Beijing: Editor Picks

Beijing Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant This bustling diner serves home-style Beijing dishes, including a sizzling version of the capital speciality: Peking roast duck. Chaoyang; Building 3; 011-8610-6582-2892
budget | restaurant | great value | chinese

Commune by the Great Wall Located 37 miles outside Beijing at the foot of the Great Wall of China, this unique design hotel comprising several über-chic villas offers private access to the Wall, butler service, and interior furnishings by designers such as Philippe Starck and Karim Rashid. Great Wall of China; Great Wall Exit, Badaling Highway; 011-8610-8118-1888; www.commune.com.cn
luxury | hotel | smart splurge | design | spa | smart luxury winner

Dashanzi, 798 Art District This renovated industrial complex in north Beijing is the hub of China’s white-hot contemporary arts scene. Hip cafes and restaurants complement the labyrinth of galleries, art stores, and artists’ studios. Chaoyang; 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu; 011-8610-6437-6248; www.798space.com
culture | things to do | art

Forbidden City Beijing’s formerly golden-roofed imperial palace was once off limits to mere mortals, but today it attracts thousands of visitors daily. The scale is astonishing; the high-walled compound contains six main palaces and 800 smaller buildings. Dongcheng; Dongchang’an Dajie; www.dpm.org.cn
family | architecture | historic | things to do

Haggle at a market Bargaining at one of Beijing's crowded markets – whether for silks, sunglasses, or spices – is an essential experience. Always offer 20 percent of the first quoted price; if the stall-holder refuses to budge, walk away – you'll be surprised how effective this can be. See more Beijing Tips

Houhai Created seven centuries ago, the ponds of Houhai are lined with teahouses, trendy shops, and lantern-lit pubs – an idyllic Old Beijing backdrop for sunset cocktails, rickshaw rides, and sauntering with the locals. between QianHai and XiHai, just north of QianHai; www.kinabaloo.com/houhai.html
things to do | shopping | walking

Hutong tour Learn about the genesis and enduring cultural significance of the fast-disappearing hutong neighborhoods that once comprised the capital. Most five-star hotels arrange private guided tours of hutongs for guests; Rickshaw Beijing also runs excellent guided visits. Dongcheng, Chaoyang; Rickshaw Beijing; 011-8610-6716-0201 x1006; www.tour-beijing.com/hutong
tour | things to do | history

LAN Beijing entrepreneur Zhang Lan hired Philippe Starck to design this 1.5-acre space, which comprises a restaurant, bar, and club. The result is eclectic – Mongolian yurts star in the dining room, while upside-down Regency-style portraits, ’50s Chinese memorabilia, and Starck’s eagle-winged thrones decorate the lounge. Chaoyang; 4/F Twin Tower; B12 Jianguomen Waidajie; 011-8610-5109-6012; www.lanbeijing.com
smart splurge | design | expensive | nightlife

Nanluo Guxiang Unfairly dubbed the “Disney Hutong,” this renovated half-mile chunk of old Beijing real estate avoided the bulldozers to become a tourism hotspot. Its 700-year-old lanes have morphed into a happening district of bars, restaurants, cafes, stores, and small hotels. Dongcheng; Nanluo Guxiang, near Di’anmen on Ping’an Dajie
architecture | culinary | historic | things to do

Torana Galleries Tibet enthusiast Chris Buckley sells exquisite handwoven Tibetan carpets, rugs, and antique furniture sourced in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. The gallery-style store is located in the Kempinski Hotel. Chao Yang District; 50 Liang Ma He Qiao Lu; 011-8610-6465-3388; www.toranahouse.com
smart splurge | expensive | shopping | home | handicrafts