Beijing

Beijing is the city where Chinese history feels most present. The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace are among the great monuments of the world, and the surviving hutong lanes still offer glimpses of courtyard life.

It is also a major food city: the home of Peking duck, of northern noodles and dumplings, and of restaurants that reinterpret imperial and regional traditions with real sophistication.

Autumn, from September to early November, is the finest season, with clear skies and mild temperatures. Spring is pleasant but can be windy. Summers are hot, and winters cold and dry, though winter light over the palaces can be beautiful. Avoid the national holiday weeks in early May and early October if possible.

The Beijing Subway covers most sights and is efficient, with signage in English. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport are both linked to the city by express rail. The Great Wall at Mutianyu is best visited by car, around one and a half hours from the centre.

Aman Summer Palace, beside the imperial gardens, is one of the most atmospheric hotels in China. In the city, The Opposite House in Sanlitun is a design landmark, and Rosewood Beijing offers a polished base in the central business district.

Peking duck is essential, and Da Dong is among the best-known names for a lighter, crisp-skinned version. Jing Yaa Tang, at The Opposite House, pairs duck with dishes from across China, while King's Joy, near the Lama Temple, is a reference for refined vegetarian cooking.

The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace are essential. Walk the hutongs around Houhai and the Drum and Bell Towers, visit the Lama Temple, and allow a day for the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The 798 Art District shows the contemporary side of the city.

The currency is the renminbi (yuan). Mobile payments dominate; set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Tickets for the Forbidden City must be reserved online in advance with a passport number and often sell out. Many international websites and apps are restricted in mainland China. Check current visa rules before travel.