In July 09' I spent a week in the great city of Beijing, I stayed at the Hilton in the center of the city (Wangfujing) next to the Forbidden city and this was the best location ever!!!
Beijing huge Kilometre-square blocks make most neighbourhoods unwalkable, but the subway system make travel to central sites easy. As for the roads they carry 1,000 new vehicles each day and the traffic is unreal.... If you plan to visit Beijing you will need at least 5 full days since there is so much culture, art, food, shopping to do. A must to visit is the Forbidden City, The Bell Tower, The new National Grand Theatre, The Olympic Stadium, The great Wall of China, Houhai Lake, Hutongs neighbourhood's, Temple of Heaven. For the art lover like me you should plan to spend an afternoon in the beautiful Dashanzi Art Zone. For the Hotels selection Beijing got some of the most beautiful boutique Hotels I saw so far, the new G Hotel, The opposite house are just the new kids on the blocks and go for a drink at the bar. For Dinner you have to go to Lan club Design by Phillipe Starck, This bar/restaurant is huge and out of this world, prepare to bring a camera because the decor is pure starck on crack...
Go to Made in China for lunch for the best Duck in town and during your afternoon visit in Hutong go and relax in a Hanoi style cafe, the "No Name Bar" I got the best view of the lake and got the best lemongrass grill fish. Spend an afternoon in the famous Panjiayuan Market. this is a large out-door Bazaar filled with Chinese stuff go early in the morning. For the best view and the less crowded Great Wall experience go to Mutianyu, it's a 90 minutes ride from the Hotel, take a day tour and bring water..... the Wall is a really good workout and I think I lost 10 pounds that day... feel free to visit my beijing Photo album and if you need more info let me know.
