Letters from China: Beijing, A City of Imperial Wonders and Modern Vibrance

My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. During the previous months you had the opportunity to get to know some of the countries of South America, and during October and the following months I will show you the beauties of the countries of the Far East, which make up the heart of Asia. There are destinations that can change you completely. There are cities that open your eyes and heart in completely new ways and you begin to see and understand the world, history and civilizations. Beijing is one such destination, a city you don’t visit, but experience with all your senses.

Before I take you on this incredible journey through the heart of China, I want to thank The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) for this extraordinary project that allowed me, after an incredible experience in South America, to get the opportunity to now conjure up and discover the beauties of the Far East. Having the opportunity to visit metropolises that represent the true pearls of the Far East is an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly, I want to show you not only the tourist side of Beijing, but also its soul, the essence that cannot be seen in the first photo, but can be felt through the days spent in the hutongs, through the smells that enter through the window early in the morning, through the sounds that blend into the symphony of the city that has 3000 years of history behind it.

This is my second visit to Beijing. I first came as a curious traveler, enchanted by stories of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. This time I came as someone who understands that Beijing is much more than its monumental landmarks, it is living proof that past and future meet at every corner, where tradition and innovation are in perfect harmony.

TIANANMEN SQUARE: THE HEART OF CHINA

The morning in Beijing starts early. The sun is slowly rising over the horizon as I join thousands of people gathering in Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. With its 440,000 square meters, this square is not only the geographical center of Beijing, but also the symbolic heart of all of China.

A magnificent sight can be seen here in the early morning hours, as the flag of the People’s Republic of China is slowly raised with a solemn ceremony performed by soldiers in impeccably polished uniforms. This ritual is performed daily and is a moment of national pride for the Chinese. Hundreds of tourists and locals come every morning to witness this moment, and I am happy to be a part of it again.

Tiananmen Square has witnessed tremendous historical events, from the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 by Mao Zedong, to the numerous cultural revolutions and transformations that have shaped modern China. The monumental Tiananmen Gate, with a portrait of Mao Zedong, dominates the northern side of the square and leads to the Forbidden City.

The architecture around the square is imposing: the Great Hall of the People in the west, the National Museum of China in the east, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong in the center. Each of these objects tells its own story about China, its history, aspirations and identity. The National Museum of China is particularly fascinating with millions of artefacts covering 5000 years of Chinese civilization, it’s a place where you can spend a whole day enjoying the stories of the dynasties, artists, philosophers and warriors who shaped this amazing culture.

I decided to devote the entire morning to exploring the museum. The collection is truly stunning, from Shang Dynasty bronze vessels dating back to the 16th century BC, to terracotta warriors testifying to the greatness of China’s first empire, to delicate Ming Dynasty porcelain ceramics whose beauty is unsurpassed. Each artifact is a story in itself, but together they form a narrative of one of the oldest continuous civilizations on the planet.

I was particularly moved by the exhibit on the Silk Road, the historic trade route that connected China to the West. I saw original silk fabrics, spices, jewelry, and documents that testify to the incredible exchange of not only goods, but also ideas, technology, and culture between East and West. I realized that globalization is a much older phenomenon than we think.

What is most fascinating about Tiananmen Square is its dual nature, it is both monumental and the place where daily life in Beijing takes place. You see families taking photos of their children, elderly couples walking hand in hand, tourists from all over China visiting their capital city for the first time. This square is a symbol, but it is also a living space where everyday life takes place.

THE FORBIDDEN CITY: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE IMPERIAL PAST

Passing through the Tiananmen Gate, I enter the Forbidden City, perhaps the most impressive imperial complex I have ever visited. For 500 years, from 1420 to 1912, this was the seat of Chinese imperial power, home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The name “Forbidden City” comes from the fact that mere mortals were not allowed to enter without the emperor’s permission, I’ll just say that the punishment was a death sentence.

