hot and dry summers to bitterly cold winters, at times reaching 0°C. It’s best to go during autumn, when a cool breeze settles under the sun, and early spring when the air pollution is low. Unfortunately, both seasons are known to be the shortest of the year and global warming has made the climate increasingly irregular. Major holidays in China are National Day on October 1st and the Spring Festival, usually taking place early during the year.

Public Holidays:
1st January – New Year
First Day of First Lunar Month – Chinese New Year
Fifth Solar Term – Qing Ming Festival
1st May – Labour Day
Fifth Day of Fifth Lunar Month – Dragon Boat Festival
Fifteenth Day of Eighth Lunar Month – Mid-Autumn Festival
1st October – National Day


WHERE TO STAY

Glamorous

Grand Hyatt
1 Dongchang'anjie
The Grand Hyatt is fitting for tourists as it is minutes away from all major tourist attractions as well as the Oriental Plaza Mall. It offers the best of both worlds – a subtle blend of Western and Oriental traditions encompassing contemporary hotel design and convenience with classic standards of service and excellence.

The Pangu 7 Star Hotel
27 Central North 4th Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101
As the only seven star hotel in Beijing, The Pangu 7 Star Hotel is situated opposite the Olympic Park and the new Birds Nest stadium. The hotel has 234 rooms, 140 suites and also contains French and Japanese dining venues and a Happiness Lounge that provides exquisite views of Beijing.

Grand Hotel Beijing
35 East Chang An Avenue
The Grand Hotel Beijing is superbly located, overlooking the majestic Imperial Forbidden City. Guest rooms and suites are decorated in the traditional Chinese Imperial style, and complemented by modern conveniences and the latest services.

Raffles Beijing
33 East Changan Jie
This high status hotel is the capital’s most prestigious place to stay. Beijing’s historical heritage can be seen in the building’s colonial architecture and its furnishings’ oriental influences.

Peninsula Beijing (Q Member’s Benefits)
8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing
Having recently completed a USD 35 million renovation, the Peninsula Beijing has maintained its international reputation of providing supreme comfort and excellent service. The Peninsula is one of the premier hotels in the city.

China World
1 Jianguomen, Waidajie
Right at the heart of the business district, this city landmark is where government and business leaders chose to stay because of its prestige and popularity amongst international conferences. The ARIA restaurant bar is recommended for networking during lunch hours.

St. Regis (Q Member’s Benefits)
21 Jianguomenwai Dajie
Stay at the St. Regis Hotel and you’ll remember the hospitality and service. After its USD 50 million renovation, you will experience the most advanced modern conveniences and relax in absolute luxury.

The Westin Beijing Chaoyang (Q Member's Benefits)
No.7 North Dong San Huan Road
The Westin is the new kid on the block on the east side of town, combining high-quality service and cutting-edge design.

The Shangri- La Hotel
29 Zizhuyuan DongLu
Many visitors at the Shangri-La compliment the hotel’s spacious rooms. Although this hotel may be a bit far from tourist sites, it makes up with the excellent service and variety of restaurants.

The Ritz-Carlton – Financial Street
1 Jinchengfang Dongjie
The Ritz Carlton is one of the newest hotels in town and sports a hip and luxurious interior. With Bvlgari toiletries in their suites, this hotel is really up and coming but may be pulled back by the burgeoning developments surrounding the property. The Ritz-Carlton afternoon tea is as fabulous as here as it is at all its locations worldwide.

Park Hyatt
2 Jianguomenwai Street
As the tallest skyscraper on the famous Chang’an Avenue, the new Park Hyatt in the Central Business District is bringing new heights of luxury to Beijing. Guests can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from many areas of the hotel and it comes with gorgeous and luxurious hotel rooms.

InterContinental
11 Financial Street, Xi Cheng District
Inter Continental Beijing Financial Street was the first five-star hotel and the first green hotel in the western part of the city’s prestigious business district. A magnificent 18-storey atrium, contemporary design and traditional Chinese art make it a top choice among glitzy visitors, as does the ideal location.

The Regent
99 Jinbao Street, Wangfujing
Luxurious accommodation, the ultimate in modern comforts, gracious hospitality and exquisite service seamlessly come together to create an inspired, indelible experience that is distinctly the Regent Beijing. This is the only hotel in Asia that scored a perfect 100 in the 2007 Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards.

Sofitel Wanda Beijing
Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Street
The first flagship Sofitel in China, Sofitel Wanda Beijing provides a unique blend of French extravagance and Chinese splendour. Check out the hotel’s signature, 3-Michelin star rated Le Pré Lenôtre restaurant with Lenôtre chef de cuisine Frederic Meynard at the helm.

JW Marriott Hotel
No.83 Jianguo Road
Located in the Central Business District, the JW Marriott Hotel offers convenient access to the city’s major attractions. All rooms feature the latest in-room technology within a contemporary and fashionable setting.

Hutong Hotels

Hotel Cote Cour SL
70 Yanyue Hutong
A chic upscale boutique hotel set in a Chinese courtyard house. Fully modernized rooms have unique contemporary furniture and fantastic views of the courtyard gardens.

