Chinese Version


After the hectic daytime conference schedule, Beijing’s many fascinating sites will be yours to discover and enjoy. One unforgettable experience would be watching Peking Opera at the Chang’an Theater. For Kung-fu aficionados, the popular Legend of Kung Fu at the Red Theater is a must-see. For lovers of tea culture, a relaxing visit to the Laoshe Teahouse, or the city’s many other teahouses, is sure to evoke delight through the long tradition of tea drinking and tea ceremony in China.

Other enjoyable options include Chinese classical music concerts, operas, plays, musicals at various theatres such as the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing People's Art Theatre, and the Beijing Concert Hall.

If you have more time, to be mesmerized by strolling through living history, the legendary Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, and of course the Great Wall, are always sure to intrigue all sightseers. The newest tourist attractions are the 29th Olympic Games’ Bird’s Nest National Stadium and Water Cube National Aquatics Center.

Besides these spectacular sights, a leisurely pedicab ride through the charming traditional hutongs or alleyways of the old city is a highly enjoyable activity. The distinctive siheyuan courtyard buildings you will see tucked away in those well-preserved hutongs are typical of ancient northern Chinese residences. Boating on nearby Houhai Lake in the moonlight or lounging comfortably in one of the many bars at the water’s edge is a perfect and romantic way to end the day.

If you are a gourmet, Beijing is just the right locale for diverse dining adventures. Though “Chinese food” is famed across the world, it is said that in China, there is no such thing as “Chinese food,” as each region has its own unique, delectable and healthy fare. Beijing has it all, from spicy Sichuan cooking, and the light and delicate Cantonese style, to the countless other rarer delicacies from across the country. Peking Roast Duck has long been famous, yet there is also a growing fascination in the private kitchens of the Beijing courtyards, such as the Bai Family Restaurant, set in beautiful gardens with Qing-dynasty style pavilions, just to the north of the Beijing Foreign Studies University.

If you’d like to pick up some mementos and special gifts for your family and friends, there are many places to find what you want. A walk down glitzy Wangfujing Street, introduces you to many time-honored Chinese brands. Unique antiques and souvenirs can be found at the lively Wangfujing Night Market and the lovely Lotus Market near Houhai Lake. Xidan and the restored Qianmen are two more bustling shopping areas in the town center. The markets most popular with international visitors are the Xiushui or Silk Market and China’s biggest antique market outdoors -- Panjiayuan in southeastern Beijing.