The complex covers 720,000 square meters and contains 980 buildings with 8,728 rooms. It is not just an imperial complex of palaces, it is a city within a city, a complete imperial residence with gardens, temples, libraries and administrative buildings. The dominant color is red, the color of happiness and prosperity in Chinese culture, and gold, which symbolizes imperial power.

As I walk through this extraordinary imperial complex, I am fascinated by the precision and symbolism of each building and architecture. Chinese architecture is full of symbolism: the number of columns, the color of the roof tiles, the position of the buildings all have a deep meaning that reflects the cosmology, philosophy and political system of imperial China. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest wooden structure in China, served for the most important state ceremonies. Here the emperors received tributes, celebrated the New Year and got married.

I stood in this hall, looking towards the imperial throne that rises on a high platform, surrounded by stupas carved in the form of dragons. I tried to imagine what it was like to be an emperor, to sit on that throne, with absolute power over hundreds of millions of people. But with that power came isolation, the emperor was imprisoned in this city, fenced off from the real world, surrounded by ceremonies and protocols that dictated every moment of his life.

I am particularly fascinated by the Inner Court, the private part where the emperor lived with his family, concubines and eunuchs. These spaces are much more intimate, with more detailed decorations and a sense of privacy that contrasts with the monumental size of the exterior parts of the complex. The Imperial Garden, with its natural beauty and carefully shaped rocks, lakes and pavilions, is a classic example of Chinese landscape architecture.

I walked through the Palace of Heavenly Purity, where the emperor slept, through the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where the later Qing dynasties conducted daily state affairs, through countless courts and corridors where the life of the imperial court took place. Each room has its own story, here the Empress Cijisi plotted against the reformists, there the young Emperor Guangxu dreamed of modernizing China, the way the last Emperor Puyi lived as a child while his empire fell.

I found myself in the Hall of Clocks, a fascinating collection of hundreds of clocks brought as gifts to the imperial court by British, French and other European merchants. These clocks, with their mechanisms, music and decorations, represent China’s first contact with Western technology. Some are simple, others incredibly elaborate, small automatons with moving figures, music boxes. Emperor Qianlong was obsessed with these watches, seeing them as a marvel of technology developed by the West.

The Forbidden City is not just a tourist attraction, it is a lesson in history, architecture, philosophy and political power. Every detail, from the lions guarding the entrances to the dragons on the roofs, tells the story of Chinese civilization and its understanding of the universe. I spent almost a whole day here and felt like I had only scratched the surface for the second time and I could honestly spend weeks exploring every corner of this amazing place.

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: THE SEVENTH WONDER OF THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

It is impossible to visit Beijing without going to the Great Wall of China, the longest structure ever made by man. I decided to visit the Mutianyu section, which is about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Unlike the more popular part of Badaling section which is often crowded with tourists, Mutianyu offers more spectacular nature and a more authentic experience.

Driving to Mutianyu is an experience in itself. As we leave the metropolis, the landscape changes, tall buildings give way to hills covered in vegetation, and the air becomes cleaner. The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu stretches across the mountain ridges like an ancient dragon, descending and ascending following the natural contours of the terrain.

As we climb the steep stairs, I realize the magnitude of this project. The wall was built over more than 2,000 years, starting in the 7th century BC, with the aim of protecting China’s borders from invasions by northern nomads. The part we see today is mostly from the Ming Dynasty (14th-17th century). Standing here, on the stone blocks placed by workers hundreds of years ago, gives me an incredible sense of connection with the past.

The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu is less renovated than the Badaling section, giving it a more authentic, raw look. Some parts are completely preserved, with original bricks and stone, while others show the erosion of time. This combination of perfect restoration and natural decay makes the experience much more real, you see the Wall not as a museum exhibit, but as living history.

The view from the observation towers is simply stunning. The wall stretches as far as the eye can see, winding over hills and valleys, disappearing into the haze of the horizon. I counted at least ten towers in each direction. At one point, by closing your eyes, you can imagine the soldiers who stood guard here, lighting signal fires to warn of danger, who lived here for months in cold stone towers far from their families.

