Beijing recommendations?

[BenderBends]

change in plans, i think we are headed to Beijing tomorrow now.
Anyone have recommendations for better place to stay, things to do, restaurants to eat at...etc etc etc.


Also, what is best place to see great wall? (less touristy or more off the beaten path spots?)

[NickWebber]

I'm certainly no Beijing expert, but here's what I suggest ...

Kind of all depends on your budget, of course, but for nice bars, restaurants and boutique-type shops I'd head to South Luogu Lane (not far from Houhai lake, which is also pretty good for bars, and there's an amazing jazz bar on the shore of the lake too, but its name escapes me ...).

If you're able to, then it's probably a good idea to stay somewhere around the Forbidden City area of town, as then you're not really too far in a taxi from a lot of the good spots to visit, eat and drink.

For the wall, I'd suggest Simatai. It's about a 3 hr mini-bus ride away (which you can organise through any number of hotels in the city): amazingly picturesque and, because of the journey, not too crowded ...

Hope this helps!

[wizardofoz]

if you like art, 798 art zone is worth a visit. there are restaurants within the compound, so you could spend the entire day there.

北京798艺术区唯一官方网站

[Liquorice]

Go and stay at the Commune by the Great Wall, great place. Quiet, not touristy and beautiful spot. A bit pricey but well worth it.

Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski | China | Beijing

Also, go to the LAN Club - Philippe Starck designed restaurant. Very cool. 4/F Twin Towers on Jianguomen.

[Mrs Koala]

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing . Close to everything, 15 min walk to the Forbidden City. Not too expensive, staff can direct you to the good small eating places where the local eat. Lovely foods, about 30HKD per head . Much better than the expensive places we tried!!!!!!
Just don't try the ice-cream parlor , you will end up paying Us 21!!! for two scoops of ice-cream!!