China Club
51 Xirongxian Hutong, Xidan
This Hutong palace built in the 16th century is now a part of China Club, a private members club. The palace rooms are beautifully decorated with authentic Chinese antiques but the imperial style beds may not be too comfortable for long legged foreigners!

Red Capital Residence (Q Member’s Benefits)
66 Dongsijiutiao
A night at the Red Capital Residence is like reliving Beijing’s history. These courtyard rooms may be small and dimly lit but those were the delicate standards during the Imperial times.

Lu Song Yuan Hotel
22 Banchang Hutong
Beijing Lu Song Yuan Hotel is set in the former residence of a Qing Dynasty Grand General Zeng Ge Ling Qin. The traditional compound comprises five courtyards in an old style “Hutong”, complete with caged birds.

DuGe Courtyard Boutique Hotel
No. 26 Qian yuan’ensi hutong, Nan Luo Gu Xiang
Located in the famous Drum & Bell Tower neighbourhood, DuGe Boutique Hotel is one of Beijing's best kept secrets. It was designed by the renowned Belgian interior and jewellery designer Jehanne de Biolley and the design prodigy and film maker Harrison Liu, who collaborated to create DuGe's intimate courtyard touch. This decadent hotel is comprised of uniquely refined suites with privileged 24 hour concierge services. Though pure luxury and elegance are abound, the atmosphere will still leave you feeling totally comfortable.

Boutique Hotels

Hotel Kapok
16 Donghuamen Street
Hotel Kapok is a shiny new boutique hotel right on the east side of Beijing. This ultra modern hotel features private bamboo gardens and views of Tian'anmen Square square in several of their suites.

The Emperor Hotel
No. 33 Qihelou St
Centrally located on a very quiet tree-lined street of Beijing, this hotel has avant-garde interior features – a modern aesthetic accented with traditional symbolic touches. Don’t miss Jin, the rooftop bar, which has amazing views during the day and you can watch the city light up in the evening.

The Opposite House
The Village at Sanlitun, Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Beilu
The Opposite House, a contemporary boutique hotel designed by esteemed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and it boasts 100 guestrooms, a sunken garden with an open fireplace, and a stainless steel swimming pool.

Hotel G
7 Workers’ Stadium West Road
This vibrant, stylish and luxury designer hotel at the heart of the bustling Sanlitun area is the perfect complement to new Beijing. With 1960-inspired décor and subtle Chinese accents to reflect the rhythms of a metropolitan lifestyle, Hotel G also holds the first Asian outlet of a renowned LA destination burger & wine restaurant, a Tibetan themed rooftop dining lounge G Spot and an elegant Japanese restaurant

Resorts

Commune at the Great Wall Kempinski
The Shuiguan Great Wall exit
Eleven villas designed by twelve of Asia’s best contemporary architects, this resort boasts breathtaking views of the Great Wall as well as its own private entrance. The bamboo house and suitcase house are some of the most in demand venues for private gatherings.

Aman Resort Summer Palace
15 Gongmenqian Street, Summer Palace, Dongchen District
Located just steps from the east gate of the iconic garden estate, The Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing – once a retreat for Qing Dynasty emperors and their entourages – offers guests an inspired glimpse of the past, while providing every modern comfort. The resort is the ideal base from which to explore China’s vibrant capital and offers 18 guest rooms, 33 suites and an extensive selection of dining options, from The Chinese Restaurant and The Grill, to Naoki and The Lounge, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a 25m indoor pool and spa.

Bodega Langes
Shandong Gold Coast
Owned by famous Austrian entrepreneur Gerno Langes Swarovski, this resort hotel is surrounded by vineyards from which they make their very own vintage. Meals are taken at the gardens and visits to the vineyards happen daily.

Red Capital Ranch
No. 28 Xiaguandi Village
A humble getaway from the bustle of city streets, these cabins are a great stop for those wanting to hike up the Great Wall. Private picnic lunches can be prepared by the staff but if you don’t want to wander too far, the Wall runs right through the property.

Serviced Apartments

The Embassy House
Dongzhimenwai Dajie
The Embassy House apartments are the most luxurious service apartments in town. The facilities and services are impeccable and the charming lobby cafe makes it all the more appealing.

Palm Springs, Marriott Executive Apartments
8 Changyang Park South Road
Palm Springs offers a unique experience, merging the modern comforts of home with state-of-the-art facilities. Stay fit and rejuvenated with visits to their members-only club featuring whirlpools with natural hot springs, a sauna, and an indoor 55m swimming pool.

The Westin Beijing, Executive Residences
9b Financial Street XiCheng
The Westin Executive Residences are right on the Financial Street, making them especially useful for business trips to Beijing.

Shangri-la Residences (China World Tower 3)
No.1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue
The Shangri-la Residents are located in the prestigious Central Business District of Beijing. Residents can enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of home with professional services.

Frasier Residences Beijing - CBD
7 Guang Hua Road
The new Frasier Residents in the Central Business District combine both style and comfort in each 357 Gold-Standard apartment. With a complete range of necessities including meeting rooms, business centres and a well equipped gym, you can benefit from a stay at Frasier.


WHERE TO EAT

Taste of Asia

Zen5es - Cantonese
No.7 North Dong San Huan Road, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang
This contemporary Cantonese restaurant also serves some of the ‘top five’ must-try dishes of other regional Chinese cuisines (Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan, Hunan, Zhejiang). The restaurant is also home to a full bar with a wide selection of Chinese liquors.

