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The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing

The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing

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Planning Your Trip

As the capital of a country with the oldest civilization in the world, which also currently happens to have one of the fastest-growing economies, Beijing is a rare breed of city where ancient relics and hypermodern developments coexist in surprising harmony. Here’s a packing guide for your trip.

Ladies and gentlemen await guest arrivals in a hotel lobby
Ladies and gentlemen await guest arrivals in a hotel lobby
Beijing, China
What To Pack

It’s customary to exchange business cards at all professional meetings in Beijing, so be sure to pack a large stack. Remember to present and receive cards with both hands as a sign of respect.

Business Travel

Despite its frenetic economic growth, Beijing remains a traditional city, and the expected business attire and etiquette reflect that.

  • Men are required to wear navy, black or gray suits with neutral ties and dark-colored shoes.

  • Women should also wear tailored pantsuits or dress suits. In the case of the latter, make sure your skirt falls no more than two inches above the knee. Skip the high heels for demure closed-toe shoes.

  • Pack a sleek briefcase or a document holder to complete your professional look.
Exploring the City

From trekking the Great Wall to wandering the palaces of the Forbidden City, Beijing is a sprawling metropolis with a wealth of things to see.

  • Pickpockets may lurk around crowded tourist sites, so bring a purse that zips or a messenger bag you can wear close to your body.

  • Comfortable shoes are a must if you don’t want to be stuck on the Great Wall with aching feet.

  • Pack extra layers to account for temperature changes between the humid outdoors and cooler, air-conditioned indoors.
Cultural Considerations

Conservatism still reigns in this cosmopolitan city. You’ll want to be respectful in ancient landmarks and be mindful of certain customs.

  • Red is considered a very auspicious color in China. If you have any accessories or clothing in that shade, throw them in your suitcase.

  • For visits to historical sites and sacred temples, bring a pashmina or sweater to cover bare shoulders.

  • Even in summer, short shorts and revealing clothing are frowned upon. Opt instead for loose, breezy fabrics.
A long meeting table with eight chairs
A long meeting table with eight chairs
Beijing, China
What To Reserve

Beijing sits at a crossroads between the traditional and the new. Here, you’ll see amazing feats of both ancient and modern architecture (the latter consists of skyscrapers built by star architects like Zaha Hadid and Rem Koolhaas) and play witness to China’s dizzying growth. Here’s what to book to get the most out of your trip.

Of the numerous options you have for Peking duck, Beijing’s most famous dish, Duck de Chine tops the list. Here, the duck is crisped to perfection on 60-year-old jujube wood, then carved tableside and sprinkled with DDC’s signature hoisin sauce. For the other regional specialty, zhajiangmian, hand-pulled noodles in a soybean paste, go to Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodle King. For a dining experience in a hutong, which is a traditional neighborhood of narrow alleyways and courtyards, go to the romantic, menu-less Dali Courtyard, where the chef serves Yunnan cuisine based on whatever fresh ingredients he’s sourced that day.

The city is brimming with landmarks anchoring a remarkable history that stretches back millennia. Ask The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore’s concierge to help arrange a private tour. The absolute musts? The Great Wall (seventh century B.C.); the Forbidden City palace complex, which was home to 24 emperors from the Ming (15th century) to Qing dynasties (20th century); the Summer Palace (18th century), a luxe royal park of lakes and imperial gardens; a temple dedicated to Confucius (14th century); and the Temple of Heaven (15th century), a cluster of religious buildings built as a place for sacrifices and prayers to heaven.  

In recent years, Beijing has become an emerging destination for art, and much of it can be found in the rapidly gentrifying 798 Arts District. Check out M Woods, an acclaimed contemporary museum (it hosts exhibits of superstars like Tracey Emin and Andy Warhol) whose 25-year-old co-founder, Michael Xufu Huang, has been called the next-gen Jeffrey Deitch of China. Farther afield, on the outskirts of Beijing, there’s the Three Shadows Photography Center, designed by Ai Wei Wei, perhaps the country’s most well-known artist, and said to be the first gallery in China devoted to photography.  

Drinking tea is an important part of Chinese culture and its preparation of it is elevated to a ritualized art form. Learn about the history and process — and participate in a tasting — at one of the city’s many teahouses. At Laoshe, you can sample different teas while enjoying performances by acrobats, dancers and magicians.

A wood basket of shrimp dumplings
A wood basket of shrimp dumplings
Beijing, China
Itineraries

The history of Beijing spans millennia. One visit to China’s complex capital city can include a sip of Sichuan pepper-infused craft beer or a walk around the hip Arts District, soaking in the contemporary works from the city’s creative set, and a day trip to the Zhoukoudian archaeological site, where the 770,000-year-old fossils of Peking Man were discovered. Plan to experience the spectrum, exploring the art, architecture, history, cuisine and natural landscape in this exhilarating city.

