Fodor's Beijing

Exciting, rich, and kaleidoscopically colorful, Beijing is a must-visit for
travelers to China. This is the place to experience China's economic
boom and see how the city has fueled the country's artistic, culinary, and
sociological revolutions. Here travelers hurtle through the centuries, from
courtyard-lined hutongs to breathtaking skyscrapers, from the ancient
Forbidden City to the Dashaizi 798 Art District, Beijing's gallery-packed
answer to New York City's Chelsea art district. To help navigate this
popular destination (China is the fifth most-visited country in the world),
Fodor's Beijing showcases the top experiences along with savvy travel
advice to make a visit to Beijing an experience of a lifetime.
EXPANDED COVERAGE: Fodor's Beijing keeps pace with the latest and greatest, from
Beijing's ever-expanding subway system to the best pedicab tours; from awe-inspiring
performances at the Peking Opera to the hottest new nightclub on Lake Houhai (and where to
go for a healing tai-chi session the morning after). Fodor's on-the spot experts cover it all, as
well as which palace-hotels roll out the red carpet for business leaders and which restaurants
offer the spice-infused "Imperial Banquet."
HELPFUL TRANSLATIONS: Each property is listed with Chinese characters and Pinyin (the
official phonetics system for transliteration), as well as its English name, to make navigating the
city easier.
ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Full-color, magazine-style features highlight distinctive aspects of
Beijing's culture and history, including an illustrated layout of the Forbidden City, the lowdown on
Chinese cuisine, and a guide to getting the most out of a visit to the Great Wall.
INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: Neighborhood overviews with easy-to-read color
maps, top things to do, and tips for getting around help travelers plan their stays. "Best Bets"
charts for restaurants and hotels, and features on top attractions, top experiences, fabulous
festivals, and what to do with kids help prioritize what to see and do in this fascinating city.
DISCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS: Fodor's Beijing offers savvy advice and
recommendations from local writers to help travelers make the most of their time. Fodor's
Choice designates our best picks, from hotels to nightlife.
ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's travel guide is researched and written by local
experts.