北京是中华人民共和国首都是世界闻名的历史古城、文化名城。是全国的政治、经济、交通和文化中心。这里荟萃了中国灿烂的文化艺术，留下了许多名胜古迹和人文景观。北京是全国的政治、文化与国际交往中心，又是生机勃勃、充满活力的综合性产业城市。

从金代起连续800多年的建都史，使北京形成了宏伟壮丽的皇宫建筑、瑰丽秀美的园林设施、历经沧桑的寺庙宫观、丰富珍贵的文物典籍、精湛的工艺美术品以及风味独特的传统食品……意大利旅行家马可·波罗在他的游记中，对北京人民文明富足的生活以及城市繁盛美丽的赞美，数百年来，不知诱发过多少人对这座东方文明古都的神思遐想。

INTRODUCING BEIJING 5

NEIGHBOURHOODS 6

ITINERARIES 7

HIGHLIGHTS 8

Tiananmen Square 8

Forbidden City 10

Summer Palace 12

Temple of Heaven 14

Lama Temple 16

Factory 79818

Prince Gong's Residence 19

Dongyue Temple 20

Beihai Park 21

Liulichang 22

White Cloud Temple 23

Fragrant Hills Park & Beijing Botanical Gardens 24

Red Gate Gallery 26

SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES 27

Museums 27

Galleries 31

Historical Buildings & Monuments 33

Places of Worship 35

Parks & Public Spaces 37

Hutongs 38

Former Residences 39

Markets 41

Quirky Beijing 41

Beijing for Children 42

TRIPS & TOURS 44

Walking Tours 44

Day Trips 48

Organised Tours 53

SHOPPING 54

Shopping Centres & Department Stores 55

Markets 56

Clothing & Accessories 57

Foot & Blind Massage 60

Arts & Crafts 60

Music & Books 61

For Children 62

Antiques 63

Specialist Stores 63

Sports & Outdoor Equipment 65

EATING 66

Chaoyang 67

Chongwen & Xuanwu 69

Dongcheng 71

Jianguomenwai Embassy Area 74

Sanlitun Embassy Area 76

Sanlitun North 78

Worth the Trek 80

ENTERTAINMENT 81

Bars 82

Lounges 85

Pubs 86

Clubs & Discos 87

Cinemas 88

Rock, Jazz, Blues & Pop 89

Theatre 90

Classical Music 91

Acrobatics & Kung Fu 91

Opera 92

Gay & Lesbian Beijing 93

Sports 94

SLEEPING 95

Deluxe 96

Top End 97

Midrange 99

Budget 100

ABOUT BEIJING 101

History 101

Environment 103

Government & Politics 104

Economy 104

Society & Culture 105

Arts 108

DIRECTORY 111

INDEX 123

MAP LEGEND 128