Four Seasons Hotel Uncovers Beijing's Best-Kept Secrets

Wherever there may be a lock in Beijing, Four Seasons has the key. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing is set to launch a brand new, exclusive Beijing tour programme that will show guests sides of this exciting metropolis that visitors rarely get to see. From discovering edgy, modern design shops hidden in the winding ancient hutong alleyways to whipping up a delicious traditional Chinese meal using centuries-old culinary secrets, to delving into the intense and compelling contemporary art scene, taking the time to see a different side of Beijing is more than time well spent–it's time taken to create extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime.

Art Attack: Exploring Contemporary Chinese Art

The 798 Art District, the most well-known art area in the city has earned an international reputation. But the myriad clusters of galleries and artists' homes spread throughout the capital are what really form the pulsing heart of Beijing's creative scene, and any art aficionado will want to find a way to listen to the beat. Enjoy access to private collections and discover unique pieces that the public never has the chance to see. This is an unforgettable opportunity to get an inside look at one of the most exciting creative scenes in the world.

A Spoonful of Sugar: Experience Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM is a holistic approach to health that includes exercise, using plants, herbs and other natural ingredients to both treat and prevent illness, and maintaining an overall lifestyle that stresses harmony and balance with you and your environment. By tracing the qi, or energy, qualified TCM practitioner Dr. Lan can determine whether you need to start treating your liver more kindly, or perhaps pay more attention to your heart. A session with a master of TCM such as Dr. Lan is a truly life-altering experience, and will change even the most doubting minds about the benefits of this ancient art of healing.

Shopaholic: Retail Therapy

As China's creative scene grows, Chinese designers are winning accolades on the international catwalk. But finding the city's most challenging and fascinating designers takes insider knowledge, and we offer the key to Beijing's fashion underground. Or find antique treasures, soft cashmere clothes or shining pearls in an exclusive tour of the city's chaotic maze of markets, where knowing which particular small stall to visit can mean the difference between finding the bargain of a lifetime, or walking home with an overpriced fake.

The Emperor's Quarters: Exclusive Access to the Forbidden City

Lying in the very heart of the capital, the Forbidden City is one of Beijing's most alluring attractions. Exploring the astounding 980 buildings inside the Forbidden City may seem an intimidating task, but with savvy guides leading you through the courts where emperors once walked, you'll uncover the juicy secrets and fascinating history of this extraordinary palace. You'll also enjoy exclusive access to Chonghua Gong, which is closed to the public. The original furniture and décor has remained unchanged since the Qianlong dynasty, and in this now-quiet hall it is possible to imagine the rustlings of royal robes as the emperor sweeps past, reciting poetry in preparation for the spring festival feast.

Cuisine Arts: Discover Chinese Cooking

The mouthwatering variety of Chinese cuisine that graces restaurant tables in Beijing is the envy of any foodie. What better way to bring a taste of China home with you than to learn how to make it yourself? Led by the highly trained Chef Zhang, guests will learn how to properly wield the most important cooking tool in a Chinese kitchen–the wok. Interested in learning how the pros do it? Take a guided tour through the bustling kitchen of one of the capital's top Peking duck establishments, before sitting down to feast on the delectable dishes on offer there.

Ancient History: Wander the Hutongs

Before Beijing began its rapid transformation into a modern global metropolis, the city was comprised of courtyard homes, known as siheyuan, connected by narrow lanes and alleyways, called hutongs. Life in these alleyways continues on much as it has for centuries, with residents swapping gossip as they buy fresh vegetables at the local markets, old men smoking as they admire each other's pet birds, or crowds gathering around a table for a lively cricket match. Meet a master cricket trainer who will share the secrets of this ancient trade, and will let you in on what it takes to win.

At Four Seasons, we strive to create unique, customized experiences for our discerning guests. We understand that travel is an important opportunity to create lifelong memories, and we are confident that our personally tailored “Explore the City” tours will give guests fantastic stories to tell for years to come. Just let our concierge know what your tastes are, and leave the rest up to us. Our concierge can work wonders, from last-minute bookings to the hottest restaurants and clubs in town to appointment-only shopping excursions. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing appreciates that time is precious, and we are prepared to accommodate your requests anytime, and anywhere. Luxury travelers can even create a tailored tour plan in a face-to-face meeting with our concierge while traveling in the exquisite comfort of our limousine. We are excited to bring you the best the city has to offer, and we look forward to making your Beijing travel dreams come true.

For more information, visit: www.fourseasons.com/beijing