Indulge the senses on a bespoke Beijing getaway
For savvy travelers who know where to look, Beijing offers all the ingredients — from fine dining to cultural immersion — for a uniquely indulgent vacation.
By Jessica Poitevien | June 6, 2024
The city of Beijing is steeped in centuries of fascinating history and traditions waiting to be explored. It’s also a beacon of modernity, full of high-end shopping opportunities, top-notch wellness experiences and some of the world’s finest dining. It’s this dichotomy of old and new that makes Beijing so unique and appealing to the most discerning travelers. Here’s how to enjoy a lavish trip to this powerhouse destination.
Cultural immersion
As a culturally curious traveler, you’ll certainly get your fill in Beijing. Staying at Waldorf Astoria Beijing puts you within easy walking distance of the most important attractions — an especially helpful perk in a city known for its traffic. For the ultimate Beijing experience, your personal concierge can arrange a private tour of the Forbidden City, one of China’s most impressive imperial palace complexes, and nearby Tiananmen Square. A large stretch of the Great Wall of China can be found in the capital, so climb to the top and walk along its ancient stone steps. The hotel also offers a special walking tour of the traditional hutong alleyways, inviting you to interact with local artisans and stop at the Hutong Museum. Be sure to spend some time wandering in the hotel’s Ming-inspired courtyard, complete with hutong villas.
Delightful delicacies
With nearly three dozen Michelin-starred restaurants and another 70+ eateries that are recommended by the elite guide, Beijing has no shortage of delectable dishes to entice visitors with refined palettes. Take your tastebuds to China’s other flagship city at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Shanghai Cuisine, where the menu focuses on punchy flavors and rare seasonal flavors. Switch things up with contemporary French cuisine at Trb Hutong, and don’t miss the delectable Cantonese cuisine and Beijing specialties at Zijin Mansion, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Beijing. Try the tasting menu for a variety of the restaurant's best offerings or stop by for a dim sum lunch, where the golden fish steamed shrimp and lotus pastry are not to be missed.
Wellness in all forms
Whether you’re embarking on physical challenges or focusing on pure relaxation, self-care can take on many forms. For some, it might even look like indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Luckily, Waldorf Astoria Beijing is perfectly located near Wangfujing Street, one of the trendiest commercial zones in the city, offering everything from chic boutiques to major international brands. You’ll also find smaller shops that still specialize in the traditional goods — think expertly crafted hats and silk — that have populated Wangfujing for centuries. After shopping to your heart’s content, unwind at Waldorf Astoria’s spa with one of the signature rituals. These rejuvenating experiences include a combination of treatments from full body scrubs to customized facials and hot stone massages.
Jessica Poitevien
Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller with more than a decade of experience in writing and editing. Born in New York, she caught the travel bug throughout multiple moves that brought her to California, Spain, Colombia and her current home base in South Florida. She has visited over 40 countries including several solo trips and considers herself an expert in destination weddings and unique honeymoons. When she's not traveling, she enjoys making social media content, trying new food and acting as a travel agent for friends and family.
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