Of the numerous options you have for Peking duck, Beijing’s most famous dish, Duck de Chine tops the list. Here, the duck is crisped to perfection on 60-year-old jujube wood, then carved tableside and sprinkled with DDC’s signature hoisin sauce. For the other regional specialty, zhajiangmian, hand-pulled noodles in a soybean paste, go to Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodle King. For a dining experience in a hutong, which is a traditional neighborhood of narrow alleyways and courtyards, go to the romantic, menu-less Dali Courtyard, where the chef serves Yunnan cuisine based on whatever fresh ingredients he’s sourced that day.

The city is brimming with landmarks anchoring a remarkable history that stretches back millennia. Ask The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore’s concierge to help arrange a private tour. The absolute musts? The Great Wall (seventh century B.C.); the Forbidden City palace complex, which was home to 24 emperors from the Ming (15th century) to Qing dynasties (20th century); the Summer Palace (18th century), a luxe royal park of lakes and imperial gardens; a temple dedicated to Confucius (14th century); and the Temple of Heaven (15th century), a cluster of religious buildings built as a place for sacrifices and prayers to heaven.  

In recent years, Beijing has become an emerging destination for art, and much of it can be found in the rapidly gentrifying 798 Arts District. Check out M Woods, an acclaimed contemporary museum (it hosts exhibits of superstars like Tracey Emin and Andy Warhol) whose 25-year-old co-founder, Michael Xufu Huang, has been called the next-gen Jeffrey Deitch of China. Farther afield, on the outskirts of Beijing, there’s the Three Shadows Photography Center, designed by Ai Wei Wei, perhaps the country’s most well-known artist, and said to be the first gallery in China devoted to photography.  

Drinking tea is an important part of Chinese culture and its preparation of it is elevated to a ritualized art form. Learn about the history and process — and participate in a tasting — at one of the city’s many teahouses. At Laoshe, you can sample different teas while enjoying performances by acrobats, dancers and magicians.

Morning

Flag Raising Ceremony. Rise before dawn and make your way to Tiananmen Square for China’s national flag-raising ceremony, which takes place at sunrise every day. After the dignified ritual, stay for a stroll around the sprawling square — one of the largest in the world — before the crowds descend.

Midday

The Forbidden City. From Tiananmen Square, continue on to Tian’anmen, which translates to the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Note the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong before passing through to the main entrance of the Forbidden City, the Meridian Gate. First-time visitors might want to stay on the central path, which is more crowded but showcases some of the city’s most popular sites, like the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The history of this sprawling palace complex dates back to the Ming Dynasty, with construction beginning in 1406. With 980 red and yellow structures, housing almost 2 million artifacts and spanning 180 acres, even if this isn’t your first time in Beijing, there’s likely something left to explore in the beautiful, enigmatic Forbidden City.

Afternoon

Buddhist Temple. Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple, is a complex of Tibetan Buddhist temples built in 1694. Despite the crowds, the temples remain serene and meditative, and feature incense burners, bronze statues and a 59-foot statue of Maitreya carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

Invigorating Afternoon. Return to the hotel for a visit to the spa and afternoon tea. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Beijing melds innovative techniques with traditional therapies. Opt for a purifying bamboo massage, with warm bamboo rolled over the muscles, and afterward retire to the Lounge for a quiet, refreshing afternoon tea.

Evening

Capital Fine Dining. Savor an exquisite meal in an ancient temple. Temple Restaurant Beijing specializes in European cuisine — the chef’s tasting menu, paired with a bottle of Bordeaux or Burgundy from the French-focused wine list, will make for a memorable meal.

Beijing’s Craft Brewery Scene.After an elegant dinner, stop in at Great Leap Brewing, a lively microbrewery known for brewing beer with traditional Chinese ingredients like oolong tea or Sichuan pepper.

Morning

Serene Start. Ease into your day at Temple of Heaven, the peaceful oasis south of the Forbidden City. The park is home to three main altars: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar, as well as a beautiful bridge and gardens.

Midday

Lunch at Winting Palace. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of seafood hotpot at Winting Palace, set inside a sophisticated dining room in the former American Embassy.
 

Design Shop and Hutongs. A short walk from the restaurant, find the Ubi Gallery, stocked with exquisite jewelry and ceramics from local artists. Continue on to the adjacent hutongs and wander around the maze of narrow, bustling alleyways.

Afternoon

China’s Art and History. The epic, 2.2-million-square-foot National Museum of China houses over 1 million items that tell the story of China’s long and rich history. Don’t miss the Ancient China exhibit, or Ancient Chinese Jades, with pieces on display from Neolithic times to the Qing Dynasty.

Ancient Stargazing. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1442, the Beijing Ancient Observatory houses a collection of bronze astronomical instruments. Climb up to the roof terrace to examine the ornate tools used to study celestial objects nearly 600 years ago and, before leaving, visit the quiet garden for a respite from the city’s bustling crowds.

Evening

Art and Antiques. Take a pre-dinner spin through Pop-Up Beijing, the award-winning design and home shop adored by locals and visitors alike. Peruse an expertly curated selection of goods, from vintage ceramics, maps and tea sets to new works by emerging Chinese artists, and stay for a glass of wine at the shop’s inviting little wine bar.

Beijing Duck. Taste one of Beijing’s most quintessential dishes at what many consider to be the best restaurant in the city. Duck de Chine serves crispy-skinned, tender Peking duck in glamorous, intimate surroundings.

A Luxurious Lounge. Return to The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing and unwind with a glass of champagne or a cigar to the melody of live music at the lavish lobby Lounge.