New Weekend Getaway in Beijing: Ultimate Romance Above the Clouds – 'Hi Fun City within a City'

The finale of “Nothing But Thirty” has us 30-somethings reflecting on how to live the second half of life without regrets. Every day we rush around in a big city, and as we hit middle age we gradually realize that family and companionship are the driving force and light that keep us going. So this weekend, hit pause and bring your family to the China World Summit Wing, Beijing, perched atop the Forbidden City’s pinnacle, to truly soak in the metropolitan charm of Beijing, a city we traverse daily. We chose this spot because when you overlook a city, you see beauty you miss in the daily grind.

"Hi Fun City within a City"!

Recently, the "Hi Fun City within a City" room package has been jointly launched by four Shangri-La Group hotels in the Beijing CBD’s "city within a city" at the China World complex: China World Summit Wing, Beijing; China World Hotel; Hotel Jen Beijing; and Kerry Hotel Beijing. One package unlocks four hotels, over 20 distinctive hotel restaurants and bars, more than 10,000 square meters of fitness space, and over 3,000 retail shops... You can mix and match rooms, dining, fitness, and entertainment experiences for an unprecedented urban weekend getaway! On check-in, you receive a fun pass booklet, and with it, you’re all set to Hi Fun the City within a City!

A sparkling wine welcome instantly melts away the city’s tension!

Among the four hotels, I ultimately chose China World Summit Wing, Beijing, for no other reason than to possess the ultimate romance of overlooking the capital. After having my health code checked on the ground floor, a staff member escorted us to the elevator. The lobby is on the 64th floor – that’s where you check in. Our room was on the 73rd floor, with a view of the Forbidden City!

In the room, a Prosecco sparkling wine welcome awaited, perfectly chilled. A generous fruit basket, crisp air-conditioning offering instant relief from the summer heat, and afternoon sunlight spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows... The moment we settled in, our taut nerves completely relaxed.

The room design at China World Summit Wing, Beijing, is elegant and spacious, with classic wooden furniture and many traditional Chinese accents. The bathroom is huge, with both a shower and a bathtub, and toiletries are by L'Occitane. Two single armchairs by the window were my favorite spot to sit and gaze out. A dedicated desk and chair are provided if you need to work.

After a brief rest, we couldn’t wait to explore China World Mall, home to over 3,000 shops. Many design-driven, quality brands have outlets here. I bought a handcrafted wood-inlay bag I’d been eyeing for ages, and we discovered lots of interesting stores.

TIPS: The "Hi Fun City within a City" package includes an upgrade to Gold Card membership for China World Mall.

A romantic dinner in the clouds, watching the city lights begin to glitter and neon shine for miles!

Life needs moments of ceremony to help us recall one happy moment after another. Dining at Grill 79 in China World Summit Wing, Beijing, brought back memories of a romantic four-day stay at Shangri-La The Shard, London, that autumn.

Grill 79 is arguably Beijing’s highest Western restaurant. On a clear day, sitting here offers the most beautiful nighttime city views – as the lights come on, neon stretches endlessly, and the whole city feels like it belongs to you. Book well in advance to snag the popular window-side seats. Gazing out at the non-stop traffic below while savoring a ceremonial Western meal makes all the hard work feel meaningful. The restaurant is luxuriously appointed: round tables, crystal chandeliers, soft amber lighting – all ensuring the view takes center stage. The red glass corridor at the entrance is incredibly photogenic!!

The Grill 79 sharing dinner for two was incredible – every dish as beautiful as it was delicious, and portions were generous! The grill platter included Angus ribeye, Australian lamb rack, grilled prawns, roasted cod, lobster, and assorted grilled vegetables. A total feast for the taste buds. Sip red wine alongside the steak, and you’ll feel a pleasant tipsiness slowly stealing over. Plus, a swaying wine glass makes a perfect prop for cloud-top dinner photos!

TIPS: The "Hi Fun City within a City" package includes a 700 RMB dining credit, redeemable at any restaurant or bar across the four hotels.

Welcoming the first morning light in the gym, sweating it out while overlooking the city feels amazing!

After that gentle buzz, we slowly made our way back to the room. Night had fallen completely when Beijing was graced with a rain shower – my first time watching rain from such a height. I have to say, the soundproofing at China World Summit Wing is superb; we weren’t disturbed by the rain outside, yet through the window we could see the city’s hazy lights twinkling in the raindrops, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Surprisingly, I slept more soundly than at home. But I didn’t indulge in a lie-in. Waking up again high above the forest of skyscrapers felt different: that time it was London, this time it’s Beijing, the city where I grew up. I had long heard about the hotel’s sky pool and gym with perfect views, so I got up early, changed into workout gear, and headed to the gym to greet the first rays of morning light. Lifting weights opposite the China Zun, running while watching a movie against an endless cityscape up in the clouds, then enjoying a swim in the sky pool – sweating it out above the CBD is absolutely exhilarating.

TIPS: The "Hi Fun City within a City" package lets you use the gym at any of the four hotels.

An energizing breakfast in the clouds, capturing my breakfast highlight moment!

I chose Grill 79 again for breakfast, wanting to linger over the morning scenery at Beijing’s summit. The buffet breakfast here is more refined than at typical star-rated hotels. The outer area is a self-service selection: bread, yogurt, salads, drinks, dim sum, boiled eggs, fruit... On the table, there’s also a menu with à la carte Chinese and Western breakfast items included in the buffet. We ordered tofu pudding, youtiao (fried dough sticks), and noodles with tomato and egg sauce.

The "Hi Fun City within a City" package allows late check-out until 4pm and includes a 300 RMB credit for CHI, The Spa. So I also went for a lavish spa treatment in the clouds. Shangri-La’s own CHI, The Spa – CHI meaning "qi" – has always been a top-tier spa brand. In traditional Chinese philosophy, "qi" governs all; it must flow freely through the body to maintain health. CHI offers body and facial treatments. Since I had been traveling under harsh sun the week before, I tried the jade facial spa. Ethereal background music, the therapist’s skilled hands, and traditional jade facial acupressure – afterward, my facial muscles felt much more relaxed and my facial contour looked firmer!

At lunchtime, we went to The Red Chamber at China World Mall to sample the season’s featured Shunde cuisine and signature roast duck. Eating crispy-skinned, tender duck with a dip of sugar – heavenly! I’d long been intrigued by Shunde cuisine after watching "A Bite of Shunde," and now we could taste it right here in The Red Chamber.

We leisurely strolled around the mall a bit more. If you love ice skating, you can also use the free pair of skating passes provided by the "Hi Fun City within a City" package at China World Ice Rink. At 4pm, we checked out, wrapping up our weekend escape without leaving Beijing – a city staycation that let us fully unwind and recharge.

In truth, even when you can’t travel far, as long as you’re together and know how to create romance, you can savor irreplaceable beautiful moments. The warmth of holding hands surpasses all else. So on those days when you can’t venture far from home, take a weekend, bring your dearest, and enjoy a romantic city getaway – together, let’s Hi Fun the City within a City!