City breaks in Beijing

Take a Beijing city break for a mix of imperial splendour at the Forbidden City and traditional Beijing life in the hutong alleyways around Houhai Lake. See contemporary art in the Dashanzi art district and marvel at the futuristic stadiums at Beijing's Olympic Green. Savour crispy Beijing duck in a traditional restaurant, then relax in one of the funky bars on Nanluoguxiang before starting your clubbing city break in Sanlitun.

Dining and unwinding on Beiing city breaks

Any Beijing city break should include a wander down Wangfujing Food Street to try classic snacks like jiaozi (dumplings) and exotic nibbles like deep-fried starfish. Savour crispy Beijing duck in one of the imperial courtyard restaurants near the Forbidden City or sample traditional ethnic cuisines around Houhai Lake. For a break from Chinese food, head to Sanlitun for Beijing's best sushi, steak and Spanish tapas snack dishes.

Special places to stay in Beijing

Escape Beijing's bustle in one of the traditional courtyard guesthouses close to the Forbidden City, with a range of prices to suit any city break budget. Or sample the warm hospitality in a guesthouse in one of the hutong alleyways around the Drum and Bell Towers. For a high-end Beijing city break, head to the Financial District for sleek modern hotels offering Beijing's best dim sum.

Things to do on Beijing city breaks

Get a taste of old and new on a Beijing city break with a cycle tour through traditional hutong alleyways to the futuristic Olympic Green. Stroll around beautiful Ritan Park, where Beijing locals practise tai chi and play mah-jong, or visit the tranquil Lama Temple, where the smell of incense and the hum of chanting monks fill the air. Toast your city break with a cold Tsingtao beer in one of Sanlitun's lively rooftop bars.