Tailor Made Holidays To Beijing

With its off the charts size and verging on ridiculous population – it’s two and a half that of London’s – Beijing may not be astounding beautiful, but it’s bold, it’s brash and it’s irrefutably big. Everything just seems supersized here. The world renowned Great Wall of China, that lies just north of the capital, is a whopping 21,196 km long, the formidably named Forbidden City consists of a an incredible 980 buildings and the city’s sleek, modern edifices have their heads stuck in the clouds. Or maybe it’s the smog, in this city they’re pretty much one and the same thing. 

But as overwhelming as it may be, Beijing sure does know how to enthrall. Here, more icons will vie for your attention than anywhere else in China – it’s a place where the old is ancient and the new is science fiction new. Home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’ll truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to stepping back in time, whilst modern skyscrapers and a cutting edge contemporary art scene make this very much a city of contrasts. Which pretty much encapsulates the spirit of the China as a whole. Contradictions are rife in this forward-thinking, yet traditional country. 

To get to grips with this city, you’re going to have to get a hold of yourself first. Queuing may be in your blood, but in Beijing you’ll need to sharpen those elbows and up your game – this is one of the busiest cities in the world and a lack of personal space will soon confirm that. Think Oxford Street on Christmas Eve. Yep, really. Prepare for queue jumpers, endless security checks and a whole lot of frazzling furore. But it is worth it, promise. 

When it comes to dining options, you’re of course looking at traditional Chinese fare here. Often flavoursome and always chaotic, the key is to get stuck in – which means slurping your noodles and shovelling your rice. And if duck pancakes are the staple of your Friday night takeaway, you’re in luck. Oh so much better than the plastic-tupperware-parcelled version from your local, this Peking duck is the real deal. Think wafer thin pancakes, rich plum sauce and thinly sliced cucumber all paired with the headline-stealing meat. Only really serious veggies have an excuse not to tuck into this delight in its home city.