LUXE Beijing (Luxe City Guides)

Maomaoland is now more like Wowwowland.

At the China Ball, Hong Kong was always the belle, Shanghai the ambitious hussy, and Beijing the ugly sister who got stuck in traffic on the way. But all that is changing fast, and while her pollution problem is way bad, today she has more than enough spangles to keep you smiling. You'll find some of the world's most awe-inspiring modern edifices, as well as an amazing smorgasboard of the country's regional cuisine, not to mention the contempo Chinese art scene's beating heart. All that said, she can still be rather a tough nut to crack.

Fret not though, dear hearts, all the LUXE Beijing addresses are listed in English and Chinese, so now you can leave the tourist swarms behind and see The Great Wall in style, or hire your own personal guide to view the cream of the art crop and even arrange a visit the artists' studios. Step right up for beautiful carpets, clothes and jewellery all handmade to order, plus the best antiques, décor and a host of great, privately sold homeware and design. Fancy a picnic on pretty Houhai lake, sundowners overlooking the Forbidden City, or a night watching the city's top acrobats? You got it! Do we spoil you or what?