Planning Your Trip

China’s capital is a bustling metropolis that’s home to more than 20 million people, is the center of much of China’s government and commerce, and is the site of some of China’s most significant historical sites like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Whether traveling for business or pleasure — or a bit of both — here is what to pack to make the most of the city.

Business Travel

If traveling to Beijing on business, formality is expected whether meeting with government officials or multinational corporations.

Most local businessmen sport a traditional dark blue suit, even when temperatures soar in summer. And in the more conservative Beijing, a tie is expected.
Conservative attire is also de rigueur for women — pack more modest skirt suits or trousers and blouses with higher necklines. Make a subtle sartorial statement with a scarf or printed blouse.
Most women favor flats over heels, so pack a few formal pairs.

A large building with pagoda-style roofing

Exploring the City

There is much to see in the sprawling metropolis with everything from centuries-old historic wonders to the finest of modern cuisine. Here’s what to bring to make the most of every experience.

Whether exploring the Forbidden City or spending an afternoon at a local market, you’ll likely do quite a bit of walking during your visit, so bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

In summer, temperatures can soar into the 80s and 90s, but it is also rainy season and can pour heavily without much warning — bring a compact umbrella and a lightweight waterproof layer.

Winter can bring temperatures below freezing, so pack a heavy coat. And ski gear might be in order if you’re planning a day trip to one of the nearby ski resorts like Badaling Great Wall or Yuyang International Ski Resort.

Cultural Considerations

While Western-style attire is the norm, locals tend to dress more discreetly and with a degree of finish. Pack accordingly.

Residents don’t tend to wear clothing that bears a lot of skin, even in summer. Skip tank tops and low-cut shirts in favor of lightweight layers with a bit more coverage.

While a smart pair of jeans is certainly a common sight and formal attire is not expected while touring the city, it is not unusual to see locals in more polished attire like collared shirts and blouses.

Shorts aren’t common among locals but are more acceptable for visitors to wear. Still, pants are the norm even in high temperatures.

Don't Forget:

When traveling on business, having business cards on hand is of the utmost importance. Remember to present and receive cards with both hands as a sign of respect.

Beijing is an intriguing blend of old and new — a sea of high-rise buildings in the area surrounding Financial Street just moments from the Ancient City, Tiananmen Square and historic temples. Here’s what to arrange in advance — both inside the hotel and out — to make the most of your visit.

Dining Reservations

Enjoy refined authentic Cantonese cuisine at Qi (pronounced “Chi” — named after the body’s natural positive energy) with dishes created largely from locally sourced and organic ingredients and with a focus on seasonality to “give the best life force and nutrition.” If you are in the mood for Italian cuisine, the award-winning Cépe is a must-visit for its spectacular seasonal menu and special features like a mushroom humidor and extensive wine menu with 400 bottles.

Tours

Just 15 minutes from the hotel is the Forbidden City — the UNESCO World Heritage site that served as China’s Imperial Palace between the mid-Ming through the Qing dynasties. Or schedule a visit to the Ancient Observatory that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. The Summer Palace, first constructed during the Jin Dynasty, is just 30 minutes away and home to some of the most spectacular gardens in the world. Or just an hour away from the hotel is one of the great wonders of the world: the Great Wall.

Museums and Culture

There are many fantastic museums just beyond the hotel — the National Museum of China houses relics ranging from ancient jade ritual objects from prehistoric times to the famed Simuwu Rectangle Ding (a cooking vessel) — the largest piece of bronze ware in China. The Capital Museum houses more than 200,000 pieces of ancient porcelain, bronze, calligraphy and more from imperial China. The National Art Museum of China offers a collection of both ancient and contemporary Chinese artwork and an extensive collection of folk art.

Spa Appointments

After a busy day of business meetings or touring the city, relax with a restorative visit to the spa with its unique menu of treatments that combine both Eastern and Western techniques. The Imperial Treasures massage combines traditional Chinese acupressure and aromatherapy massage with warmed herbal poultices using a variety of indigenous herbs. Or indulge in the Imperial Rejuvenation — a foot bath, deep muscle massage, pressure-point foot massage and scalp massage using reviving essential oils.

The sprawling capital city of China is also the country’s dynamic cultural hub. Find a staggering seven UNESCO World Heritage sites here — from the Summer Palace and Ming Tombs to the Forbidden City and legendary Great Wall — as well as a trove of ancient relics and modern masterpieces that offer vivid insight into Beijing’s millennia-old history. See traditional Chinese acrobatics, smell the incense at Buddhist temples, taste Peking duck and experience the convergence of the past and future in vibrant Beijing.

Cultural Treasures

China’s massive capital city is a study in contrast. Find ancient relics housed in cutting-edge architectural wonders, centuries-old temples sharing a skyline with modern skyscrapers, and narrow, winding hutongs tucked next to wide swaths of cypress tree-lined green spaces. Spend three days savoring Beijing’s cultural treasures, from the enigmatic Forbidden City to the contemporary Arts District and more.

Discover More

24 Hours

Beijing’s history spans three millennia, and while it’s impossible to take in its complex history in one day, you can certainly get a taste of what makes China’s capital city great. Focus on the heart of Beijing, including Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, making sure to pause and revel in the flurry of activity around you. Finish the day with an unparalleled dining experience in a 600-year-old temple complex, and plot your return to this dynamic city.