Beijing - Citibank Singapore

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Beijing

CITI PRESENTS LUXE CITY GUIDES

The cult pocket city guides and mobile apps for the busy, sophisticated traveler



BEIJING IS A CAPITAL OF EXTREMES, A CITY FILLED WITH BOTH MING DYNASTY MASTERPIECES AND MODERN ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS, WITH A PAST STEEPED IN RICH HISTORY AND A PRESENT THAT'S ALL ABOUT BIGGER AND BETTER.

It's a striking contrast reflected in the city's plethora of sights, from the narrow and winding hutong alleyways, ancient Summer Palace and Forbidden City, to the modern day soaring skyscrapers. The juxtaposition of old and new is also evident in the food, art, shopping and nightlife, and though the Chinese have

long seen the city as the centre of the universe, now the rest of the world has finally turned its eye Beijing-ward.

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? Weather: spring (Apr-May) is dry but pleasant with occasional sandstorms; summer (Jun-mid Sep) is like a moist oven; autumn (mid Sep-Nov) is delightful; your fridge will be warmer in winter (Dec-Mar).

? Beijing Capital airport to town: 45 mins / ~RMB 100.

? Take only taxis with B (Beijing) plates, or better yet, hire a car and driver, but don't expect to get anywhere fast, especially during rush hour.

? Many kitchens close early, so don't arrive too late.

? ATMs have low transaction limits, cash up when you can.

? Do expect plenty of spitting and staring.

? Avoid the use of public toilets, but do carry tissues in the unfortunate event that you're horribly caught short.

? Intl country code is +86 then 10 for Beijing, which doesn't have to be dialed locally nor for mobiles (nation-wide).

? Emergency numbers are: 119 for fire, 120 for ambulance and 110 for police.

? Expect variable service in hotels and restaurants.

? Beijing street names can often seem meaningless, however, jie means street, lu and dao are road, dajie is avenue, xiang is alley, and hutong is an alley around traditional courtyard houses, or a cluster of such houses.

? Credit cards will often NOT do nicely, except in hotels, larger restaurants and stores; have back-up cash even if it says they take credit.

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Jehanne De Biolley JEWELLER AND INTERIOR DESIGNER

Belgian jeweller and interior designer Jehanne has spent the past 20 years in Beijing, where she lives and works with her husband, international actor and designer Liu Linian. Together, the duo launched Liu+deBiolley, applying their classic-eclectic aesthetic to their work, which in addition to furniture and jewellery design has included restorations of Qing and Ming dynasty buildings as well as the award-winning Duge Courtyard boutique hotel.

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Jehanne De Biolley JEWELLER AND INTERIOR DESIGNER

1) WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MUSEUM OR EXHIBIT IN BEIJING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

The gigantic stone turtles in the yards of the Confucius Temple situated near Lama Temple are superb; I love wandering around this less-visited site. The grand pine trees inspire respect and admiration ? and one of them is home to an owl!

go if you have anything from an hour to an entire day! A foot massage is where you should start, where you'll have your feet soaked in an herbal mix before the massage. They also offer traditional Chinese body massages and other relaxing treatments. .cn

4) WHERE WOULD YOU GO FOR A COCKTAIL AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER?

2) WHERE DO YOU TAKE VISITORS WHEN THEY COME TO VISIT YOU AND WHY?

Climbing up the tiny narrow staircase of the Drum Tower is worth the effort for the view over the entire city to the 3rd ring ? on a good day you will see as far as the CCTV Tower.

3) WHERE DO YOU GO FOR A PAMPER SESSION (MASSAGE OR SPA TREATMENT) IN BEIJING?

My all time favorite cocktail is the "Passionate Rosemary", a delicate blend of Earl Grey infused gin and passion fruit, at Temple Restaurant in the heart of Old Beijing, a stone's throw from the Forbidden City. The bartenders compose unique cocktails and pay homage to the surroundings with infusions of Chinese spices and hand-cut ice. And the restaurant itself, located in Ming Dynasty temple compounds, has exquisite fusion cuisine popular with the fashion and business elite.

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For a massage my favorite is Bodhi. Located in the Sanlitun area in Eastern Central Beijing, it is the right place to

5) WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND FRIENDS STAY WHEN THEY COME TO BEIJING?

If you're in Beijing for a romantic stay, your best choice will be the Duge Courtyard boutique hotel, a tiny jewel with only 6 designer-furnished rooms located in the old part of town off Nanluoguxiang. If you're visiting for business, the traditional Raffles off of Tiananmen Square or the St. Regis in the embassy area will not disappoint. The Opposite House in Sanlitun is a good option for those who prefer to keep close to the city landmarks.

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THE OPPOSITE HOUSE

Hotel

Zen, minimalist designer stunner furnished in a natural palette of white and beige, with natural wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Add spa-like bathrooms, oak tubs, indoor pool and modern Asian Bei restaurant, Mediterranean Sureno, and cool contemporary Mesh bar, and it's easy to see why the hotel is so popular with the international style set.