Climbing the highest part of the Wall in Mutianyu is a physical challenge. The stairs are steeper than they appear in the photos, uneven and often slippery. But every step you take, you realize it was worth the effort. When I finally reached Tower 23, the highest point open to visitors, the sense of accomplishment was immeasurable. I sat down on a stone bench inside the tower, drank some water and just watched the scenery in front of me.

What is particularly fascinating is the engineering genius behind the Wall. The tower system is positioned so that each can see at least two neighboring towers, allowing for efficient communication along the entire line. The stone blocks were so carefully constructed and placed that sections of the Wall have survived almost intact for millennia. Some blocks weigh more than a ton, and were transported through these mountainous terrains using only human power, horses and simple tools.

I spoke with a local guide who told me a fascinating story. “You know,” he said, “a Chinese proverb says: ‘He who has not been to the Great Wall of China is not a real man.’ But there is a sad history behind that proverb. Millions of workers died building this Wall. Some historians say that every kilometer of the Wall cost 10,000 lives. It is also a testament to human determination.”

That story touched me deeply. Looking at the Wall from a tourist perspective, it’s easy to forget the human cost. Every brick here was laid by the hand of someone’s father, son, brother. People lived and died building this Wall, believing they were protecting their civilization. In this context, the Great Wall of China is not only a tourist attraction, it is a mass grave and a monument, a triumph and a tragedy at the same time.

As I descend the Wall (using a cable car that adds a bit of modern adventure to this historic experience), I reflect on the human tenacity and vision it took to bring this megalomaniac project to fruition. The Great Wall of China is not just a wall, it is a monument to human determination, a protective symbol of civilization and now, the most recognizable symbol of China in the world.

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN: WHERE EARTH MEETS HEAVEN

The Temple of Heaven is a place where you can feel the spiritual dimension of Chinese culture. This complex, built in the early 15th century, served as a place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came twice a year to pray for good harvests and thank the heavens for good business success. It is not an ordinary temple, it is a perfect expression of Chinese cosmology and the relationship between Heaven, Earth and rulers.

The architecture of the Heavenly Temple is full of symbolism. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the main structure of the complex, is round with a blue roof, the round represents the sky, and the blue color symbolizes the heavens. She stands on a square platform that represents the Earth. The entire complex is carefully oriented according to the cardinal directions and is designed according to numerology which has a deep meaning in Chinese philosophy: the number 9, the highest single-digit number, is repeated throughout the architecture as a symbol of heaven.

The interior of the Prayer Hall is an architectural wonder. The four central pillars represent the four seasons, the twelve pillars of the middle circle represent the twelve months, and the twelve outer pillars represent the twelve two-hour periods in the traditional Chinese day. Everything is designed without the use of a single nail, the wooden structure is held solely by precise carpentry and a system of interconnected beams.

What particularly impresses me is the mathematical and acoustic precision. The Altar Circle of Heaven, the central platform where the emperor stood during ceremonies, was designed with concentric circles of stone slabs. The number of tiles in each round is always divisible by nine. If you stand in the center and speak, your voice is amplified and echoes in a way that creates an almost supernatural effect, as if the heavens are answering your prayers.

What particularly impresses me is the Echo Wall, a circular wall around the Imperial Vault of Heaven where, thanks to its acoustic properties, a whisper at one end of the wall can be heard at the other end, over 60 meters away. It is a fascinating example of how ancient Chinese architecture used the principles of physics in ways that still amaze modern engineers. I tried this effect with a tourist from Japan, he was whispering at one end, I was standing at the other and I heard every word clearly. Magical!

The Imperial Vault of Heaven, a smaller circular temple, houses wooden tablets with the names of the heavens and ancestors used during ceremonies. This room has special acoustics, if you stand at certain points and talk, the sound is transmitted in incredible ways. The Chinese understood sound waves in ways that modern acoustic science is only now fully understanding.

Early in the morning, the parks around the Temple of Heaven come alive. Thousands of locals come here to practice tai chi, play badminton, sing, dance and socialize. It is the most authentic experience of local life, to see how the inhabitants of the metropolis of people find their peace and balance in these historic outdoor spaces.

