One of the world’s most future-forward metropolises with a history stretching back 3 millennia, Beijing truly achieves the delicate balance between the old and new. China’s gargantuan capital has so much to offer, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nearly 150 museums and an unparalleled culinary scene. While you could wander the city for weeks and not see it all, choosing a hotel from the THOR Hotel Program allows you to have a comfortable and convenient home base for your ultimate Beijing adventure.

Waldorf Astoria Beijing 

With a famously doting concierge, slick accommodations and décor that blends rich Chinese heritage with modern elegance, Waldorf Astoria Beijing redefines getting away from it all.

The on-site dining scene, which reflects the hotel’s reputation for elegance, includes award-winning Brasserie 1893, where a show kitchen equipped with Molteni stoves allows you to watch chefs prepare meals right before your eyes, and Zijin Mansion, featuring an exquisite Cantonese menu accentuated with strong local influences and an out-of-thisworld 400-bottle wine cellar. Visit Patisserie Couture, the property’s dessert and pastry shop, to sample treats from around the world, including gorgeous macaroons, fresh bread and mouth-watering cakes.

The spacious guestrooms at the Waldorf Astoria Beijing boast benefits like expansive lounge and work areas, fine bed linens and exquisite bath amenities. Make time to roam the Ming Dynasty-inspired Hutong Courtyard, and book an appointment at the spa, which has perspective-shifting spa therapies that blend traditional Chinese philosophies with fresh techniques.

What to See: The hotel is tucked at the center of the Wangfujing area in the Dongcheng District — just a 10-minute walk to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the epicenter of modern China, and the Forbidden City, undeniably one of Beijing’s most iconic sights. With more than 800 buildings on 180 acres, the Forbidden City is the former home of a long line of Chinese emperors and reveals the storied history of Imperial China.

Other nearby historic attractions include Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist beauty; Ditan Park, a 16th-century green space; and Dongbianmen Watchtower, the city’s last remaining Ming watchtower, which houses a stopworthy contemporary art gallery. If you’re hankering for some retail therapy, Wangfujing is also one of the city’s oldest shopping districts and bustles with high-end shops (think: Tiffany & Co.® and Burberry), exclusive Beijing brand stores and tempting food stalls.

What to Eat: The Dongcheng District provides multifaceted culinary experiences, offering great opportunities to try unique Chinese staples. Try the signature mutton hot pot at Dong Lai Shun (established in 1903) , join the locals devouring Peking duck at Deyuan Roast Duck Restaurant or taste perfectly prepared dim sum at Crystal Jade Palace. For interesting street food, make a trip to Donghuamen Night Market, where you’ll find portable delights like beef and chicken skewers and delicacies like deep-fried grasshoppers.

The Opposite House 

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to exhibit an ambiance of serenity and quietude, The Opposite House is a private and welcoming haven at the center of one of the world’s busiest cities.

Guests love the 72-foot super-modern stainless-steel swimming pool and excellent variety of on-site restaurants, including Jing Yaa Tang, offering a menu of critic-approved dishes inspired by the famed Beijing roast duck, and Mesh, the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing (try the Jing Yaa Tang cocktail, bourbon infused with cinnamon, clove, honey and orange peel).

Rooms with natural wood floors, deep soaking tubs and king-size beds fitted with 400 thread-count cotton sheets help guests feel at home. Notable amenities include a complimentary mini bar and Wi-Fi, French Press coffee and a mood lighting system. Upgraded rooms feature bonuses like incredible panoramas of the city, personal Jacuzzi® tubs and generous living and sleeping areas.

What to See: The Opposite House is in the Chaoyang District, an expansive area east of Beijing’s city center. Visit several sites from the 2008 Olympics in the Olympic Green area, including the visually stunning Bird’s Nest (or National Stadium) and National Aquatics Center. The 798 Art Zone (also known as the Dashanzi Art District), encompassing an impressive collection of art galleries, shops and cafes, could keep art aficionados occupied for days.

What to Eat: The sky is truly the limit when it comes to dining options in Beijing and the Chaoyang District is no exception. Choose from dozens of dumpling flavors at Baoyuan Dumpling, including the traditional pork and cabbage and creative fillings like smoked bean curd and lamb, or try one of the eatery’s traditional Chinese dishes. For those seeking a night on the town, Sanlitun on the eastern side of the Chaoyang District — a hub for Beijing nightlife — has nearly 100 bars to choose from, whether you’re looking to dance to the latest hip-hop music, listen to a live band or catch up with a friend over a glass of wine.

Hotel Jen Beijing 

A bustling gastro pub, 11,400 square-foot fitness center and 450 stylish guestrooms and suites make the new Hotel Jen Beijing a primo place to stay in Beijing for leisure and business travelers.

Simple-yet-elegant guestrooms offer visitors an array of comforts, including stunning views of the city, fast Wi-Fi, international plugs and USB ports and a PressReader offering access to more than 2,500 newspapers and magazines. Treat yourself to the luxe Jen 150 suite, which is equipped with a kitchen, dining room, bedroom, two bathrooms and two living rooms.

The sprawling, two-story fitness center has a boxing ring, spinning and personal training studios, exercise rooms, an 82-foot indoor pool and entire floor dedicated to weightlifting and cardio, allowing guests to fulfill their workout regimens away from home. Meanwhile, the property’s restaurant offers Chinese and Southeast Asian favorites heightened with produce grown on-site via an integrated hydroponic vegetable growing system and the unique Gastro Pub has cold brews in a hip atmosphere.

What to See: Hotel Jen Beijing is conveniently nestled within the China World Trade Center complex in the Chaoyang neighborhood’s Central Business District (also known as CBD). The CBD is an ideal destination to admire some of Beijing’s most famous contemporary buildings, including the World Trade Center Tower III — the city’s tallest building with 81 floors and 30 elevators — and the mesmerizing CCTV Tower, a multi-million-dollar complex encompassing a continuous loop of horizontal and vertical sections.

What to Eat: The Chaoyang District is also known for its noteworthy roster of international restaurants. Ganges Indian Restaurant delivers tasty Indian cuisine, including many delicious vegetarian options, while Flo Brasserie’s fresh shellfish and well-curated wine selection is known to please even the fussiest food-focused traveler. Craving American fare? Head to Chef Too near Chaoyang Park, where giant burgers, diner-style breakfasts and imported Australian steaks satisfy hungry patrons.

Whether you’re looking to explore fascinating historical sites, or taste some of the world’s most interesting food, Beijing is truly a bucket-list-worthy destination. Plan your trip today; we promise you won’t regret it.