Day Trips

While visitors could spend weeks uncovering Beijing’s multitude of treasures, epic wonders beckon just outside the city limits. Here are three day trips designed to explore the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, Peking Man and more.

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A teapot and tumblers
Banquet tables set with flowers and place settings
Trip 1: The Great Wall

Whichever section of the Great Wall you choose to traverse, prepare to take ample breaks to soak in romantic, sweeping views from this 5,500-mile-long, ancient world wonder.

 

Morning

Energizing Breakfast. Fuel up for an active day by dining at Aroma, the all-day restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing offers a range of international cuisine.

 

Midday

Wonder of the World. The staggering Great Wall of China runs from east to west and has myriad worthwhile sections to explore. Seasoned hikers can start at the restored Jinshanling section, about a two-hour drive northeast of Beijing. Traverse the sometimes-steep 7.5 miles to Simatai, passing watchtowers, rocky barrier walls and breathtaking vistas on the way. The more challenging terrain draws fewer tourists, so the trek is a little less crowded. For an easier walk, head to Badaling, less than 50 miles northwest of Beijing. Stroll the popular 2-mile, a handrail-equipped section of the wall to take in equally stunning views.

 

Afternoon

Ming Dynasty Tombs. If you opt to see the Great Wall at Badaling, spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the Ming dynasty tombs before returning to Beijing. The collection of mausoleums is the final resting place for 13 emperors. Spirit Way, the 4-mile road that leads into the complex, is lined with stone statues of “guardian” animals.

 

Evening

Italian Dinner. Refuel and relax over an indulgent, traditional Italian meal and a glass of red at Lobby Lounge in The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.

Trip 2: Fragrant Hills Park and the Summer Palace

Once a seasonal haven for royals fleeing the crowded city, the Summer Palace and surrounding areas entice visitors with acres of verdant gardens, peaceful mountains, ancient temples, and other natural and man-made treasures.

 

Morning

Vivid, Fragrant Hills. Situated in the Haidian District, northwest of the city center, Fragrant Hills is an imperial park at the base of the Western Mountains. In fall, locals come to see the landscape turn a vibrant red, thanks to the maple trees that blanket the mountainside. But in any season visitors can hike or take a chairlift to Incense Burner Peak, the park’s highest, and explore its many ancient temples, towers and halls.

 

Midday

The Summer Palace. Much like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, about 5 miles (8 km) from Fragrant Hills, is also considered one of Beijing’s must-see attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the Jin Dynasty (1153), serving as a retreat for royalty. Today, amble around the acres of gardens, palaces, temples, pavilions and the vast man-made Kunming Lake. The excavated soil from the lake was used to build Longevity Hill — climb to the top for panoramic views of the Summer Palace and the pastoral landscape beyond before moving on to your next destination.

 

Afternoon

Tea Time. Retreat back to the city to enjoy traditional afternoon tea service in the Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing. Inspired by an English manor home, the lounge provides a blissful getaway from the haste of the city.

 

Evening

Courtyard Dining. Back in the city center, make your way to Dali Courtyard for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Wend your way down a historic hutong (narrow alley) and settle in at the charming courtyard for delicious Yunnan cuisine. There’s no menu — instead have faith in the chef, who whips up dishes based on the freshest finds at the market.

Trip 3: Western Qing Tombs, Peking Man, Marco Polo Bridge

Take a jaunt southwest of Beijing to travel back in time, from the early 18th century to some half a million years ago, examining ancient tombs and the fossils of the Peking Man.

 

Morning

The Western Qing Tombs. A collection of four ancient mausoleums about 87 miles (140 km) southwest of Beijing, the Western Qing Tombs encompass the final resting place of 78 royal members, beginning with Emperor Yongzheng. Explore all four tombs, including the first to be built, Tai Ling, completed in 1737, as well as Chang Ling, with its curved walls and whisper chamber.

 

Midday

Peking Man. Head back toward Beijing and stop at the Zhoukoudian archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see Peking Man, the human fossils discovered in the caves here that date back more than a half million years. The site museum showcases ancient fish and animal fossils and man-made tools.

 

Afternoon

Marco Polo Bridge. Before returning to the city center, see the Marco Polo Bridge (or Lugou Bridge), spanning the Yongding River about 9 miles (15 km) southwest. The beautiful stone bridge, with its 11 stone arches and carved lions lining both sides, was originally constructed in 1192 and was praised by the famed Venetian traveler.