Made in China - Traditional Chinese
Grand Hyatt Hotel
A chic interior by Japanese designer SuperPotato, matches the delicious food served at this modern Chinese restaurant. At Made in China, its famed Peking Duck is such a popular request, it may need pre-ordering.

LAN - Contemporary Sichuanese
4/F Twin Tower, B12 JianGuoMen WaiDaJie
Renowned French designer Philippe Starck uses eccentric details to give an “Alice in Wonderland” feel to the restaurant. Each one of the 19 private rooms has a unique theme all closed off inside tall velvet curtains. The fusion menu complements the sensation evoked by the exotic surroundings. If you have a very important guest and need a place to dine and impress, this is the venue. Otherwise, it’s more of a feast for the eyes, not the stomach.

Green T House (Q Member’s Benefits) - Contemporary
6 GongTi XiLu
Walking through a heavy wooden door, you will love this ultra-chic, loft-style restaurant. The food is light and imaginative, especially those with tea-infused flavours. The minimalist décor and attentive service attract a modern crowd.

Makoto - Japanese
China Central Place, Unit L401, 4th floor, 81 JianGuo Road
Executive Chef Makoto Ono is currently Canada’s culinary champion – the winner of the 2007 Gold Medal Plates, his cuisine is personal, utilizing French cooking techniques to prepare Japanese ingredients and dishes. The Japanese theme of flowing energy is conveyed through the use of lighting throughout the restaurant, especially with the illumination of the teppanyaki, robata + tempura, and sushi islands.

Da Dong Roast Duck - Peking Duck
1-2/F, NanXinCang Int'l Building, A22, DongSi ShiTiao
Da Dong Restaurant is renowned for serving the best Peking Duck in town. At the table, you are personally served slices of the duck by the chef and offered a wide choice of condiments. Meals are beautifully presented. After your meal you will truly understand why Beijing people have so much pride in their food.

Tiandi Yi Jia - Chinese Cuisine
140 Nan Chi Zi Dajie, DongCheng. Beijing
Entering the elegant dining room of Tiandi Yijia is like being transported to a modern revival of an imperial palace. High-backed wooden chairs and furniture show the grand tradition of Ming craftsmanship. Though beautiful, its airy dining room is not designed for winter as a chilly draft may run through the room.

Kagen - Teppanyaki
Heqiao Mansion, A8 GuangHua Donglu
Watch master chefs with unbelievable knife skills cook your teppanyaki right in front of you. Kagen restaurant is perfect for entertaining business clients or impressing a date.

Whampoa Club - Chinese Cuisine
23A Financial Street
Set in a courtyard with skyscrapers towering above, Whampoa Club serves up deliciously creative twists on re-invented traditional Beijing food, in a quiet atmosphere.

Jasmine - Fusion
GongTi DongLu
Many Chinese stars go to this restaurant to have a taste of the wondrous fusion food. The smart décor looks great but may be uncomfortable at times.

Royal (Mei Wei Zhen) - Imperial Cuisine
L124, SB128, F/1, West Wing, China World Trade Centre
As the name suggests, Royal Cuisine offers recipes and dishes of the imperial kitchens, dating from the time of Qing Dynasty. The exquisite Man-Han Quanxi provides a feast of complete Manchu and Han courses making this place perfect for an indulgent banquet dining session.

The Summit - South Asian
Hotel KunLun, 2 Xin Yuan Nan Lu
A rotating restaurant with a beautiful view of Beijing, the menu has a variety of Asian foods but Quintessentially highly recommends the Indian selection.

Duck de Chine (Q Member’s Benefits)- Peking Duck
1949 Hidden City
Duck de Chine services authentic Peking duck with a friendly Western ambience. It is a perfect place to experience the Beijing favourite while escaping from the crowds.

Le Quai - Contemporary Chinese
Opposite Gate 12, in Worker’s Stadium
The 200-year-old Qing Dynasty interior taken from the home of a nobleman from Jiang Xi, and the modern French artistry, create a chic venue with a true fusion atmosphere and a unique haute cuisine experience.

Taste of the West

Seasonal Tastes - International 
No.7 North Dong San Huan Road, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang
The city’s best kept secret, Seasonal Tastes features different live cooking stations playfully employing breakfast elements from all over the world and super food health corners! The award-winning Bubbalicious Sunday Brunch keeps driving the culinary trend for Beijing dinners.

Maison Boulud (Q Member’s Benefits) - French
23 Qianmen Dong Da Jie
World renowned French chef, Daniel Boulud, has opened his new restaurant this month in the renovated and chic Legation Quarter. Maison Boulud’s offers impressively presented, delicious food along with impeccable five-star quality service that is a welcomed addition to the Beijing dining scene.

Blu Lobster - Contemporary European
29 Zizhuyuan Street, Shangri-La Hotel Beijing
Blu Lobster is the flagship for a whole new contemporary dining concept in Beijing. Irish chef Brian McKenna takes you on a culinary adventure using seasonal ingredients. Try the Taster Menu and enjoy the finest selection of Bordeaux wines in town.