I joined a group of elderly people practicing tai chi, trying to follow their graceful movements. The gentleman who led the group approached me after practice. “Tai chi is not just an exercise,” he wrote to me on his phone screen with the help of a translator. “It’s a philosophy, a way of life. We learn to move in harmony with the energy of the universe, to balance the yin and yang in our bodies. This is not fitness, this is meditation in motion.”

I accepted his kind invitation to join them every morning that week, but unfortunately I did not have time for tai chi exercises. I heard from the guide that with the help of this noble skill, one can learn a lot about Chinese philosophy that cannot be learned from books. The feeling that your body becomes one being with the movement, that the breath controls the energy, that the peace of mind comes through controlled physical movement, it is truly something special.

The Park of the Temple of Heaven is an oasis of peace in a bustling metropolis. Old pines and cypresses, some over 800 years old, provide shade and an atmosphere of peace. Here you realize that the Temple of Heaven is more than a tourist attraction, it is a living part of the social and spiritual life of Beijing.

SUMMER PALACE: IMPERIAL PARADISE ON EARTH

If you want to see where Chinese emperors rested from the burden of ruling an empire, the Summer Palace is a must-see. This huge complex, covering 2.9 square kilometers of which three-quarters is occupied by Kunming Lake, is a masterpiece of landscape design and architecture.

During the 18th century, Emperor Qianlong created this palace as a birthday present for his mother, and later Empress Cijisi rebuilt the complex after it was destroyed during the Second Opium War. Every yuan spent on this palace was an investment in beauty, and that investment paid off. This is not just a palace, this is an artistic landscape where nature and architecture merge into a perfect whole.

I walk along the Promenade, a covered wooden corridor 728 meters long, decorated with more than 14,000 hand-painted panels. Each painting tells a story from Chinese mythology, history or depicts scenes from nature. It’s like walking through the longest outdoor art gallery. I spent hours studying these panels, dragons rising through the clouds, Buddhist saints in meditation, scenes from classical Chinese literature, flowers from all four seasons.

It’s fascinating that no two pictures are the same. More than 14,000 different compositions, each carefully painted by the hand of a 19th century artist. Imagine how much time, talent and patience it took to complete this. This is not just a decoration, this is an encyclopedia of Chinese culture, mythology and aesthetics painted on wood.

The Marble Boat is perhaps the most famous structure in the Summer Palace. Empress Qixi built it using money earmarked for the modernization of the Chinese navy, an ironic detail that some historians claim contributed to China’s defeat in the Sino-Japanese War. Today, this decorative pavilion in the shape of a ship stands as a symbol of imperial excess, but also an incredible artistic vision.

I gazed in awe at this perfect marble ship, looking across the lake and thinking about the irony of history. While the Cijisi enjoyed a life of luxury here, China was losing territories to foreign powers, the economy was collapsing, and the people were suffering. The Summer Palace is wonderful, but it is also a symbol of the decadence that contributed to the fall of the empire.

Climbing Longevity Hill and visiting the Buddha Temple that dominates the complex is rewarded with a spectacular view of Kunming Lake and Beijing in the distance. From there you realize the magnitude of planning and vision that was required to create this earthly paradise. Every bridge, pavilion and garden has been carefully placed to create a harmony between human creation and nature.

The Seventeen Arches Bridge that connects the coast with the South Island is an architectural marvel. Seventeen elegant arches are reflected in the water creating perfect symmetry. Statues of lions are placed on the bridge, each carved differently, each with its own personality. It is said that no one has ever counted the exact number of lions because they always get lost in the counting, it has become a local game.

We rented a small boat (Pedalo) and crossed the lake to the South Island. I understood why emperors fled here from the summer heat and the political intrigues of the court, this is a place where time stands still and inner peace can be found.

On the South Island I discovered a small pavilion where emperors retreated for private meditation. The place is hidden in the forest, far from the main paths, untouched by tourist groups. I sat there, closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the birds. At that moment I understood the essence of the Summer Palace, it is not a story about grandiosity or luxury, but about creating a space where the human soul can truly find peace.

