Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City are just some of the reasons why you'll enjoy your stay in Beijing, through millennia of dynasties and fascinating Chinese tradition have shaped Beijing into China's capital city.
On 8th of August 2008, Beijing was the host city for Olympic Games or better known as Games of the XXIX Olympiad, with the theme of "One World One Dream". The Olympic Opening ceremonies were held at the Olympic Park, located on North Fourth Ring Road is also where the China National Convention Centre is located.
To the East of Beijing or Chaoyang District, where tall skyscraper is re-shaping the Central Business District is also where Fairmont Beijing hotel is located. Surrounded by major office buildings such as LG Twin Towers, SK Group Tower, Beijing Yintai Centre and China World Office Complex. The hotel is located right across from the prominent Silk Market, where travelers test their bargaining skills over silk, oriental ornaments, pearl or garments.
The Emperor's palace - Forbidden City is nestled at the centre of Beijing, along with Tiananmen Square - the largest square on earth, Beihai Park and the latest additions to Beijing's Opera House designed by Paul Andreu - the National Centre for the Performing Arts or better known as The Egg.
Famed universities such as Peking University or 'Bei Da' and Tsinghua are located in Haidian District, surrounded with top IT companies such as Sina, Sohu, Google and Baidu, the area is also known as Beijing's Silicon Valley.
Sitting just above the North Fourth Ring Road is the vast of Olympic Games Park, housing the newly designed stadiums and sporting facilities.
To the northeast side of town, China's growing art community is based in an abandoned factory known as 798 art district.
For detailed information about Beijing activities, please visit the sightseeing and shopping pages. To schedule activities while you're in China or to learn more about Beijing recreation opportunities, please contact the hotel's concierge.
Forbidden City
Lying at the centre of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, served as the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the world's largest palace structure covering over 74 hectares and has been designated as a World Heritage Site. The complex includes 9,999 buildings and is surrounded by a 6m deep moat and a 10m high wall. The Forbidden City is located approximately 5 km or 3 miles from the hotel. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes by taxi. It is also very accessible via subway - travel westbound on Line 1 from Yong An Li (the Yong An Li subway stop is nearby the hotel) to Tiananmen East station (5 stops).
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is located at the centre of Beijing directly across from the main entrance to the Forbidden City. The main features of the square include Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall as well as the daily national flag raising ceremonies. At 440,000 square meters the square is popular with Beijing residents as well. Tiananmen Square is located approximately 5 km or 3 miles from the hotel. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes by taxi. It is also very accessible via subway - travel westbound on Line 1 from Yong An Li (the Yong An Li subway stop is nearby the hotel) to Tiananmen East station (5 stops).
Temple of Heaven
In ancient China, the Emperor was regarded as the “Son of Heaven”, who administered matters on earth on behalf of the heavenly authority. To show respect to heaven, ceremonies of sacrifice were extremely important to the Emperor. The temple was built for the worship of heaven and prayers for good harvests. A double wall encloses the temple. The upper northern half is circular, representing Heaven and the southern half is square, representing Earth. The Temple of Heaven is situated in the southern part of the city in Chongwen district, about 6 km or 3.8 miles or a 15-minutes drive from the hotel. It is also very accessible via subway - travel westbound on Line 1 from Yong An Li station (the Yong An Li subway stop is nearby the hotel) to Dongdan station (2 stops) and transfer to Line 5; take the southbound train 2 stops to Tiantandongmen station.
Summer Palace
This extraordinary palace is situated northwest of Beijing and was built during the Qing Dynasty. It covers an expanse of 2.9 sq km, three quarters of which is water. In 1888, Empress Cixi diverted millions of tales of silver for its reconstruction.
Distance from hotel: 30 km or 18 miles/50 minutes' drive.
Great Wall of China
A visit to Beijing is incomplete without a side trip to the Great Wall, one of China's most important and magnificent sites. Three different sections of the wall are easily accessible from Beijing, offering spectacular sightseeing opportunities. Distance from the hotel: Badaling - 90 km or 56 miles/1.5 hours' drive; Mutianyu - 90 km or 56 miles/1.5 hours' drive; Simatai - 120 km or 75 miles/2.5 hours' drive. Day trips can be arranged through the hotel's concierge team.
Pearl or Silk Market
A visit to the Pearl or Silk market is an experience unto itself and an excellent way to test your bargaining prowess.The Silk Market is located right across the hotel (5-minutes walk), making it a very accessible by foot and fun distraction. The sister property - Hongqiao Pearl Market is located across Temple of Heaven, 15 minutes drive.
Qianmen Shopping Street
After one year of renovation, this renowned shopping street took shape over 500 years ago during the Ming and Qing Dynasty, reopened just right before the Olympic Games. Located at the heart of the city, just south of Tiananmen Square, this 800 metres long street features over a dozen shops from the last century such as Quanjude peking duck restaurant and the Zhangyiyuan tea house. 15 minutes drive by car or accessible by subway.
Beijing Antique Market / Panjiayuan
Located in south west Beijing, near the Panjiayuan Bridge. Covering an area of 26,000 square metres with nearly 4000 shops. It is Beijing's biggest arts, crafts and antiques market. An early bird market that is bustling specially on weekend are an experience like no other, here you'll find jewellery, statuettes, vases, china, and artworks. Contact our concierge for direction.
Wangfujing Street
The hotel is located about 15 minutes (3.8 km or 2.5 miles) from the famous Wangfujing Shopping District. Wangfujing is a 700 year-old street that offers a number of department stores, shops and boutiques. You can find all types of products, many of which are world-famous brands. Most shops are open until 9 PM.The area also offers an extensive array of restaurants and food stalls. It is also very accessible via subway. Follow Line 1 westbound to Wangfujing (118) station.
Oriental Plaza
Oriental Plaza, also known as Dongfang Guangchang, is the biggest shopping mall complex in the Wangfujing Shopping District. It is often referred to as “a city within a city”. Divided into themes, the complex tailors its offerings to families, entertainment, luxury, etc. Oriental Plaza is a favorite with tourists and locals alike.
Shin Kong Place
This upscale Japanese department store showcases products from almost 1,000 International brands. It is located 1.5 km or 1 mile from the hotel. For more details, visit www.shinkong-place.com