Aria - Italian
2/F, China World Hotel, 1 JianGuoMen WaiDaJie
During lunch hours, Aria is where the most influential business deals in Beijing are made. Their business lunch menu has a perfect choice of delicious, easy-to-eat food ideal for discussions over a meal.

Cepe - Italian
1 JinChengFang Dongjie, The Ritz Carlton
Authentic Italian food is served at this swanky Ritz-Carlton restaurant. Cepe, meaning meals with mushrooms, grows its own range of Italian mushrooms so as to serve the freshest ingredients possible.

Le Pre Lenotre - French
Sofitel Wanda Beijing
Located in Sofitel hotel Beijing, Le Pre Le Notre has an elegant décor without being too stuffy. It provides genuine French food with high-quality ingredients and service by a friendly, French waiting staff. The establishment has without doubt brought an exclusive Parisian touch to Beijing’s dining scene. They also do a wonderful job of pairing the most apt wine with each course.

Barolo - Italian
2nd Floor, Ritz Carlton Hotel
Named after the famous wine from Italy’s Piedmont region, Barolo is a contemporary Italian restaurant with over 150 wines. The semi-open kitchen plan allows patrons to observe Italian culinary specialists preparing the finest cuisine Italy has to offer.

Danieli’s - Italian
2/F, St. Regis Hotel
Not only deemed the best Italian restaurant in town, it was recently named one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by the New York Times. Its elaborate, aesthetically pleasing, décor adds a comfortably formal setting to an evening accompanied by some of the best cuisine in the city.

Mare - Spanish
14 Xindong Street
Mare is an excellent eatery with a quality Mediterranean menu, the stylishly-attired waiters are renowned for their top-notch service and the comfortable seating and relaxing ambiance make it a sleek place for a romantic night in town. Don’t forget to try their Bomba de Chocolate Caliente.

Garden of Delights - Latin American
53 Donghuamen Street
A one-of-a-kind restaurant, the stunning décor features vaulted ceilings and dining areas surrounded by Renaissance style art panels. Superb Latin American cuisine from the world renowned chef Edgal Leal makes this place Beijing’s insider secret gem.

Aqua (Q Member’s Benefits) - Spanish
23 Qianmen Dong Da Jie, Legation Quarter
Whether you want a sit-down dinner or a casual glass of Rioja with tapas croquette at the bar, Agua allows you to do either in both style and comfort. Executive Chef Jordi Valles (ex-Mare Nostrum) has brought his experience from Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Spain to Beijing and the stunning outdoor area can accommodate up to 40 people (seated).

Smart Casual

Assagi – Italian
1 SanLiTun Beixiaojie
Very popular amongst expats, Assagi’s recent makeover gives it a slick new look and a rooftop patio fit for summer lunches.

L'isola – Italian
Pacific Century Place
L’isola is very much a hidden gem in Beijing; located in a shopping mall in a somewhat isolated space. This is a dining experience not to be missed, the ingredients used and the attention to detail in each dish are of an extremely impressive standard.

Salt - Contemporary Cuisine
1/F Trio Building, Jiangtai Xilu
Sister restaurant to Alemada, the concept of the restaurant is based around a particular salt used in the food preparation. Salt is as popular as the owner’s first venture, Alemada, has been extremely successful since it opened its doors late in 2007.

Grange - Steak House
No.7 North Dong San Huan Road, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang
A fine dining modern and trendy steak restaurant with a welcoming 1920s-style cocktail lounge area. With a huge wine selection, Grange provides an evening of delights for wine lovers! The super-value lunch menu is also delicious.

Yu – Chinese
A83 Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Jianguo Road
Yu, meaning jade in Chinese, never fails to please with a traditional dinner. Don’t miss the in-house 'tea master', on hand to help complement each meal with the finest selection of graded teas.

Pure Lotus - Vegetarian
10 NongZhan NanLi
Beijing’s Buddhist monks know exactly how to run a restaurant in town. Pure Lotus serves a superb vegetarian menu in fun and exotic surroundings.

Hatsune – Japanese
2F, Heqiao Building, Bldg C, A8 GuangHua DongLu
One of the most prized restaurants in Beijing, Hatsune has mastered the finest details in food and service.

Nuage - Vietnamese
22 QianHai Lake East Bank
With a very beautiful view of HouHai Lake, this restaurant has the ideal setting for those who want to have a romantic Vietnamese dinner.

Fauchon
Basement 2nd Floor, Shin Kong Place Mall
A Parisian delight right in the heart of Beijing, Fauchon restaurant has signature funky designs and private rooms named after major Parisian monuments.

Element Fresh
S8-31, The Village at Sanlitun, 19 South Sanlitun Road
Originally from Shanghai, Element Fresh is a western-style eatery, particularly popular amongst health conscious people. Serving breakfast all day, scrumptious salads, gourmet sandwiches and some Asian specialities, it’s a place for comfort food lovers. With an outdoor terrace, Element Fresh is the perfect place to enjoy a meal during the summer.

Hot Loft - Hotpot
SanLiTun Nanlu
A chichi hotpot restaurant popular with expats and wealthy locals. For those who haven’t tried a Chinese hotpot before, this restaurant is a safe start.

