Situated at the northern tip of the North China Plain, Beijing is one of the world’s most populous capital cities and the second largest in China. Known as China’s most beautiful city, its mix of urban and traditional architecture dominates the skyline, which comes alive at dusk with thousands of twinkling lights. Although it is deep-rooted in ancient history with its incredible palaces, temples, and parks, Beijing is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Where to stay:
The Mandarin Oriental is a luxury hotel situated in the heart of Beijing city centre and with views over some of the city’s landmarks including The Forbidden City. The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites as well as a Presidential Suite which features a 300 square metre terrace, which is ideal for entertaining guests.
Not far from the Mandarin Oriental, The Bulgari Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in Beijing’s suburban Chaoyang District. Featuring 119 rooms, this hotel carries the same sleek Italian luxury feel that Bulgari is renowned for.
A little further from the heart of Beijing, the Aman Summer Palace is a luxury resort surrounded by serene garden courtyards and criss-crossed by stately pathways. Being only moments away from East Gate of the UNESCO-protected Palace, the Amam Summer Palace is ideally placed for those looking to embrace some of Beijing’s many cultural offerings.
What to do:
NATURE: The China National Botanical Garden is a large national garden, of some 400 hectares, located between Fragrant Hills Park and Jade Spring Hill in Beijing’s Western Hills. The gardens, which grow over 6,000 species of plants, trees and bushes, also feature a hothouse exhibition with an impressive display of over 300 varieties of orchids.
CULTURE: Beijing is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of 2022), including the infamous Great Wall and The Temple of Heaven.
ADVENTURE: Qinglong Gorge (translated as the Green Dragon Gorge) is a vast body of water, approximately 10 miles long, nestled in a valley and between a breath-taking mountainous backdrop. The gorge is best explored by boat from the north shore, or by bungee jumping or zip line which can be done from the eastern shore.
Getting there:
Charter a jet and fly into one of two airports serving Beijing – Capital Airport (PEK/ZBAA) to the northeast of the city centre or Daxing Airport (PKX/ZBAD) to the northwest.
Approximate flight times:
| Dubai ✈ Beijing | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| London ✈ Beijing | 9 hours 30 minutes |
| New York ✈ Beijing | 13 hours 15 minutes |
| Paris ✈ Beijing | 9 hours 30 minutes |
| Singapore ✈ Beijing | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Zurich ✈ Beijing | 9 hours 15 minutes |
