From The Straits Times    |

The spectacular Beijing 2008 Olympic Games may seem like a distant memory but Beijing’s still the city to visit.


Past meets present: The Beijing National Stadium and the Summer Palace. All Images (except photo of the Great Wall of China) : Corbis

With its growing international significance, the Chinese capital is primed to overtake the economic growth of popular Chinese destinations like Shanghai and Hong Kong. The capital city has unrolled massive redevelopment works in recent years, so the Beijing you’ve seen a decade ago is quite unlike its present state.

While non-speakers of Mandarin may find it a challenge to navigate around the city, noting down addresses of tourist sights in Chinese can help, especially when you’re asking for directions.

If you’ve not visited Beijing in years, there’s all the more reason to do so, with Jetstar’s price-saving airfares to Beijing*. Opt to fly on the budget-friendly economy class or travel in affordable comfort on Business class with Jetstar; the latter includes more spacious seats, with meals, drinks, in-flight entertainment and other amenities provided on the aircraft.

So act on your wanderlust and start booking your tickets. We share five travelling recommendations from Jetstar, along with a few handy tips of our own:

1. Sightseeing
Whether you’re visiting the popular Badaling (八达岭) section or the more secluded Simatai (司马台), it almost goes without saying that the Great Wall of China is a must-see when you’re in this city.

Climb up those numerous steps for awe-inspiring views or race your friend to the top if you’re up for an athletic challenge.

Take the obligatory touristy shot at Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) before wandering through the numerous courtyards and passages at the Forbidden City; the sprawling palace grounds were inaccessible to most commoners until the early 20th century.

Not had your fill of palatial sights? The Summer Palace (颐和园) is just a short distance away from the city centre.

First built in 1750, the palace’s amazing scenery and its remarkable pavilions and pagodas will please history buffs and nature-lovers alike.

The hutongs (胡同) — alleyways — are worth the visit too, if you’re in search of Old Beijing.

While many of these older dwellings have been torn down in favour of high-rise buildings and new roads, some Beijingers continue to prefer these traditional courtyard houses over the newer apartments.

 
For modern architectural marvels, look to the “Bird’s Nest” stadium (鸟巢). The unique structure of the Beijing National Stadium makes this a spot to visit, especially if you were awe-stricken by the scale of the Beijing Olympics.

While you’re in the area, consider going to the Beijing National Aquatics Centre (北京国家游泳中心) for a swim; the “Water Cube” was officially reopened as a water-park in August 2010.

Photo of the Great Wall of China courtesy of Haystac and Jetstar Asia. Visit the full UNESCO heritage list of China’s UNESCO World Heritage sites here.

2. Culture
There’s no better place to catch the dramatic art of Peking opera than in its birth city. Appreciate the performers’ dulcet tones, their stylised movements and the dazzling costumes of this traditional Chinese theatre; it’s the perfect way to end an evening.

Fans of action-packed live shows should definitely catch an acrobatics show. It’s a great option for a family night-out. Even fidgety kids will be amazed by the acrobats’ agile feats.

Take the time to view the works of up-and-coming artists at the local art galleries. Admirers of contemporary art should definitely the 798 Art Zone a visit; former industrial plants are now home to numerous art galleries, cafes and fashion boutiques.

Many Chinese artists have made this cultural capital their city of residence and it’s easy to see why, amidst Beijing’s flourishing contemporary art scene.

3. Dining
Whether you’re having your Peking duck at the famed Quan Ju De or the nearest restaurant in the vicinity, the dish is a must-try when you’re in Beijing.

Drenched in oil, it will be an incredibly guilty treat but you know you’ll savour every last morsel of it.

If you’re really looking to feast like a king, the Manhan quanxi (the Manchu-Han Complete feast) should not be missed.

This enormous meal is prepared to replicate the Qing-dynasty imperial dining experience. Even if you’ve yet to travel the rest of China, at least you could claim to have eaten the best in Han Chinese and Manchu cuisines after this meal.

 
Or eat as most of the Chinese do and try the street hawker food in Beijing. It’s cheap, tasty and you’ll get to enjoy a bewildering range of buns, noodle dishes, grilled meat kebabs and more. Much more, for the really bold eaters; choose to chomp on scorpions and other bizarre delights.

4. Shopping
For travellers who cannot do without their shopping, Wangfujing (王府井) is the to-go street for all your contemporary fashion needs.

Or go to Dashilan Street (大栅栏) for traditional Chinese trades and products. Buy traditional Chinese medicine at the Tongrentang branch here or get your high-quality silk, tea and go-bu-li buns here.

In search of quirkier finds? Visit Panjiayuan market(潘家园旧货市场) for all sorts of collectibles and more random finds; you’ll never know what you’ll find or what bargains you might get at this weekend market.

5. Relax and unwind
After scaling the Great Wall of China and traversing busy Beijing streets, you know you’ll be in need to take things slow. In terms of the skills of the masseuses, the price and the sheer variety, it’s hard to beat the massage services offered in this city.

If the conventional back or full body massage isn’t enough for you, try the “alternative” massages such as the vacuum bottle treatment with your group of girlfriends.

Be warned; it’ll present a memorable girl-bonding experience over a shared test of endurance … Of perhaps some discomfort and the temporary red bottle marks that would follow.

The less adventurous travellers can easily pamper themselves with the more classical massages. Let the well-trained masseuse unknot those tensed up muscles and ease you into blissful comfort; just in time to keep you all refreshed and ready for your flight back home.

*Most of the tourist attractions and sights above have been suggested by Jetstar. The budget airline’s direct flights from Singapore to Beijing commence November 24, 2011, subject to regulatory approval. Economy start fares start from SGD$248 and Business Class fares are priced SGD$1098 and up. Visit www.jetstar.com/sg/en/home for more information. Read more about travel tips and visitor information on Beijing by going to www.ebeijing.gov.cn, the official Beijing tourism website.

Read our other China city guides here:
Jetset to China: Sanya for the summer
Jetset to China: A weekend in Tianjin