Hazara - Indian
26 Dong Cao Yuan, Gongti South Street
Classy Indian fare served up in tasteful settings. This former school is now a playground for Beijing's movers and shakers and serves the best curry in town in a deep, dark and seductive décor.

Camp - Chinese (Yunan)
6th Floor, Gongti Xi Street
Innovative Yunnan style cuisine in a semi-industrial but cosy setting. This place is the new favoured spot for all the hipsters in town. The beef with dumplings are especially good.

Alameda - Brazilian
SanLiTun Beijie
Brazilian food at its best, this restaurant is on SanLiTun, making it the perfect place to start a long night of partying. The afternoon setting also makes Alameda pretty popular for business lunches and afternoon teas. Keep in mind this restaurant is always busy, so be sure to make reservations.

Mosto
3/F, Nali Huayuan, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, Sanlitun
A casual yet smart atmosphere serves excellent and creative dishes on the menu. Bustling with life on the corner of Nali studio, Mosto is a comfortable lunch and dinner setting for food lovers.

Sureno
The Village Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Beilu, Sanlitun
Housed in the hip Opposite House boutique hotel, Sureno impress you with its sophisticated ambience and great Mediterranean food. The wine list is decent and service is attentive.

Local Hotspots

Sichuan’s Provincial Office
No.5 Gongyuantoutiao
Also known as Chuanban by locals, this restaurant is not an upscale option, but may be worth your time. It's hard to find, loud and crowded, but one of the best Sichuan restaurants in town. If you are keen to experience the real spice of Sichuan in a genuinely local setting, this may well be your ideal spot.

Bai Family Mansion
No.15 Suzhou Jie
The former residence of Prince Li (leader of the Manchu Dynasty), décor is traditional green, blue and gold and calligraphy lines the walls while red lanterns illuminate surroundings both inside and out. The al fresco seating in the restaurant’s private gardens should be used to watch evening Peking opera performances. Specializing in imperial cuisine, Manchu princesses (geges) dressed in traditional clothing greet visitors with nin ji xiang.

Fei Teng Yu Xiang
Chunxiu Lu 1, Gongti Beilu
With the best shui zhu yu (spicy water-boiled fish) in town, this is a beloved place amongst Beijing’s ever-growing spice-addicted youngsters. Eating shui zhu yu is meant to be a messy affair, so get a bib and plenty of napkins. This is best for those who want a hands-on eating experience.

Tea & Coffee

Lao She Tea House
3 QianMen Xidajie
A vibrant Chinese tea house with nightly traditional theatre performances and Peking opera.

Hoard Executive Club
No.26 Northern East 3rd Ring Road
Besides savouring the delicate tea, you can also peruse and purchase items from the owner’s own collection of valuable teapots, tea and traditional Chinese furniture.

Ritz Carlton
1 Jin Cheng Fang East Street, Financial Street
Enjoy an authentic English high tea menu or the option of traditional Chinese teas.

Sparrow Café
103 Building 7, Unit 7, Sanlitun North Street
This tiny little café has a special blend of Arabica coffee beans from four countries and also makes the best hot chocolate.

Zarah
42 Gulou Dongdajie
This cosy little coffee shop serves up a small selection of espresso drinks, basic cocktails, homemade pastries and the city’s best ice-cream. Though decorated with modern furniture and photography, it has a “mom’n’pop” kind of feel.

Bookwarm
Gunshi Dayan, Sanlitun Nan lu
Bookwarm is one of a kind: a café where you can enjoy both a good crowd and some relaxing reading. This is a library where you can find the biggest selection books on China and many other foreign books on all subjects.


BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Bar/Lounge

Mix - Jazz Lounge
No.7 North Dong San Huan Road, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang
An eclectic bar and lounge, this is the perfect meeting place to relax after a busy working day, and the place to enjoy live jazz in the evenings.  Features an extensive selection of champagnes and wines.

Centro
1 GuangHua Lu, 1/F, Kerry Centre Hotel
For those that like to do some networking in the evening, Centro is where all the rich and successful come to spend what they’ve earned.

M Bar
6th Floor, Sofitel Hotel, Wanda Plaza
This is the best place for Champagne cocktails - try their signature M Passion.

Loong Bar
2nd Floor, JW Marriott
Recently opened, Loong is the new contender for the title of best hotel bar in Beijing. Its snazzy interior, professional staff and quality cocktails hit all the right opulent notes.

Bed Bar
17 Zhangwang Hutong, Jiu Gu lou Street
As the name suggests, this Hutong bar draws in a well-heeled clientele with its kang beds and numerous comfy rugs and pillows. Try their famous Mojito while listening to soft techno music in the background.

Q Bar
Eastern Hotel
The breathtaking view from this roof top terrace creates a cool atmosphere, great for summer nights. Opened by two serious bartenders, Q Bar promises carefully-crafted drinks that attract a young and successful crowd.

Face
26 DongCaoYuan
Decorated with Asian antiques and opium beds, this lounge bar has seen many famous faces and is itself a sister club of renowned Face club, Shanghai.

i-Ultra Lounge
8 Chaoyang Xi Lu
Chic decor and funky music make this the “it” place on weekends. This upscale lounge gathers socialites for cocktails and Champagne with a fantastic view of Chaoyang Park.