 

Evening

Peking Duck. Inside the gleaming Parkview Green shopping center, find the sophisticated Taste of Dadong, an outpost of Beijing’s popular roast duck restaurant. The menu includes noodle dishes, salads and salmon, but the famously crispy, tender Peking duck is what draws the crowds. Complimentary clouds of pink cotton candy add a sweet finish to the meal.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image

The Perfect Weekend

Much like China’s dynamic capital city itself, the perfect weekend in Beijing is all about contrast. Dine on contemporary European cuisine in a 600-year-old temple, zip through the city’s teeming hutongs (narrow alleys) and amble around serene spiritual gardens, examine ancient relics and browse design shops for sleek souvenirs. Spend two inspiring days balancing adventure and relaxation in beautiful, exhilarating Beijing.

Leather stools lined up at a marble bar
A couple runs hand-in-hand on the beach
Dining table next to a large glass wine cabinet
Morning

Flag Raising Ceremony. Rise before dawn and make your way to Tiananmen Square for China’s national flag-raising ceremony, which takes place at sunrise every day. After the dignified ritual, stay for a stroll around the sprawling square — one of the largest in the world — before the crowds descend.

 

Midday

The Forbidden City. From Tiananmen Square, continue on to Tian’anmen, which translates to the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Note the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong before passing through to the main entrance of the Forbidden City, the Meridian Gate. First-time visitors might want to stay on the central path, which is more crowded but showcases some of the city’s most popular sites, like the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The history of this sprawling palace complex dates back to the Ming Dynasty, with construction beginning in 1406. With 980 red and yellow structures, housing almost 2 million artifacts and spanning 180 acres, even if this isn’t your first time in Beijing, there’s likely something left to explore in the beautiful, enigmatic Forbidden City.

 

Afternoon

Buddhist Temple. Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple, is a complex of Tibetan Buddhist temples built in 1694. Despite the crowds, the temples remain serene and meditative, and feature incense burners, bronze statues and a 59-foot statue of Maitreya carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

 

Invigorating Afternoon. Return to the hotel for a visit to the spa and afternoon tea. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Beijing melds innovative techniques with traditional therapies. Opt for a purifying bamboo massage, with warm bamboo rolled over the muscles, and afterward retire to the Lounge for a quiet, refreshing afternoon tea.

 

Evening

Capital Fine Dining. Savor an exquisite meal in an ancient temple. Temple Restaurant Beijing specializes in European cuisine — the chef’s tasting menu, paired with a bottle of Bordeaux or Burgundy from the French-focused wine list, will make for a memorable meal.

 

Beijing’s Craft Brewery Scene.After an elegant dinner, stop in at Great Leap Brewing, a lively microbrewery known for brewing beer with traditional Chinese ingredients like oolong tea or Sichuan pepper.

Morning

Serene Start. Ease into your day at Temple of Heaven, the peaceful oasis south of the Forbidden City. The park is home to three main altars: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar, as well as a beautiful bridge and gardens.

 

Midday

Lunch at Winting Palace. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of seafood hotpot at Winting Palace, set inside a sophisticated dining room in the former American Embassy.
 

Design Shop and Hutongs. A short walk from the restaurant, find the Ubi Gallery, stocked with exquisite jewelry and ceramics from local artists. Continue on to the adjacent hutongs and wander around the maze of narrow, bustling alleyways.

 

Afternoon

China’s Art and History. The epic, 2.2-million-square-foot National Museum of China houses over 1 million items that tell the story of China’s long and rich history. Don’t miss the Ancient China exhibit, or Ancient Chinese Jades, with pieces on display from Neolithic times to the Qing Dynasty.

 

Ancient Stargazing. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1442, the Beijing Ancient Observatory houses a collection of bronze astronomical instruments. Climb up to the roof terrace to examine the ornate tools used to study celestial objects nearly 600 years ago and, before leaving, visit the quiet garden for a respite from the city’s bustling crowds.

 

Evening

Art and Antiques. Take a pre-dinner spin through Pop-Up Beijing, the award-winning design and home shop adored by locals and visitors alike. Peruse an expertly curated selection of goods, from vintage ceramics, maps and tea sets to new works by emerging Chinese artists, and stay for a glass of wine at the shop’s inviting little wine bar.

 

Beijing Duck. Taste one of Beijing’s most quintessential dishes at what many consider to be the best restaurant in the city. Duck de Chine serves crispy-skinned, tender Peking duck in glamorous, intimate surroundings.

 

A Luxurious Lounge. Return to The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing and unwind with a glass of champagne or a cigar to the melody of live music at the lavish lobby Lounge.

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