MEET THE CITY

Following an outbreak of SARS in 2003, the business climate in Beijing has steadily improved, as locals focus on economic opportunity and the upcoming Olympic Games. Car ownership in the capital has skyrocketed since SARS. The real estate market in Beijing is also thriving, as many local Chinese move from the city center into housing developments where the air is cleaner and property less expensive. But most analysts agree that the economic climate is only going to improve, at least until after the Games in 2008.

If you want to dive into Beijing and Chinese culture, the best place to start is the Chinese Culture Club, or CCC (+86 10 6432 9341, chinesecultureclub.org). The CCC offers frequent lectures and classes in English from local experts—from calligraphy to Tai Chi to walking tours of Beijing’s ancient alleyways.Looking for a good book and a delicious meal to boot? Head over to Sanlitun South Street and the Beijing Bookworm (+86 10 6586 9507, beijingbookworm.com).

Where to stay

Rather than opt for a generic hotel, why not stay in a 200-year-old courtyard home? The Red Capital Club Residence (9 Dongsi Liutiao, +86 10 8403 5308) not only offers comfort with a dose of history, but also boasts an excellent bar and a fine selection of Cuban cigars.

Located near the city’s Central Business District and the China World Trade Center, the Kerry Center (1 Guanghua Lu, +86 10 6561 8833) is a favorite for many business travelers. The hotel also sports one of the city’s most talked-about bars, Centro. With its plush decor, live jazz every evening and an excellent selection of wine and champagne, Centro is where many expats relax, impress and network. The Kerry Center Hotel is also a sports-lover’s paradise, with basketball and tennis courts, a swimming pool and even a rooftop track.

Just a stone’s throw from Tiananmen Square, the Peninsula Beijing (8 Goldfish Lane, +86 10 8516 2888) is an ideal choice for travelers who want to stay in the heart of the city. The Peninsula’s hardwood floors provide a refreshing alternative to the marble-laden hotels so common in Beijing. Jing, the hotel’s basement level restaurant, is as known for its open design as its fusion cuisine.

Where to dine

Beijingers love duck, and a new restaurant is giving the city’s traditional Peking duck establishments a run for their money. Served in a scenic setting with pavilions and streams, Kong Yiji’s Jiixing crispy duck is marinated in juices from 10 different vegetables before being hung to dry for another 10 hours, then baked to tender perfection. True to the restaurant’s roots south of the Yangtze River, Kong Yiji (8 Chaoyang Fongyuan Lu, +86 10 6508 2228) also serves unique cuisine from Zhejiang province, including fresh bamboo and snails with chives.