Ichikura
36 Dong Sanhuan North Street
Offering the most impressive selection of top-shelf single-malt whiskies (Glenmorangie) and bourbons (Knob Creek, Makers Mark) in Beijing.

Cross Club
8 SanLiTun Nanlu
A cigar lounge where Beijing’s richest come for good nights of wine and live jazz.

Mesh (Q Member’s Benefits)
Opposite House, Chaoyang Qu Sanlitun Lu 11 Hao Yuan 1 Hao Lou, Sanlitun
Located in the hottest spot in town, Mesh caters to a laid-back crowd with its simple yet elegant décor. Renowned for its stylish vibe and excellent cocktails, it has become the most popular spot for the city’s creative to mix and mingle.

Clubs

Block 8
8 Chaoyang Xi Lu
The chic décor, funky music, tantalising cocktail and Champagne list plus unrivalled views of Chaoyang Park make this the most happening place in Beijing over the weekend.

Touch
No.7 North Dong San Huan Road, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang
Experience this playful, funky and technologically cutting-edge bar complete with interactive features. It has one of the largest selection of vodka-infused cocktails in town, with 88 kinds of vodka to choose from.

Klubbrouge
China View Tower 3, Gongti Dong Lu
Designed by renowned French architect Imaad Rahmouni, Klubbrouge offers an experience entirely dedicated to the pleasures of the senses, in the purest, most stylish Parisian manner. A 270° luxury view reaches as far as Xishan and you’ll also find Beijing’s only hand-rolled cigar bar in the members-only lounge.

The World of Suzie Wong
A must see in Beijing night scene. It has been popular since its opening in 2002. Named after the Richard Mason novel set in Hong Kong, Suzie Wong is seductive, sexy, and a place that guarantees an evening of exuberance.

Punk
The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Road, Sanlitun
Punk is an underground club (literally), that delivers good quality music and draws a decent crowd for a good night fun.

Bling
Solana #5-1, No. 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang Park
As its name suggests, Bling is an upscale place for hip-hop lovers. With its innovative concept and funky design, it brings the hip-hop night scene in Beijing to a high-end level.


WHERE TO SHOP

Malls

Shin Kong Place
87 JianGuo Lu
A shopping complex selling strictly luxury goods. It even has a Fauchon department store in its basement.

Seasons Place
2 Jinchengfang Street, Financial Street
The four storey shopping mall holds over 120 high-end shops. The highlight is the multi-brand specialty store, Lane Crawford from Hong Kong.

Park Life Yintai Shopping Center
Beijing Yintai Centre, No.2, Jianguomen Waidajie, Jianguomen
Park Life is the new edition to luxury shopping in town. It is situated in the heart of Beijing’s centre business district and home to flagship stores of many top-notch names such as D&G, Gucci, Shanghai Tang, Guess and more.

The Place
9 GuangHua Lu
The Place mall has hip, mid-range designers which attract a younger crowd. This mall also has the Skyscreen – the longest LED screen in the world as a roof top.

China World Mall
1 JianGuoMen Waidajie
Also called GuoMao, this shopping complex has stores selling all types of luxury products, from clothes and cosmetics to modern and antique art.

Oriental Plaza
9 GuangHua Lu
The Oriental Plaza is one of the largest buildings in Asia, and if that's not enough for you, continue shopping on WangFuJing street right across the street.

The Palace Hotel
South Gate, RiTan Garden
One of the earliest luxury shopping malls, it is still very popular with Beijing’s high society.

The Village at Sunlitun
Courtyard 19, Sanlitun Road, Sanlitun,Gongti
Hong Kong developer Swire Properties has created this CNY 4.8 billion project in the vibrant Sunlitun Area and is one of Beijing’s premier shopping destinations.

Boutiques

Spin
6 Fangyuan Xilu
Dealing primarily in porcelain, Spin has a wide selection of artistic ceramics and collectables at reasonable prices. Jewellery boxes and other ornaments are all hand-crafted by young Chinese designers, and make excellent gifts as well as souvenirs for you.

Tarra Plana
Tarra Plana offers a stunning collection of partially recycled and eco-friendly footwear to suit all tastes. Truly unique and individual, all shoes are produced by hand and it’s certainly worth a visit so as to take a pair home for your friends to covet.

Katharine Hamnett
T-shirts from the priestess of protest slogans include 'Clean Up or Die' and 'Worldwide Nuclear Ban Now'. Ethically made in India from organic cotton, she also uses environmentally friendly printing inks. There are plain versions in a selection of colours for the days you feel less militant.

Torana Gallery
Shop 8, Kempinski Hotel
Torana was opened by Chris Buckley, a former guidebook writer, who is passionate about Tibetan culture. You will be able to find many genuine Tibetan and Chinese wool rugs in this shop.

Shanghai Tang
Grand Hyatt Hotel
After a long wait, the Shanghai Tang chain in Beijing finally opened its flagship and located itself at Grand Hyatt Hotel. Each design available here reflects different themes of Chinese Culture.

Five Colours Earth
Oriental Plaza
Very much influenced by Chinese minority cultures, the design of Five Colours Earth is very personal and specific. It adopts elements from marvellous Miao embroidery and traditional Chinese crafts. Five Colours Earth gives new life to the almost extinct art.