HUTONGS: THE SOUL OF TRADITIONAL BEIJING

Behind modern skyscrapers and monumental buildings, hutongs, traditional narrow streets and residential districts preserve the soul of old Beijing. These are labyrinthine streets covered with gray bricks that tell the stories of generations of families who have lived, loved, laughed and cried here.

I decided to explore the hutongs around the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, two historical landmarks that once marked the time for the entire city. Walking into these streets makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a time machine. Traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan) with their distinctive red doors, stone lions as guardians and inverted roofs surround peaceful courtyards where children play and elderly people play mahjong.

Life in hutongs follows a special local rhythm. An old woman sells hot runway jianbing from a cart on the corner. An old man with a bird in a cage sits in front of his home, enjoying the afternoon sun. The smell of traditional food, fried meat, baked baozi buns, spicy vegetables fills the air. This is not a tourist attraction, this is the real Beijing, a way of life that is slowly disappearing in the face of modernization.

I met Mrs. Wang, a 78-year-old resident who has lived in the same house since birth, her granddaughter asked me to take a picture with her because she found me interesting with the camera and seeing a man from Europe. With the help of my grandson, I learned from Ms. Wang’s story how Beijing was changing, how hutongs used to cover a large part of the city, but now only remain in certain areas. She showed me her small yard with flower pots and a cage where a parrot lives. “Hutongs are the heart of Beijing,” she said. “Here, the neighbors know each other, they help each other. It’s a community, a family.”

They invited us to their house for tea. Siheyuan architecture is fascinating, a central courtyard surrounded by buildings on all four sides. The northern building, traditionally the most important, was for the oldest members of the family. Eastern and Western for children and their families. South for servants or guests. This is not just design, this is a philosophy, a Confucian hierarchy expressed through architecture.

As we drank tea in her modest living room, surrounded by photographs of her family spanning seven decades, I realized that hutongs are not a museum, they are people’s living memories. Mrs. Wang showed me photos of her yard 50 years ago, and I saw how the structure remained the same, but life was changing. Now it has a television and a refrigerator, but the basic rhythm of life such as shared yards, neighborhood interactions, family gatherings all remain the same.

Many hutongs have now been transformed into fashion districts with boutique hotels, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. This gentrification is a double-edged sword, on the one hand it brings economic development and preserves some structures, but it also changes the character of these neighborhoods and drives out longtime residents due to rising prices. Nanluoguxiang, one of the most popular hutong streets, is now full of tourists, souvenir shops and trendy cafes, but still retains the charm of traditional architecture.

I walked through this transformed neighborhood in the evening. The streets were lit up with lanterns, young people sat in trendy cafes serving bubble tea, art galleries displayed contemporary Chinese art, while music could be heard from the surrounding restaurants and bars. It is a different hutong, modernized but still beautiful in its own way. I have read reviews that this is the “Disneyland version” of hutongs, but I also see the positive side, these streets have been preserved, tourism income enables their maintenance, young Chinese are discovering their traditions.

I rented a bike and spent the afternoon wandering around the hutongs, where I discovered real gems, such as a small temple hidden between houses, a traditional workshop where a craftsman makes hand lanterns, a courtyard where a grandmother prepares dinner for the whole family. These are the moments you can’t plan, you have to let them happen.

I found a small traditional workshop where an elderly craftsman makes red lanterns by hand. I watched as he carefully constructed the bamboo frame, placed red paper, added calligraphy in gold, assisted by his grandson who was my age. “I learned this from my father, he from his,” he told me through his grandson. “But my children are not interested. They want to work in offices, with computers. I might be the last one in my family to do this, I’m trying something with my grandson, but I don’t think anything will come of it.” There was sadness in his voice, but also pride. I bought a lantern from him, not because I need it, but as a symbol of respect for the masters and the tradition that is slowly disappearing.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL QIANMEN, BEIJING: THE PERFECT BASE FOR EXPLORING BEIJING

After long days of exploring Beijing, I return to Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing a hotel that has become much more than a place to sleep, it has become my home away from home, a true oasis of sophistication and comfort in the heart of this dynamic city.

