> IF YOU GO

Where to stay:

The Orchid Gulou, theorchidbeijing.com: This quiet and modern boutique hotel offers shared rooms in the principal building, as well as separate and private apartments. It is within walking distance of key attractions including the Drum Tower. Rooms start at about $109 (U.S.) a night.

Where to eat:

Sheng Yong Xing Roast Duck Restaurant, on the southeast corner of Xindong Lu and Dongzhimen, Xindong Lu No. 5, Chaoyang District, 0011-86-10-64640968: A restaurant specializing in roast duck, with a wide range of Chinese dishes and international wines.

What to do:

The Great Wall, multiple locations: Many wild sections of the Great Wall are located within a two-hour drive of Beijing and are accessible by public transport and private cars, or with private tours and hiking groups. If you plan to take a private car or public transport, have your exact drop-off and pickup locations, and times, written in Chinese beforehand. Beijing Hikers, beijinghikers.com: The best-known Englishspeaking hiking group in Beijing has been organizing regular hikes on the Great Wall since 2001. Day hikes around Beijing range from about $60 to $80, and multiday trips around Beijing, and all over China, range from $253 to $2,800. Information:

travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/scene/beijing