Yandai Alley
Wandering around Yandai Alley is full of surprises; it is one of the oldest and still well-preserved iHutongs in Beijing. Many shops are stocked with ethnic garments accessories and antiques.

Tea Markets

Ma Lian Dao Cha Yuan
A street where all sorts of teas to be found, Quintessentially recommends a tea ceremony to get you into the tea shopping mood.

Antique Markets

Pan Jia Yuan
A market selling antique china, clothing and house decorations dating back to imperial times. This market is notorious for selling fakes, so ask Quintessentially to arrange an art specialist to accompany you.

LiuLiChang Street
An art market that started during the Qing Dynasty where Chinese masterpieces and traditional art supplies are sold at negotiable prices. Visit RongBaoZhai shop, the most famous on the street for its 300 years of history.

Cottage Warehouse
4 North Ritan Road, Chaoyang District
Primarily featuring Chinese antiques, this warehouse has a massive and most impressive selection of Asian antique furniture from small wooden washbasins to elaborately designed Tibetan chests. It offers bespoke services for clients that want custom designed furniture.

TangHouse Gallery
4/F, Antique Furniture Market, 519 Fenzhongsi
It specialises in custom-made furniture service providing both antique and contemporary design.

Gao Bei Dian
A street filled with shops selling antique Chinese furniture and miniature sculptures of famous Chinese monuments.

Jewellery

Hong Qiao
Diamonds and pearls sell here at discount prices. Make sure to bargain hard.

Clothes & Accessories

Silk Street Pearl Market
Another one of Beijing’s tourist market malls. This place is a one-stop-shop for all Chinese treasures of silk, jade and pearls.

Furniture

COFCO Plaza
8 JianGuoMen Nandajie
A warehouse with shops selling modern international furniture at unbeatable prices. You will find Italian and French furniture at Camerich and Ligne Roset.

Tailor

Red Pheonix
30, SanLiTun Street
Chinese tailoring with modern designs.

Mei Gui Fang by Guo Pei
China World Mall, SB-133
Guo Pei’s eccentric style has earned her the title of ‘John Galliano of the Orient.’ She has revolutionised Chinese couture with her prêt-a-porter collection and bespoke tailoring.

Dave’s Custom Tailoring
104 Kerry Centre
The master tailor Dave has over thirty years of experience and the shop is well-known for its Savile Row-quality suits.

Trarls Gledon
1F05, Kunlun Hui Shopping Mall
Very high quality fabric, hundreds of different suit designs, and hand stitched suits that are as finely constructed and comfortable as they are good looking.

Shanghai Xu’s Chinese Dress
The Kerry Center Mall 118
Two branches with a huge range of good quality ready to wear clothing.

Miss Wei
By appointment only
Miss Wei makes slinky, chic, custom-made jackets, pants, and other garments from butter-soft leather or suede.

Mr Tang
By appointment only
Mr Tang does pretty much anything that you ask for, a very sweet and skilful tailor that comes to your door and can make dresses that imitate any image that he is shown. He works mainly with the embassy crowd in town and he can also provide the fabric.

Arts and Galleries

Factory 798
DaShanZi Art District
DaShanZi Art District is the foundation of China’s entire contemporary art scene. Before Chinese artists embraced it as the centre of creative activity, it was a massive space designed by German architects where Russian factories were built. Not only is 798 the place where many Chinese local artists such as Yang Shaobin and Yu Minjun rose to fame, but the lingering political past of the complex shows visitors an inkling of a painful part of Chinese history.

Caochangdi
Caochangdi is also known as the second 798 Art Zone, it is a little bit more remote than Dashanzi and has less of a commercial touch.

Heiqiao Village
As the fame of the 798 Art Zone grows; many Chinese artists have escaped and moved their studios to this remote village. Local residences had no clue that famous artists were their next-door neighbours.

Red Gate Gallery
Located in the Watchtower, Red Gate actively promotes contemporary Chinese Art.

UCCA
798 Art Zone
UCCA finally moved to Beijing late last year and made a series of successful exhibits to meet the excitement of art lovers in Beijing.

Amelie Gallery
798 Art Zone
Amelie Gallery dedicates itself to supporting and capturing vibrant female contemporary Chinese art.

798 White Space
798 Art Zone
White Space is among the most impressive art spaces in 798. White Space features more than 40 artists, and it consists of galleries, a café and some fine vintage shops.

Chinese Contemporary Art
798 Art Zone
This London based company uses this art space to exhibit some of the finest Chinese contemporary art.

Tokyo Art Project
798 Art Zone
One of the most forward-thinking galleries in the 798 Art Zone, many impressive art exhibitions are held here.

Galleria Continua Beijing
798 Art Zone
Opened by three Italian art lovers, this gallery creates a platform for dialogues between Chinese artists and the international art world as well as for Italian artists and contemporary Chinese art.


HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Anantra
Commune by the Great Wall, Kempinski
Tailored spa packages are provided in this resort with spa journeys lasting up to a week. Anantra is at the commune by the Great Wall which means it is surrounded by greenery and has spectacular views.

Zen
Bldg 1, A8 XiaoWuJi Lu
A truly tranquil atmosphere can be found in this Hutong spa. Nominated on several occasions as the best spa in China, Zen has sensational packages with unique massages and milk baths.