Located in the historic Qianmen district, just south of Tiananmen Square, this hotel represents the perfect fusion of traditional Chinese architecture and contemporary luxury design. The building complex of this hotel is a true masterpiece in itself, a renovated historic structure that respects the heritage of the neighborhood while bringing a modern approach to luxury hospitality. From the moment you first enter, the architecture amazes you: traditional elements such as wooden lattices, stone sculptures and Chinese calligraphy are combined with the elegant minimalism that is the signature of the Mandarin Oriental Group.

The location of the hotel is simply spectacular. You are within walking distance of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and numerous hutongs. At the same time, the Qianmen district is fascinating in its own right as it is a mixture of old streets and renovated shopping districts with traditional Chinese shops, restaurants serving authentic Peking duck and modern boutique shops. Early in the morning or late at night, a walk through Qianmen District is pure poetry as you see Beijing waking up or falling asleep, without the tourist crowds.

My room or rather my suite is every traveler’s dream. Spacious, elegantly designed with attention to every detail, it perfectly balances between Eastern aesthetics and Western comfort. High ceilings, huge windows letting in light, specially selected artwork on the walls and furniture that combines traditional Chinese elements with contemporary lines. The bed is possibly the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on, after a full day of walking the Great Wall or exploring the hutongs, sinking into those silk sheets is pure bliss.

The bathroom deserves special attention, spacious with a relaxing bathtub facing the windows, a walk-in shower and premium products for face and body care. Luxurious towels, almond robes and slippers complete the experience. After a long walk around town, spending some time in a hot tub while listening to Zen music played through the sound system is the kind of luxury that really means something to the weary traveler.

What sets Mandarin Oriental Qianmen apart from other luxury hotels is the attention to detail and personalized service. The staff knows your name from day one, you have a private butler and a team available 24 hours a day via a personalized Whatsapp group who are there to enhance and complete your stay, even anticipating your needs before you say them. This is not the hallmark of some other large luxury chain hotels, this is warm, personalized hospitality that pampers you to feel like a privileged guest, not just a regular room number.

The hotel’s restaurant, which combines Cantonese and local Beijing cuisine with international influences, deserves Michelin stars. The chef uses the freshest local ingredients and transforms them into dishes that are both authentic and innovative. The spa center of the hotel is a haven of peace. Treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, using local ingredients and ancient techniques, leave you completely refreshed. The Chinese massage I received, a combination of acupressure, stretching and deep tissue work, was therapeutic and resolved any tension accumulated during the trip.

The fitness center is modernly equipped, the overall impression was like a Zen oasis of peace, and the service is at the level you expect from the Mandarin Oriental brand. When I wanted to visit lesser-known parts of Beijing, the concierge arranged for a private guide and driver. When I asked for a recommendation for an authentic hutong restaurant where local people eat, I received not only a recommendation but also a reservation and written instructions in Chinese to show the taxi driver where I wanted to go.

Note to readers: Next week I will publish an in-depth review of the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing Hotel, detailing all aspects of this exceptional hotel: from room design, numerous culinary options, spa treatments, to how this hotel enriches the Beijing experience. As always, you’ll get a detailed experience and additional reasons why you should be a guest at this hotel if your journey takes you to faraway Beijing.

BEIJING CUISINE: A FEAST FOR ALL THE SENSES

One cannot talk about Beijing without mentioning its incredible cuisine. Peking duck is, of course, the most famous dish, I can honestly say and rightfully so. I went to the Quanjude restaurant, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants specializing in Peking duck, founded way back in 1864. Watching the chef expertly slice a roast duck into thin, perfect pieces, then wrap that piece of crispy skin and juicy meat in a thin pancake with onions and sweet soy sauce is a culinary experience you won’t forget.