The Village / 11 Sanlitun Bei Lu / Sanlitun / Chaoyang / +86 10 6417 6688

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Dining

Set on the grounds of a beautiful six-century-old Ming temple complex, with former Maison Boulud general manager Ignace Lecleir at the helm, and decadent, modern European fare on the menu, this fine dining restaurant is the perfect choice for an old-meets-new, East-meets-West experience.

Songzhusi Temple / 23 Shatan Bei Jie / Dongcheng / +86 10 8400 2232 / lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat and weekend brunch

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HAIDILAO

Dining

This wildly popular chain has 64 locations all over China, and for good reason ? the scrumptious, Sichuan hot pot is a national treasure, with its fiery chili flavors and hand-pulled noodles available 24/7. Go at an off peak hour to avoid queues.

2A Baijiazhuang Lu / Chaoyang /+65 6595 2982 / + branches



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NANLUOGUXIANG

Shopping

Thanks to gentrification, this former dusty, drab hutong has transformed into an alley of junky to hip boutiques, caf?s and bars. It may be a tad touristy, but it's really all about the atmosphere and well worth a trip for unique souvenirs. Start at the gate at Nanluoguxiang south entrance at Ping'an DaDao.

THE PENINSULA SPA

Spa

With signature holistic therapies drawing from Ayurvedic, Oriental and European philosophies, this serene haven also has couples' suites, gym and pool access, and thermal suites for steamy or cool hydro relaxation.

8 Goldfish Lane / Wangfujing / Dongcheng / +86 10 6510 6090

BRAND NEW CHINA (BNC)

Shopping

Opened by the daughter of Mao's English teacher and translator, this hip, fashion-forward store stocks emerging labels and indie designers from greater China, and is a great place to familiarize yourself with local names like Hi Panda, NLGX and Fan Ran, or stock up on unique pieces.

NLG-09A / B/1 Sanlitun Village North / 11 Sanlitun Bei Lu / Chaoyang / +86 10 6416 9045

AMAN AT SUMMER PALACE

Hotel

Retreat like royalty to this historic hotel, set in the cooking quarters of Empress Cixi's former summer home on the city's outskirts. The lavish suites are housed in a series of pavilions surrounding a courtyard, and there's a lush spa and pool too.

1 Gongmenqian Jie / Summer Palace / Haidian / +86 10 5987 9999

APOTHECARY

Bar

This dimly lit woody saloon serves up artisanal potions made using homemade liquors, bitters and salts alongside a comfort American snack menu. The cocktail list is almost as long as the Great Wall, but you can't go wrong with their signature Bell Pepper Tequila Sour.

3/F / Nali Patio / 81 Sanlitun Bei Lu / Chaoyang / +86 10 5208 6040

ULLENS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

Activities

This non-profit, contemporary art space in China is spread over 26,000 sq ft formerly occupied by a factory compound, and is now home to some of the best curated exhibitions in China, showcasing both established and emerging, international and domestic talents.

4 Jiuxianqiao Lu / Dashanzi / Chaoyang / +86 10 5780 0200

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HIAS GOURMET

Activities

Eat your way around town, whether it's breakfast at a Chinese farmers market, a hutong tour, a night market stroll or a tea tasting safari that suits your fancy. There are also cooking classes for regional and traditional tastes, so you can take the flavors home.

7 Xinsi Hutong / Dongcheng / +86 10 6400 9199 / bookings essential



DUCK DE CHINE

Dining

Nestled within the dining and entertainment complex 1949 Hidden City, Duck de Chine serves up the city's best Peking Duck in a highdesign, sleek and chic environment on the grounds of a traditional siheyuan courtyard. The mostly fowl-oriented menu also features duck confit and even duck tacos, or come between 11.30am and 2.30pm and you can try the excellent dim sum.

1949 Hidden City / 98 Jinbao Jie / Dongcheng / +86 10 6521 2221

PAN JIA YUAN FLEA MARKET

Shopping

Having a rummage in this giant weekend flea market is great fun. You'll find everything here: pins, shoes, posters, scrolls, snuff boxes, Mao-morabilia, porcelain, stone, bronze, wood, antiques and fauxtiques, but get there early, have plenty of cash (no credit cards) and remember to haggle hard!

Panjiayuan Wiao / Chaoyang / sunrise ? 3pm Sat-Sun

LONG ISLAND SPA

Spa

Getting a foot reflexology treatment is an experience true to Beijing, and nowhere better than at this pristine, low-lit Thai-inspired spa with its simple and effective foot rubs. For the ultimate foot pampering try the Thai High Barrel Foot Spa incorporating heat and herbal oils, or check out the comprehensive Chinese Therapeutic Treatment menu for full body and facial rituals.

B/F / Jiahui Center / 6 Jiqing Li / Chaoyang / +86 10 6551 6112

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POLLUTION

We've forgotten what a blue sky looks like.

THE MURSE

Beijing man is obsessed with his manbag.

CARS

Monstrous traffic, and over 1,000 new cars on the roads every day.

BEIJING BELLY

Beijing man is also obsessed with his summer crop top.

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