China has been an important destination for travelers and businesspeople for centuries, and Beijing, located in the northern part of the country and home to more than 20 million, is a vital economic, cultural and historic center. With new plans in place to further the city’s economic stability and increase environmental efforts, the people of Beijing look forward to the future with a befitting amount of positivity. The perfect destination for history buffs, business leaders and travel gurus, one can easily lose one’s self in the abundance of all Beijing offers.

Getting There
Beijing Capital International Airport is located 16 miles northeast of the city center. All metered taxis cost about $2 for the first two miles and about 50 cents each additional mile. Airport shuttle buses run routes to major destinations and cost around $5. The metro’s Airport Express Line to Dongzhimen Station stops at Terminals 2 and 3 and travels to the city center in less than 20 minutes for about $4 a ticket.

Getting Around
Taxis are a popular method of getting around, though service is often slow due to the congested conditions of street-level traffic. The Beijing Subway provides an efficient alternative, with eight lines plus the Airport Express Line running throughout the city with announcements in both Chinese and English. One-way tickets with unlimited transfers cost about 35 cents.

9-5
China Grill at Park Hyatt
While the name might not impress you, the view certainly will. Situated on the top floor of the Park Hyatt Beijing in the Central Business District, China Grill offers a complete 360-degree view of the surrounding cityscape. The restaurant is open all day, and reservations can be made for a business lunch either on its website or by calling. Offering a nice-sized wine list and a variety of menu options, China Grill serves lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

The CUT
The CUT is a casual yet chic steakhouse located inside the Fairmont Beijing. Having received several awards, this restaurant offers a variety of carnivorous lunch options, including a desirable Wagyu beef selection. Lunch is served until 2 p.m., after which the restaurant closes until opening at 6 p.m. for dinner. Make reservations via email or phone.

EAST, Beijing
If you’re looking for a business hotel with all the perks and amenities that make working on the go easier, give EAST, Beijing a try. Perks include a social business center called Domain, designed for individuals to work and mingle simultaneously, and The Workshop, which offers meeting rooms for up to 120 guests plus attached open kitchens with chefs at your service. A business lounge called Upstairs provides iPads for guests’ use. With complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel’s many venues, you’ll always stay connected.

After 5
Jingshan Park
When you need some fresh air and beautiful scenery to clear your mind after a long day, head to Jingshan Park. Located in downtown Beijing, Jingshan Park was an imperial garden as early as the fifth century. A site rich with history, the park offers what is considered one of the best views of Beijing and the Forbidden City. The park closes at 10 p.m. June through August and at 8 p.m. the rest of the year.

Badaling Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is possibly Beijing’s most popular tourist attraction and a must-see if you’re a first-time visitor in the city. The most visited section of the Great Wall, Badaling lies within close proximity for most people staying in Beijing and is accessible via public transportation. The site is open until 6:30 p.m., so you can easily make it after the workday ends.

Capital Spirits
This award-winning bar received lots of press attention since its opening in mid-2014. While serving a wide array of options, the mixologists focus on baijiu, a Chinese distilled spirit, as well as craft Chinese beers and obscure spirits from around the world. The bar’s environment is simple and historic, with restored and antique décor, attracting a mix of locals and travelers looking for their first taste of baijiu.

Resources
For more information, visit visitbeijing.com.cn