Beijing | Traditional vs modern

What to do?

Home to the 24 emperors of the Ming and Quing Dynasties, the Forbidden City housed the "Son of Heaven" who had supreme power over the nation. The residence on earth is said to have been built as a replica of the Purple Palace where God was thought to live in heaven.  The city is surrounded by a 52m moat and high walls the city was off-limits for ordinary people, hence its name, where the punishment for entrance was instant execution for a period of 500 years.

Stretching across the historical border of the Chinese Empire the Great Wall of China was designed to protect the Chinese states from attacks by nomadic groups or military incursions by warlike people, while also allowing the imposition of duties along the silk road and control of immigration.

Though some parts of the 6,000km wall, particularly those close to tourist centres have been preserved and extensively renovated, in many locations the wall has fallen into disrepair and become the subject of graffiti and vandalism.

Just outside the city centre is the Summer Palace with its best-preserved horticultural landscapes. The place was designed for the royal families to rest and entertain, though it later became the main residence of royal members of the family at the end of the Qing Dynasty.

Covering an area of more than 300 hectares, the gardens suffered their fair share of attacks from invaders and had to be reconstructed a number of times. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and has been voted one of the best tourist spots in China.

The Temple of Heaven was built during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to heaven. The temple is bigger than the Forbidden City as even the emperor, the son of Heaven, dared not build his own home bigger than a dwelling for heaven. Its design is symbolic of the people's attitude towards heaven and earth with the semicircular northern part being higher than the squared southern part as the north symbolises heaven while the south symbolises the earth.

Where to stay?

Stepping into the lobby of Shangri-La's China World Hotel, www.shangri-la.com, you feel like you've just walked into a miniature Forbidden City. Filled with Ming and Qing era style artwork, the red and gold chamber welcomes you with a grandeur worthy of royalty.

Every room has stunning views of the city, with glittering skyscrapers, whilst putting patrons in close vicinity to the China World Trade Centre, Central Business District and the China World Mall.

The Forbidden City, the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square are all within easy reach of the hotel.

The royal experience extends to pampered palates. Award-winning Chinese and European cuisine awaits you at the Summer Palace and Aria restaurants. Beyond the hotel, Beijing offers a dazzling range of culinary and cultural discoveries.

Just outside the city centre is the Aman at Summer Palace restort, www.amanrestorts.com, a quiet tranquil retreat centre adjacent to the East Gate of the iconic Summer Palace. Housed in a series of pavilions dating back over a century, the hotel offers unparalleled access to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven

The original complex was used by guests of the Summer Palace awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi at the turn of the 20th century. Rooms and suites reflect traditional Chinese architecture and celebrate the courtyard style of the Summer Palace with a dignified ambience throughout. Whilst every modern comfort has been provided, the design embraces Imperial Chinese layouts, materials and fabrics. The resort also includes a variety of dining options, an extensive Spa and a wide range of recreational facilities.

Travellers on a budget will do well at the Drum Tower Hostel, located in the bustling central neighbourhood of Hutong. Almost every tourist attraction worth visiting is within walking distance of the hostel and is well-serviced by bus and subway services.

Both private rooms and shared dorm rooms are decorated in a tasteful combination of the traditional and modern.

Located in the heart of Hutong, the home of many Beijing natives, the hostel is close to a myriad of traditional restaurants where the traveller can experience the way Beijingers live and eat. Try the dumplings and noodles, Peking roast duck as well as the cafes, tea houses and grocery stores for a true picture of Beijing life.

Where to eat?

Manchurian Special Flavour specialises in cuisine from northeast China - the land of icy winds and biting cold. This results in a menu of hearty meat dishes like stewed chicken and shredded pork, but the restaurant is best known for their jiaozi - ground meat covered in a thin dough, served with soy-vinegar dipping sauce and hot chilli sauce. The waitresses serve these hearty meals in traditional dress and keep patrons entertained, singing while they serve.

Wangfujing street, located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, is one of the Chinese capital's most famous shopping streets. The Wangfujing night market has a selection of exotic street food on the snack street. Deep fried insects, scorpions, and sea creatures can be found, along with other animals and animal parts not ordinarily consumed as food in the west. But while these exotic snacks can be found, other more common foods, such as Chuanr (meat kebabs, commonly made of lamb) and desserts, such as Tang hu lu, or candied fruits and fried ice-cream make up the majority of the food sold on the street.

For some of the best duck in Beijing, head down to Li Qun Roast Duck restaurant. The restaurant itself is nothing more than a hole in the wall in a crumbling hutong, which may be difficult to find at first, but the food is definitely worth it. Be prepared to wait up to an hour - even at off-peak times.

How to get there?

Emirates offers a daily service from Malta to Beijing with a stop over in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 7 June 2012 and returning on 24 June 2012 were priced at €925.27, including taxes, at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 14.5 hours.