Rosewood Beijing’s chief concierge, Lewis Liu, shares a bespoke itinerary for an insider tour of the capital city that’s do-able in just three days.  

Day 1 – Emerging Art Districts  

9am: No. 46, Art Zone, Caochangdi

Start your holiday by venturing out to experience Beijing’s art scene. Not far from the more widely known 798 Art Zone, Caochangdi grew organically after Ai Wei Wei set up his studio (and home) in the area. Standout galleries include Pekin Fine Arts, Galerie Urs Meile and the Three Shadows Photography Center. (Beijing Station E St, Dongcheng)  

12:30pm: Na Jia Xiaoguan

Opened by the grandson of a Qing emperor’s doctor, this popular Manchu restaurant bases their recipes on the doctor’s Golden Soup (huang tanzi) a thick, meaty soup slow-cooked for at least 18 hours. (10 Yonganli, Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang, 86 10 6567 3663)  

3pm: Poly Art Museum 

The pieces on exhibit at this museum range from the Shang to Tang dynasties; look out for treasures such as the three-ox-head goblets from the Shang dynasty. (9/F, New Poly Plaza, 1 Chaoyangmen Bei Dajie, Dongcheng, 86 10 6500 8117)

7:30pm: Red Bowl

Inspired by authentic Chinese cuisine along with other Asian flavours, Red Bowl at Rosewood Beijing features a large bar counter where guests can enjoy an individual hot pot, or gather around a delicious simmering metal pot at the centre of each table.

10pm: Janes & Hooch

A New York Prohibition era-themed bar, Janes & Hooch is the place to gather over a well-crafted cocktail. The speakeasy is known for its cool ambiance created by low lighting and cut crystal glasses. (4 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang, 86 10 6503 2757)

Art Zone Caochangdi, photo courtesy of Flickr/Clay Henley

Poly Art Museum, photo courtesy of Flickr/ Ula

Day 2 – The Wild Side of the Great Wall  

6:30am: The Great Wall, Jinshanling

These sections of the wall are more remote, wild and beautiful than those closer to downtown. It’s more than a two-hour drive each way, so make it into an all-day affair. The hotel can arrange a gourmet picnic lunch to be enjoyed at the top.

7pm: Country Kitchen

Fill your bellies with an array of Northern Chinese specialties such as hand-pulled Chinese noodles, Beijing duck and dumplings at Rosewood Beijing’s Country Kitchen. The chefs demonstrate their culinary art with an open show kitchen and wood-roasting oven.

Jinshanling, photos by Vidya Thangirala

Day 3 – Home-grown Designers  

8:30am: The Temple of Heaven

Grab a quick, Beijing-style pancake (jian bing) for breakfast from a street stall on your way to an early morning tai chi lesson shrouded by the shade of centuries-old cypresses at the Temple of Heaven. (1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng, 86 10 6702 8866)  

1pm: Lost Heaven

Located close to Tiananmen Square at the site of the former American embassy, the restaurant is the perfect place for lunch, with artefacts from Yunnan ethnic minorities displayed throughout. (3 Qianmen Dong Dajie, Dongcheng, 86 10 8516 2698)  

3pm: Houhai hutong area

Plenty of hutongs – delightful, labyrinthine alleyways – criss-cross the traditional grey brick homes in Beijing’s old neighbourhoods. Those in the Houhai district are particularly moody and beautiful. (Houhai district)

7:30pm: TRB Bites

The Courtyard at TRB Bites is Beijing’s most exciting new dining experience. Located alongside the former Imperial palace’s eastern moat, the three-storey venue is unmistakably Beijing. (95 Donghuamen, Dongcheng, 86 10 6401 6676)

9:30pm: Mei Bar

Kick back and have a drink at Mei at Rosewood Beijing. The bar features an impressive whiskey, wine and cocktail selection served by an award-winning mixologist. The outdoor lounge, complete with views of the Beijing CCTV Tower, is particularly stunning.  

Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Beijing, 86 10 6597 8888   

Temple of Heaven, photo courtesy of Flickr/ Nikolaj Potanin

Houhai District, photo by Vidya Thangirala

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