Nowadays, Beijing is organized in concentric, oblong loops, called ring roads. While there is no first ring road, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are the de facto first ring. Business centers and fashionable restaurants and clubs lie within the second; Beijing's diplomatic community within the third. Universities, such as the internationally respected Beijing and Tsinghua Universities, are in the fourth; and the fifth ring road has been nicknamed Olympic Avenue, as the 2008 Olympic Summer Games' major venues were built within this area.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Designed by East German Bauhaus architects in the 1950s, the Dashanzi Art District was originally intended to produce electronics and armaments. Today, it has been repurposed and redesigned to house scores of galleries and artists’ studios; it takes its name, “798,” from one of the factories here. Tour this dynamic, fascinating area with an art expert, and learn about the vibrant Chinese contemporary art scene.
Have a poetic Chinese name bestowed upon you and learn how to write it during a private calligraphy lesson. Most names convey parents' wishes for their children's future - integrity, prosperity, health and wisdom are all popularly used characters.
Be serenaded by virtuosos of traditional Peking opera as they perform classic Chinese characters, such as the mischievous Monkey King, or his gluttonous, pig-like sidekick Zhu Baijie.
On certain occasions, Remote Lands can arrange a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera stage.
Go on an architectural tour of modern Beijing, led by an internationally renowned architect. Visit the Water Cube and Bird's Nest, icons of the 2008 Summer Olympics. In central Beijing, see the towering CCTV building designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the National Center for the Performing Arts, or "Alien Egg," designed by Paul Andreu.
Have an authentic Peking duck lunch at a casual, family-owned operation which has hosted Al Gore, Jet Li, and scores of other dignitaries and celebrities. An elaborate dish involving special preparations such as pumping air between the skin and the meat and roasting the duck with special woods, Peking duck was once reserved for the Chinese imperial family.
This magnificent palace was once the royals’ retreat from Beijing’s summer heat. One of the most famous attractions in Summer Palace is the Marble Boat, a symbol of opulence built by Empress Dowager Cixi in lieu of real naval ships. This 36-meter long lakeside “boat of purity” features two long decks with mirrors to reflect and radiate natural beauty.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex was declared a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design” with its gorgeous combination of pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges surrounded by lush gardens and a large, serene lake. On weekends, the palace grounds are filled with locals flying kits, practicing tai chi and enjoying the environs.
Explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which mostly remains as it was during the last emperor’s time. The world’s largest palace complex, the Forbidden City is divided into two parts: the southern section, also known as the Outer Court, was where the emperor held imperial proceedings, and the Inner Court to the north was where he lived with his royal family. As the imperial palace for over five centuries, the complex houses rare treasures and curiosities in its 9,999 rooms.
One of the “new seven wonders of the world,” the Great Wall is a sight every traveler should see in their lifetime. Try to fathom the years of toil required to build the Great Wall of China as you follow its steep, snaking path through the countryside. The views of crumbling, original sections of the Wall winding over the steep mountain ridges into the far distance are highly memorable, especially with the guidance of noted historian and the world's foremost expert on the Great Wall.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Get a real feel for China on this luxury 10-day tour that whisks you through Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Stay at some of the country’s most prestigious hotels while taking in key sights, from the Temple of Heaven, to the Great Wall of China, to the Terracotta Warriors, Yu Gardens, and more.
Explore China’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in style, staying at four iconic Aman properties and traveling by private jet for a seamless experience.
Stroll along one of the world’s wonders, the Great Wall of China, when you embark on this 8-day luxury train journey through Beijing and Lhasa. It’s a step back in time with ancient sites and breathtaking natural features, and a thrilling trip along the world’s highest train journey to the Tibetan Plateau.
Immerse yourself in the different faces of China in this exciting journey of cities and slopes. Split your time in this magnificent country between the bustling metropolis of downtown Beijing and the peaceful winter wonderlands offered by the area’s best ski resorts.
Embark on the world’s most famous overland journey from Moscow to Beijing, delving deep into the Siberian wilderness along the way. Cross three countries and two continents - accumulating almost 3,500 miles, all whilst bunking down for the night in the train, waking up to an ever-evolving landscape each morning.
Golf your way through China as you travel to some of the country’s best, most prestigious golf courses, in places like Beijing, Xian, Kunming, Lijiang, Guilin, and Shanghai. Among them, you’ll test drive the likes of Spring City Golf & Lake Resort and Merryland Golf Course, all grounds surrounded by stunning nature.
Immerse yourself in a stunning expanse of contemporary and historical artwork over this 10-day sojourn in China. From Beijing to Taipei, you will uncover modern artistic perceptions of one of society’s most ancient cultures.
Spend 11 days traveling in sheer luxury as your private jet whisks you across China’s mountaintops. Starting in Beijing, you’ll discover the lush Shangri-La valley on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, observe colorful cliffs in Zhangye Danxia, and stay overnight in luxury hotels like Banyan Tree and Songstam.
Explore the world’s most majestic peaks on this 22-day Himalayan adventure. You’ll trek through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India, staying at luxury hotels and lodges like the Amankora or Uma by COMO. You’ll walk along the Great Wall of China, visit the ancient Potala Palace, and search for Bengal Tigers in Chitwan.
Travel from Beijing to Tibet, enjoying beautiful scenery roll by, from the comfort of your sleeper cabin on the Lhasa Express. Each compartment has 4 sleeping beds with sheets, pillows and quilts, a small table, outlets, and a door with lock for privacy. For guests’ comfort, oxygen outlets and tanks are available for use as the train ascends to higher altitudes. There are two toilets and washing areas located at either end of each sleeper carriage. The dining car onboard serves Tibetan and Chinese cuisine, three meals a day. There are also food carts that offer packaged snacks, drinks and fruits throughout the day.
The Mandarin Oriental is situated in the heart of Beijing at Qianmen, just south of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. While located in a vibrant part of the city complete with nearby retail outlets and restaurants, the hotel's 72 courtyard suites are imbued with a sense of serenity, borrowing design tips from Beijing’s traditional hutong architectural style of courtyard houses connected by narrow lanes and sleepy alleyways. The hotel features a variety of dining venues such as a rooftop terrace restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, traditional tea house, and Mandarin cake shop. The hotel is also equipped with a holistic spa, indoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, and is guaranteed to match the high standards of the Mandarin Oriental hotel group.
Multi-Country Specialists
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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Also unforgettable was our experience driving through Beijing in an old fashioned motorcycle side car followed by lunch with a local family in their traditional hutong house.