CHI
29 ZiZhuYuan Road
One of Beijing’s best hotel spas, CHI has created a Tibetan sanctuary at the heart of the busy city.

Hairdressers

Toni & Guy
9 GuangHua Xili
This famed British hair salon has become very popular with locals trusting Western expertise. They only have a single salon in Beijing located downtown – so book ASAP.

Tony Studio
Villa 9, JianWai Soho
First started in Beijing, Tony Studio is the most successful local chain of high-end hairdressers in the country. This beauty salon is known to attract many local celebrities who experiment with haircuts, styling and makeup. China’s top hairdressers can be found here but the service needs a little improvement.

Eric Paris Salon
Shop 123, Kerry Center
Straight from Paris, this hair salon has local and foreign talent working together providing the very best results. Eric Salon has managed to expand to a further two key locations in the city, both of which are located near shopping streets.

C. de France
SanLiTun North Bar Street
A charming French hair salon perfect for a quick haircut and styling while shopping in SanLiTun.

Frank Provost
Shin Kong Place, Jianguo Rd
The new Frank Provost salon in Shin Kong Place has a clean, white, modern décor and uses L'Oreal and Kerastase products. Enjoy a cappuccino or tea as the experts take care of your hair.

Nail Bars

Frangipani
30 SanLiTun Beijie
A cute, relaxed nail salon well located between SanLiTun’s shopping spots.

Lovely Nails
TongLi Studio, Bei SanLiTun
A nail bar with very pleasant staff, perfect for a quick pampering.

Nail+
B23, Kerry Centre Mall
Full range hand manicure, foot pedicure and artificial nail services are available here.

Golf

Bayhood No. 9 Golf Club
Awarded the prize of ‘China’s Best Top New Golf Course’, Bayhood No. 9 presents its best golf course, luxury entertainment and basic facilities, including restaurants and hotels. The Golf Club is a membership club and maintains a good relationship with Quintessentially.

Pine Valley Golf Resort & Country Club
Where Asia’s best golfers come to play at the Asian Tour.

Beijing International Golf Club
A golf course with great views of the Ming Tombs River and Reservoir

Horse Racing/ Riding

Beijing Jockey Club
Beijing Jockey Club was founded in the year of 2001. It is one of the biggest horse riding clubs in Asia.

Hanci Horse Riding Club
Tianlongyuan Village, west of Xiguan Roundabout
Established by a member of China Equestrian Society, this club out in Changping offers a wide range of horse riding activities from polo practice to basic training.

Wineries

Bodega Langes
It takes three hours to reach this wine chateaux but it is well worth the ride. Bodega Langes was the vision of Austrian entrepreneur Gerno Langes. He has invested over USD 29 million for this project. Bodega Langes estates also includes a luxurious hotel, making it a great place to come to escape from the big city.


WHAT TO SEE

The Great Wall - An old Chinese proverb says “One cannot be a hero without having been to The Great Wall”. But lucky for you, Quintessentially isn’t expecting you to be a hero and traverse the twisting heights of the historic wall. We simply suggest you go and take a hike while you are there and buy the “I’ve climbed the Great Wall” T-shirt to show off to envious friends back home.

Tian'anmen Square - Tian'anmen Square has been a political focal point since the May 4th Movement. Nowadays, it is where locals enjoy their afternoons flying kites and doing Tai Chi. The grandeur of this esplanade may seem intimidating but you could easily turn it into a romantic late night picnic with Champagne.

The Forbidden City - This Imperial playhouse, built during the Song Dynasty, was strictly for courtly use. These days, the Forbidden City is now open to the public for day tours. Explore of 720,000 square metres of private palaces and gardens – so make sure you take out 3 to 5 hours of your day.

Snack Street
Dong Hua Men
If you're the adventurous type, stroll along Dong Hua Men to taste some of the weirdest food you can find on Earth. We highly recommend the grilled scorpions!

Mao’s Limo - Take a ride in Chairman Mao’s limo to feel the power and dominance of the old communist leader.

Ride a Rickshaw - Enjoy the wonderful breeze from Houhai Lake on an authentic Chinese rickshaw and make sure you take a tour through Beijing’s Hutongs and back alleys.

CashBox Party World
Prime Tower, 22 Chaowai Dajie
A glitzy karaoke venue for the rich, CashBox Party World has over 100 karaoke rooms to rent and still manages to be crammed especially on weekends. With an ‘all you can eat’ local buffet at your service, you could eat and sing all night. Many English classics can be found in the never-ending playlist provided by CashBox.

Legation Quarter - The former American Legation and Embassy area, only a few yards east of Tian'anmen Square, has been restored to include high end restaurants, nightclubs, luxury retail space and a contemporary art gallery. Don’t miss this beautiful landmark.

1949: The Hidden City - This reconstructed factory space contains a complex of dining and entertaining venues. 1949 has preserved the original surroundings and blended them into its modern design. 1949 includes the restaurants Duck de Chine and Noodle Bar along with a private club and Gallery 49, the most vibrant gallery in downtown Beijing.

The Village at Sunlitun - Hong Kong developer Swire Properties has created this CNY 4.8 billion project in the vibrant Sunlitun Area and is one of Beijing’s premier shopping destinations.