It may not be the most obvious choice, and is all the more compelling to visit for that reason, but Beijing has much to offer to the luxury traveler even for a short break.
The Chinese capital has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport is located 20 miles from the city centre and Beijing Daxing International Airport is 31 miles away. Designed by Zaha Hadid, Daxing Airport features the world’s largest single terminal. The spectacular architecture incorporates five courtyard gardens to enjoy while waiting for flights.
The Waldorf Astoria Beijing is in the heart of Dongcheng District, close to the Forbidden City, the number one historic attraction. Booking a driver via the hotel as well as an English speaking personal tour guide for the Forbidden City are highly recommended. A team of concierges are on standby in the hotel reception.
The hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant on the second floor, Zijin Mansion, is a culinary destination offering Cantonese and Beijing specialities. The tasting menu is particularly impressive, especially on a sunny afternoon when natural light floods the elegant interior.
Diagonally opposite the Waldorf Astoria is The Peninsula which also has a Michelin starred restaurant, Jing. The lower ground floor interior is decorated with hand painted wallpaper and silk embroidered screens. French born Chef William Mahi combines modern French cuisine with Basque and Asian creativity.
To the immediate west of the Waldorf Astoria is Wangfujing Avenue, a high end street lined with international luxury brands such as Chanel, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. Even the clocktower has an Omega face.
Dongcheng District also offers more localised attractions including hutongs (historic winding passageways) lined with siheyuans (traditional single storey grey brick courtyard houses). Visiting a Chinese teahouse is another unmissable treat.
Article by Stuart Blakley
