Embark on a Beijing Discovery Journey at The Ritz-Carlton

This spring, I set foot on Beijing for the first time, my mind swirling with thoughts. After the Spring Festival, red lanterns still hung high in the streets and alleys. As night fell, Beijing lit up, appearing extraordinarily brilliant.

Beijing, a city with over 3,000 years of history, boasts many ancient architectural marvels as well as modern skyscrapers, blending the ancient and the contemporary, embracing all.

I love Beijing's Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall, among other famous historical sites. Over the years, I have photographed these buildings and scenic spots many times.

For this trip, I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, located in the heart of the central business district, right next to the massive SKP shopping mall. The hotel blends British manor style with thoroughly modern aesthetic design, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city.

Arriving by car at the hotel drop-off area, staff warmly came over to help with my luggage and guided me to the lobby for check-in.

The lobby is decorated in a warm peach-wood color palette, exuding cozy elegance. The subtle fragrance of the brand's signature Phalaenopsis orchids fills the air, signaling luxury and prestige.

After check-in, the front desk staff kindly escorted me to my room and thoroughly explained the hotel's facilities—attentive yet respectful of my space. Walking through the corridors felt like strolling through an art gallery.

The hotel has 305 rooms, including 38 suites and 61 Ritz-Carlton Executive rooms. I stayed in an Executive Room on the 16th floor.

The guest room design continues the British manor style—spacious, bright, refined, and elegant. The room features a mixed palette of light blue and berry red, adding a touch of grace that makes you feel warm and cozy.

The artworks displayed in the room artfully combine Eastern and Western cultures, embodying the wisdom of generations of artists. On the desk, a welcome fruit plate and pastries awaited me. Thoughtfully, the hotel staff had printed photos I had previously taken in Beijing and embedded them onto the pastry, bringing back memories of my past journeys to the city.

The room's details are impeccably arranged: a solid wood cabinet with inlaid mirrors, an integrated minibar, bedside control buttons, and USB charging ports—all designed to provide a more comfortable stay.

The classical and elegant bathroom is spacious, with floors of creamy white and black marble, marble walls and vanity, and European-style wall lamps, brimming with British charm. I filled the bathtub with water at just the right temperature, soaking in a hot bath to wash away the fatigue of travel.

If your budget allows, I recommend opting for a suite. Both the furnishings and spatial layout exude a strong British style—spacious living room, warm and elegant bedroom, and a generous shower area.

During my stay, I tried three of the hotel's restaurants. Breakfast was at Xiang Yi on the ground floor, a restaurant known for its French bistro style. The breakfast buffet offered Chinese pastries, Japanese sushi, bread and other Western items, as well as Indian and Southeast Asian specialties—a true variety.

I loved sitting by the window to dine. With good weather, sunlight streamed into the restaurant, and the warm-toned ambiance was exceptionally comforting.

When spring fully blooms and the trees outside the hotel sprout tender green buds, it will surely be beautiful.

On the second floor, Yu restaurant, a Michelin Plate recommendation, serves traditional Cantonese cuisine featuring authentic Cantonese flavors and seasonal ingredients. It also offers a variety of Chinese teas, elevating the dining-with-tea experience.

The restaurant is adorned with jade wall decorations, and its seven private dining rooms are named after jade: Biyu (Green Jade), Cuiyu (Jadeite), Baiyu (White Jade), Jinyu (Gold Jade), Ziyu (Purple Jade), Wanyu (Wan Jade), and Longbao (Dragon Room), blending classical and modern beauty.

I savored dishes carefully crafted by the chef: a refreshingly cool caviar consommé shrimp jelly, and a generous spoonful of bird's nest seafood soup that was a true delight.

The chef prepared a sizzling garlic Wagyu beef clay pot right in the private room, and I deeply enjoyed the visual, aromatic, and gustatory pleasures of the cuisine.

The British manor-style lobby lounge creates a delightful afternoon tea experience. The Morandi blue velvet sofas offer extraordinary texture, and the crystal chandeliers are dazzlingly beautiful, fostering an elegant and pleasant atmosphere.

Beyond the traditional, the lobby lounge has added a rich array of dining experiences: all-day à la carte global dishes and set menus, leisurely brunches, and summer terrace specials, creating diverse social settings.

Whether for a business meeting or a short break after shopping or sightseeing, you can relax in the bright, airy lounge, enjoying a variety of delicacies, premium teas, or sipping Champagne, and savor a moment of tranquility.

The hotel's Executive Lounge is on the 16th floor—spacious, elegant, and offering panoramic views of the CBD. It features a buffet area, a wine-tasting area, a relaxation zone with internet access, and a private meeting room.

It also provides executive-floor guests with all-day exquisite bites, a delicate lunch, traditional English afternoon tea, evening cocktails and Champagne during happy hour, and midnight sweet treats, ensuring every need is attended to.

If you're visiting Beijing, the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) is a must-see destination. It gathers the splendid remains of Ming and Qing palace architecture along with the Museum of Ancient Chinese Art. The Forbidden City has witnessed over 600 years of dramatic changes. On a fine day, stroll inside, see exhibitions, photograph the buildings, and have a conversation with history. Or climb Jingshan Park, stand at its highest point, and overlook the Forbidden City, with Beijing's modern skyscrapers in the frame.

Alternatively, ascend one of Beijing's tall buildings for a gourmet meal; wander through the old hutong alleys to catch a glimpse of the city's historical architectural transitions; visit an art gallery for cultural enrichment; or head to the Summer Palace to capture beautiful sunsets and evening glows.