Leisure

Dining

Don't leave Beijing without trying the capital's unrivaled specialty, Beijing roast duck. The legendary Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, on Qianmen Xidajie, serves a lip-smacking duck feast that uses every part of the bird. A set meal includes plates of crispy glazed skin followed by succulent meat wrapped in wafer-thin pancakes and soup made from bones and intestines.

Many consider Aria, in the five-star China World Hotel, the best restaurant in Beijing for a business lunch. Gourmet dishes include braised lamb with eggplant caviar and sea bass in an oyster emulsion. Unlike its name, My Humble House is also an upscale choice. Located just southeast of the Forbidden City, it serves fusion fare as well balanced as its feng shui-inspired décor. If you want a cheap meal without the frills, fill up on plates of lobster in hot sauce or Beijing hotpot (lamb casserole) at 24-hour restaurants on lantern-lit Ghost Street (Guijie).

Shopping

Wangfujing street is the place to go for Western fashion brands. Grand stores and malls, such as The One World Department Store and Oriental Plaza, pepper the length of the street.

Typical Chinese souvenirs include jade jewelry and intricate cloisonné ornaments. For an authentic Beijing shopping experience, haggle with the vendors at one of the city's many markets. The Hongqiao Market, close to the Temple of Heaven, is especially good for pearls and electrical equipment. Spot fakes among genuine articles at the bustling Panjiayuan Market in Chaoyang, where you can pick up everything from teapots to calligraphy scrolls and other decorative items.

Things to do

Tian'anmen Square, home to Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, is the political heart of Beijing. Visit the huge plaza at dawn or dusk to see the daily ceremonial raising and lowering of the national flag. The square sits at the entrance to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), a remarkable network of buildings that was off-limits to the public for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Picturesque Houhai Lake is popular with boaters in the summer and ice skaters in the winter. Join in or people-watch from one of the restaurants on the shore. In the evening, sip Chinese tea while watching opera at the Liyuan Theatre (English interpretations are available).