Fashion Month is upon us and we leave the oft travelled fashion track to check out underrated fashion capital. Last week we checked out Cape Town the stylish way and now on to Beijing.
Why Beijing?
Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China boasting amazing culture, fashion, a seamless mix of traditional and modern and more. As one of the six ancient cities in China it has been the heart and soul of the country’s society; there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travellers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development
Things to do/see in Beijing
From the Temple of Heaven to the Great Wall, Panda House to the national Grand Theater, Beijing offers a host of tourist attractions, things to do and get lost exploring. Everybody visits the Forbidden City, of course, but a stroll around the adjoining lakes, which used to be part of the emperors' vast pleasure gardens, is a wonderful complement. Don't pass up renting a rowboat and taking a float around Beihai (or North Lake) Park.
Check out Tiananmen Square located in the heart of Beijing City, it is the site for massive parades and rallies, which is the largest square of this kind in the world. At sunrise and sunset the raising and lowering ceremony of the Chinese National Flag is well worth the watching. The precision of the young troops is very well performed. Go there about 30 minutes early to have a good seat. Spend the time to see the people (soldiers, tourists and locals) makes the square a true highlight for the first time visitors.
Where to stay
You know that Beijing is a city of contrasts, and Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing, is the perfect base for you to explore this vivid metropolis. Before you head out to explore the city, check into Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing perhaps into one of the rooms in the Valley Wing that have floor-to-ceiling windows and offers grand views of the city.
Best places to wine and dine
Wine bar Enoterra comes highly recommended, tucked into a corner next to Agua on the fourth floor of Nali Patio, Sanlitun don’t blame us if you never want to leave. Choose from a selection of 10-12 wines by the glass and enjoy two glasses of wine for the price of one from 4 to 8pm every day. A range drawn up for everyone from amateurs to aficionados involves seven wine lists to choose from and a select number of grape-based spirits including armagnacs, cognacs and grappas. Inspired lists, split into ‘hedonist’, ‘sensualist’, ‘evocative’ and ‘playful’, help match taste with drinkers’ personalities and moods. Learn more by asking; staff are friendly and ready to answer questions. Come here for the wine, but don’t rule out the food: a simple menu of dishes made to share and designed to pair with the wines
While there is Nuage a different spot better known for its rooftop terrace than its food, a trait they’ve capitalised on; there’s a ten percent service charge if you eat outside. Believe us when we say it’s worth it. The breath taking Drum and Bell towers stand right beside you, Jingshan Park is on the horizon, while Houhai Lake is just beneath you (although far away enough that you escape the noise). On a clear day, you can really soak in the city’s rich history – if you’re not too busy tucking into the Vietnamese classics. Or you can just enjoy a chilled cocktail and take in the historic landscape; the way all of Beijing used to look.
Club it up
Migas is deemed one of the hottest places to be particularly in the summer. The place radiates style – and attracts masses of attractive twentysomethings with queues stretching out of the front door; there’s no better place to be – and be seen.
Best places to shop
We hear Fei Space is an inspiring place to be combining both fashion and home decor the private atmosphere and combination of fashion and art simply speak to art lovers in each person and comes as a recommendation from Vogue China’s editor so you know it must be a good place to check out.
Why not lose yourself among the small designer stores and restaurants housed in Nali Patio too. It’s a great place to linger during the weekend, shopping at designer shops such as Elysee Yang, having a coffee and enjoying being where the young, chic people hang out. It also means you got to shop where the locals do and avoid the crowds of tourists in the much more commercialised shopping areas – it’s a win-win situation.
