BEIJING
DONG JING YUAN TEMPLE 东景缘
Once a temple 600 years ago; now a mix of art gallery, fine dining space, bar, and a James Turrell instal inside! Heard the temple itself can be hired for hosting priavte events. The ways this relatively small space is curated is just mind blowing. Absolutely worth a visit.Map
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LAMDRE 兰斋
My very first plant-based dinning experience - and the best birthday celebration planned by my boyfriend! :) Minimal and intimate interior with set menu only and optional local wine pairing. Also an one Michelin star restaurant. Super super creative and amazing food. My personal fav is the radish soup and tofu soy ice cream... top top top on my list, highly reccomend.Social
PUXUAN HOTEL & SPA
Super central location. Huge room with great view, amazing service and solid breakfast. The interior blends oriental core with a modern twist - tea room, library and outdoor lounge all beautifully done. Easily one of the best stays in the city.Book Now
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JING SHAN PARK
Backyard of the Forbidden City, once an exclusive garden to the royalty. It sits on Beijing Central Axis and probably the highest point along it. Good fengshui I heard - if you are big into energy cleansing and good magnetic fields this might worth your visit. The view overlooking the Forbidden City is incredible, but try to go outside of sunset hours to avoid crowd.Map
SKP-S
A one of a kind department store that I’d heard so much about. Very conceptually designed by the same team behind iconic Gentle Monster stores, you can see their signature futuristic aesthetic from the instals of robotic sheep farm and gorillas playing chess here. A good eye for the products and brands too - its a well mixture of luxury with super emerging brands and niche sportswear. The beauty sector is also a standout.Map
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IMPERIAL ANCESTRAL TEMPLE
Right next to the Forbidden City but not as mainstream. This is a historical site that built 600 years ago for the royal acestral ceremonies. Inside there are ivory bridges, koi pounds, beautifully restored main halls, and a garden with ancient trees planted by Ming dynasty princes ... great place to soak in that classic Chinese aesthetics.Map
GATHERED SKY BY JAMES TURRELL
James Turrell experience at a temple in beijing. How crAzy is that. This is a permanent installation but with set opening hours and time slots, check before going. Staff prepared military jackets and heat pads for us as it was minus degree on the day I went. Must be nice to visit in summer to just sit and relax and feel the breeze. Best part is the James Turrell inspired bar that’s also nearby for a quick cocktail. This one should be top on your list.Map
SHI CHA HAI
Used to be one of my fav spots in Beijing as a kid - now it’s gotten pretty commercialised. Open ice rink on the frozen lake during winter time is fun, but make sure to go super early becuase the queue is miles long. Great area to just wander around, get lost inside hutongs and slipping into the residential alleys.Map
DONG SI MIN FANG 东四民芳
Tucked in a seriously outdated mall, but filled with elderly locals. The food is authentic home-style Beijing cuisine at super fair pricest. Best 糖醋里脊 (sweet and sour pork) of my life. Their signature dishes are Roasted Duck and Minced Pepper Fish Head - too full to try them this time, but would def coming back for those.Map
DAXING AIRPORT BY ZAHA HADID
Probably THE most beautifully-designed airport ever. Signature Zaha curves, tones of natural light, the generously-spacious layout, as well as five China gardens placed in different gates, adding zen and peacefulness to the journey. Smooth transportation in and out of Beijing city by 30minutes of bullet train.Map