INTHEBLACK September/October 2025 - Magazine - Page 58
F E AT U R E
BEIJING
China’s vast capital has something for everyone.
A fusion of ancient heritage and modern
dynamism, it has a thriving blues music scene.
LIQUN ROAST DUCK RESTAURANT: This is where
the locals go for great food at a reasonable price.
The decor is simple, but it is known for its Peking duck
and braised duck gizzard. Book in advance.
GETTING AROUND
KING’S JOY: A vegetarian restaurant with
a Michelin Star — that is the calling card for this
Dongcheng District eatery set within an old temple.
Beijing’s busy streets can be daunting, but its public
transport system is efficient. On the subway, most
signs and announcements are in Chinese and English.
Taxies are affordable, but they can be hard to hail in
rush-hour traffic (have a hotel name and destination
written in Chinese to show the driver).
Many people use DiDi or HelloRide as a convenient
bike-sharing alternative. Bus routes are extensive.
Get a Beijing Transportation Smart Card for
cashless payments.
Travel from Beijing Capital International Airport
to the city centre by train for ¥25, by taxi for ¥150
or by bus for ¥30.
Travel from Daxing International Airport to the
city centre by train for ¥35, by taxi for ¥250 or by
bus for ¥50.
LOCAL TASTES
There are gastronomic delights for foodies in every
neighbourhood.
MOKA BROS, CHAOYANG DISTRICT: Ideal for
breakfast meetings, this trendy cafe offers healthy
international fare in a bright space.
The owners have a few eateries,
but this venue is their
most popular.
INSIDER TIP
Schedule business
meetings to avoid rush
hour (roughly 7.30–9.30am
and 5.00–7.00pm) as
trains and roads get
crowded.
WHERE TO STAY
Beijing’s luxury hotel scene is growing at speed, but
there are still bargains to be found.
CHINA WORLD SUMMIT WING:
All rooms are elegant with floor-to-ceiling windows and
marble bathrooms. There is access to quality business
facilities and high-end dining.
KELLY’S COURTYARD HOTEL: For a budget hotel
close to the financial district, this charming courtyard
hotel is perfect. It is in Xidan District, known as the
Chinese Wall Street.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL WANGFUJING:
A high-end hotel offering tailored spaces for meetings
and events. The spa and wellness centres are
regarded as among Beijing’s best.
WHERE TO PLAY
Given China’s rich culture and history, its status as
a haven for travellers is no surprise.
THE FORBIDDEN CITY: A UNESCO World Heritage
site, this palace complex is famous for its imperial
history and grand architecture. Get there early for
one of the 80,000 tickets issued per day.
THE GREAT WALL, MUTIANYU: A well-preserved
and less-crowded section of the Great Wall, this site
is 90 minutes from the city — an ideal half-day trip.
Built in 1368AD, a distinctive feature of this site is
its three ancient watchtowers.
798 ART DISTRICT: This 1950s factory is now a
modern art zone with Beijing’s best art galleries,
cafes and design shops — perfect for a creative
break or a full day’s visit. The mix of contemporary
art and communist history tells a compelling story.
The Great Wall, section at Mutianyu,
north of Beijing, China
58 INTHEBLACK Sep/Oct 2025 SPECIAL EDITION
