A Perfect Day: Beijing in One Day

For a leisurely breakfast, I recommend the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center. You don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy its impressive buffet. What makes it special is the variety: alongside Western breakfast favorites – including Leberkäse, a traditional Bavarian-style meat loaf – you'll also find authentic Chinese breakfast items. In Beijing, we love starting the day with soy milk, noodles, and tofu in a savory sauce. 

If you're short on time (or simply not that hungry), stop by Kempi Deli, also located inside the Kempinski, for a coffee and a flaky croissant to go. And if you happen to be there in the afternoon, don't miss out on a classic German favorite: Black Forest cake. It's absolutely delicious, although the recipe has been subtly adapted to local tastes – with less whipped cream, less alcohol, and more cherries. 

I always grab an ice-cold bubble tea with chewy tapioca pearls, sweetened with brown sugar. My favorite spot is HEYTEA, just a short walk from the Kempinski Hotel. It's a popular option among locals – and for good reason. 

According to the song by Katie Melua, there are "Nine Million Bicycles" in Beijing – and I truly believe the best way to experience the city is on two wheels. Rental bikes are everywhere. Simply scan the QR code with your phone and pay via Alipay or WeChat Pay. 

My favorite ride takes me through the narrow alleyways of Dashilar, near Tian'anmen Square, where I can admire the city's historic courtyard homes, known as hutongs. While you're in the neighborhood, don't miss Jingshan Park. At its center rises an artificial hill topped by Wanchun Pavilion, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Forbidden City, making it one of Beijing's best photo spots. 

No visit to Beijing is complete without sampling its world-famous Peking duck. One of my favorite places to enjoy it is Siji Minfu. The key is knowing how to eat it the traditional way. 

First, dip the crispy skin into white sugar, which helps balance its richness, and enjoy it on its own. It may sound unusual, but it's delicious. Then spread a thin pancake with sweet fermented black bean sauce before adding slices of duck, cucumber, and scallions. Roll it all up and enjoy. ​A cold beer is the perfect accompaniment, but a great non-alcoholic alternative is an ice-cold jasmine tea. To finish, I always treat myself to a wonderfully smooth almond pudding. 

After lunch, it's time to explore Beijing's contemporary side. I hop on the subway – or grab a taxi – and head to Sanlitun. If ​shopping is on your agenda, you'll find flagship stores from major international brands, trendy pop-ups, and independent boutiques. Or you can simply settle into one of the neighborhood's many cafés and watch Beijing's stylish young crowd stroll by. 

What fascinates me most, though, is the district's striking contemporary architecture. Many of its most famous buildings were designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, whose work has helped define Sanlitun's distinctive character. 

Dinner means hot pot! In Sanlitun, I always head to the local Haidilao restaurant. Simply choose your favorite broth – from chicken to spicy, mushroom to tomato – then order whatever ingredients you'd like to cook at the table. 

Personally, I love lamb, beef, and a selection of mushrooms, which add incredible umami flavor to the broth. One of the things I especially like about this location is that ​DJs start playing music at 9 PM. If you're in the mood, you can head straight from dinner to the dance floor. 

If I'm ready to dance, I continue the evening at Casa Bacardi, where there's always something happening. Some nights feature live bands, while others are all about DJs playing everything from '80s ​music to today's biggest hits. More often than not, you'll find me out on the dance floor. 

If you're looking for a more sophisticated night out, head to The Peninsula Beijing on Wangfujing Street. On the fifteenth floor, Yun Summer Lounge offers a relaxed rooftop setting with spectacular views across the city, laid-back lounge music, and outstanding cocktails featuring Chinese ingredients such as rice wine, Fenjiu baijiu, and bamboo leaf liqueur. 

Tian Tian-Kenneweg has lived in Munich and worked for Lufthansa since 2007. Her job frequently takes her to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing – the city where she was born. Before joining Lufthansa, she spent several years living in Doha. At the time, Germany was one of her favorite destinations to fly to, largely because she loves hearty German specialties like pork knuckle and sausages – dishes that are rarely, if ever, found on restaurant menus in the Middle East. 

1. Find a moment of calm at the Temple of Heaven: If you'd like to experience Beijing at its most peaceful, head to the Temple of Heaven park. Built in 1420, the complex was where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for abundant harvests. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. 
2. Explore contemporary art at the 798 Art District: If Sanlitun has you wanting to see even more of modern Beijing, make your way to the 798 Art District. Once an industrial factory complex in the city's northeast, it's now one of Beijing's leading destinations for contemporary art, galleries, and design. At its heart is the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art. 
3. Spend an evening at a traditional teahouse: For a more traditional night out, visit the Lao She Teahouse near Qianmen. Named after the celebrated Chinese writer Lao She and his famous play "Teahouse," it combines authentic local cuisine with classic Chinese performing arts. The program features traditional Peking Opera, percussion performances, acrobatics, and magic shows.