But Beijing offers much more than duck. Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings), laundmine (pasta with sauce), zhajiang mian (pasta with soy paste and pork sauce), baozi (stuffed with pork or vegetables) are all dishes that reveal the depth and variety of northern Chinese cuisine. The street food culture in Beijing is phenomenal. At Wangfujing Market, you can find everything from traditional dishes to exotic delicacies: roasted scorpions, silkworms, starfish. You may not try everything, but the atmosphere, energy and authenticity of these street markets are simply unforgettable.

MODERN BEIJING: A CITY LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Beijing is not only an open-air historical museum, it is one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world. District 798 Art Zone, a former military factory converted into an art district, shows the creative and contemporary side of the city. Contemporary art galleries, design studios, modern cafes and restaurants occupy industrial spaces, creating a unique fusion of industrial heritage and contemporary culture.

Beijing’s skyline has changed dramatically in the last decade. Skyscrapers such as CCTV Tower with its revolutionary architecture, China World Trade Center and other architectural monsters speak of Beijing’s ambitions to be not only the political and cultural center of China, but also a global metropolis competing with New York, London and Tokyo.

Public transport in Beijing is impressive, the metro network with 27 lines and over 400 stations connects all parts of the city. Riding the Beijing subway is an experience in itself: clean, efficient, cheap and incredibly fast. It’s a way to get lost among the locals, see the real Beijing, not just the tourist Beijing.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING BEIJING

The best time to visit Beijing is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the temperatures are pleasant and there are no extreme high or low temperatures. During the summer it can be very hot and humid here, while the winters can be very cold.

As for visas, citizens of Serbia do not need tourist visas for the People’s Republic of China for a tourist stay of up to 30 days.

Chinese can be a challenge, but in tourist areas many people speak at least basic English. I recommend downloading any translation app and learning a few basic phrases in Chinese, people in China really appreciate it and will help you with a smile.

Cash still plays a big role, although digital payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous. As a tourist, these accounts are more difficult to open, so carry cash or credit cards.

WHY YOU MUST VISIT BEIJING

As I sat on the plane to Hong Kong, I looked out the window as Beijing disappeared under the clouds and thought about my next visit. This city has mesmerized me again, maybe even more than the first time. Beijing is not a simple destination, it is an experience that transforms you, expands your understanding of history, culture and human civilization.

Where else can you walk 2,000-year-old walls, explore a forbidden world where emperors ruled an empire, kneel in temples where dynasties prayed, wander alleys where daily life goes on as it has for centuries, and then return to a world-class hotel where supreme comfort and service await?

Beijing is a city of contrasts between modernity and tradition, north and south, east and west, everything here meets, collides, merges and creates something completely unique. It is a city that requires time, patience and an open heart. You can’t “visit” it just for the weekend. You have to let him win you over slowly, street by street, temple by temple, dish by dish.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world, of experiencing a civilization that has developed over millennia, of feeling the weight of history and the excitement of modern China rushing into the future, Beijing is waiting for you. That imperial city, with its forbidden doors of history and secret gardens, with its hutongs where children still play in the same streets where their ancestors played a hundred years ago, with its skyscrapers touching the clouds and a vision that reaches far into the 21st century, Beijing is calling you.

Come with an open mind and heart. Come prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Come prepared to be surprised, delighted, sometimes confused, but always fascinated. Beijing is not just a destination on your bucket list, it’s a trip that will change the way you look at the world.

I am already planning my third visit. Because Beijing is not a city you visit once, it is a love that lasts a lifetime. See you in Beijing!

As always, I tried to share authentic impressions, the right atmosphere and recommendations for you who like to travel in style, but also with an open heart.

Have you already had the opportunity to visit Beijing, this fascinating city that combines ancient traditions and modern rhythm of life? Or maybe you are just planning to discover the wonderful China and its countless cultural, historical and gastronomic treasures?

Feel free to leave your impressions, comments or questions below the text, or contact me via email and social networks. All information is available on the CONTACT page.

See you soon, with a new story from the Far East!

With Love from Beijing,
Mr.M

This post is sponsored by The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Beijing Hotel, as well as other local partners who selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.