Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing ( 1 )

With a history of over 3000 years and a capital history of more than 850 years, Beijing is a famous historical and cultural city in the world and one of the four ancient Chinese capitals. Here we list top 10 things to do in Beijing. 

Emperor Hotel Bar

Perched opposite the east gate of the massive Forbidden City, the boutique Emperor Hotel is trendy and airy and 55 rooms in this hotel is charming. But the most attractive for the tired traveler is its rooftop bar, Yin.

Built on an ascending series of platforms, the bar has the best view in town hands-down. Tourists can gaze over the swooping tiled roofs of the majestic former residence of the Emperor while having a drink. 

Shichahai Lake

Regarded as the most beautiful place in old Beijing, Shichahai Lake was used to be part of the emperor's vast pleasure gardens. Three lakes: Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai- north of Beihai and about a mile north of the Forbidden City are known collectively as Shichahai and are ringed by restaurants and bars.

After visiting Forbidden City, a stroll around the adjoining lakes is a wonderful complement. The natural scenery of Shichahai is very eye-catching, tourists should not pass up renting a rowboat and taking a float around Beihai Park while contemplating the huge white Buddhist stupa.

Besides, fashionable bar street along the riverside unfolds another face of the place, showing its determination to catch up with the pace of the modem world.

Hutongs

Foreign visitors could head to one of Beijing's few remaining Hutong neighborhoods, with narrow alleys and single story traditional courtyard houses.

In ancient China, Hutong dominated the city. Standing closely to each other, the courtyard houses are arranged in rows with paths separate between the adjacent rows called as Hutongs.

"Siheyuan" style residences and the "Hutongs" that linked them were unique to old Beijing. However, Beijing Hutongs have been demolished to make way for building high rises.

Nanluoguxiang

For those who are keen on retail therapy, Nanluoguxiang is a big hit for them. Mix of history, fashion and shops, Nanluoguxiang is one of the most famous Hutong districts in Beijing.

In addition, Nanluoguxiang has several kilometers of shops, galleries and cafés that range from the chic to the kitschy.

Dali Courtyard Restaurant

Tourists can recharge from shopping in Nanluoguxiang at nearby Dali Courtyard Restaurant. Specializing in the subtle flavors of the cuisine of Yunnan province together with the beautiful setting make it one of Beijing's more romantic places to eat.

Such interesting things deserve to do during your Beijing tour.