Special Feature
Beijing, the sprawling city
Beijing, which the French generally call Peking, is the emblematic city of Asian density and frenzy. The political, scientific and cultural capital of China, it is the second largest agglomeration in the country, after Shanghai, with a population of 17 million. In Beijing, small houses with interior courtyards and ancient districts are now juxtaposed with modern buildings sprouting everywhere and a number of ultramodern architectural showpieces, such as the Bird’s nest and the Water Cube. Despite a complete makeover with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Beijing, ‘the Northern Residence’, has however preserved the Forbidden City, bordering Tiananmen Square, a multitude of temples and palaces that lend it a true charm. It is best to visit the city in spring or autumn, when the severe cold spells and summer pollution have subsided.
► How to get to Beijing?
10 Air France flights per week, in a Boeing 777
7 KLM flights per week, in a B 747
For more details about flight times, click here.
► Discover our partner Hertz' offer.
Benefit from a 20 % discount in Beijing and Shanghai with a personalised service on your arrival at the airport, click here.
Must-sees
For a more authentic understanding of the city: the Hutongs district, its ancient backstreets, typical of the Chinese urban tradition, developed during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. This network branches out around the Forbidden City. Well hidden behind picket fences or walls, the backstreets lead to the Siheyuans, traditional family houses made up of three or four buildings surrounding an enclosed courtyard.
Visit
The Forbidden City, Beijing’s former Imperial Palace, stretches across 72 hectares and preserves the Chinese people’s imperial treasures. In front of the great entrance to the City, you can find Tiananmen Square, a hotspot for demonstrations and parades. It is surrounded by monuments reflecting the national history, such as Mao Zedong’s mausoleum, where the country’s former leader’s remains are embalmed, or the Summer Palace, which gathers together a number of typically Chinese houses and gardens. The Forbidden City has been selected as World heritage by UNESCO.
Discover
The Niujie mosque, the oldest and largest in Beijing, built in 996. Greatly inspired by the Ming style, this mosque is one of the most famous in the city. In the past, it was situated in the heart of a picturesque district; it is now surrounded by brand new buildings (cow road -Niu Je -, Xuanwu district).
Climb
Coal Hill, for a magnificent view of the Forbidden City. Now known as Jingshan Park, it is composed of the soil excavated from the moats during the City’s construction. Another option is the Drum Tower. Built in 1272, it rang out each hour (with its drum beat) until 1911. From its peak is a superb view of Beijing (Dongcheng district).
Escape the city for a tour of the Great Wall
The long serpent of stone, destined to protect the country from invasions, is situated only 100 km from Beijing. The closest access point is Bada Ling. Remember, the site is very popular (especially with Chinese visitors): an
all-inclusive ticket with return bus journey (you can collect this at your hotel) and entrance pass for only 50 Yuan (€5).
GOOD ADDRESSES
To discover
Haggle at Panjiayuan’s antique market,
to the South-West of the city, close to
Panjiayuan Bridge: 26,000 metres squared,
4,000 merchants congregate for this large
antiques, arts and crafts gathering. At the
weekend, the market is incredibly popular.
Difficult to wade through the backstreets,
which are sometimes miniscule, but
impossible to leave empty handed.
Listen to Chinese Opera, a show unlike
classical European opera. The Chinese
opera resembles mime theatre, where
the stories are inspired from Chinese
folklore. The actors wear sublime and
colourful costumes and a lot of make-up
whilst performing abstract and symbolic
movements. A mix of comedy, martial arts
and dance. One can visit China’s National
theatre (a dome designed by French architect
Paul Andreu) but more simply, there are
also shows every night at the Huguang
Guild Hall (3 Hufang Lu, Xuanwu District
Tel: +86 10 6351-8284, Hepingmen
underground stop) or the Liyuan Theater
(Quanmen Hotel, 175 Yong’An Lu,
Xuanwu District Tel: +86 10 8315-7297).
Attend a Tea ceremony
For a long time Beijing tea houses were
places for intellectual discussions, houses
that encouraged fresh ideas and debate,
as a consequence many of them were
closed during the Cultural revolution.
They are now very popular again and to
enjoy them one must sit down at a table
and take the time to participate in the
very encoded Tea ceremony and savour
the cakes. You can find these throughout
the city, but the Tea House Of Fu is one of
the most relaxing and authentic (Yangfang
Hutong in Houhai).
Discover real Peking duck at Da Dong Roast
Duck restaurant. Also on the menu, a
multitude of ‘fusion’ dishes, a very
fashionable Beijing cuisine. 20 Nanxincang
Guoji Dasha 22 Dongsishitiao - Beijing -
Tel: +86 10 5169-0328.
Retrace the footprints of the cultural
revolution at Lost And Found. In an airy
space close to the Confucius temple, a duo
of Chinese American designers has
gathered together all sorts of vintage
products from the Mao years, as well as
their own creations: furniture, clothing or
ornaments. 42 Guozijian Dajie - Beijing -
Tel: +86 10 6401-1855.
A drink with friends, in a very private club.
The China Club, at the heart of the city
centre is an old manor house that has been
converted into a museum, restaurant and
lounge bar. Dine in the bedroom that once
belonged to the Qing Dynasty’s Prince,
its ceilings decorated with dragons to offer
a unique moment.
China Club - 51 Xi Rong Xian lu, Xi Dan,
Beijing 100031. Tel: +86 10 6605-8435
