Beijing is a city of great contrasts! China’s cultural and political center has been stamped by giant urban development projects like CCTV Tower, Bird’s Nest, and Water Cube since the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, and it seems that there is no end to it in the near future. Still, it is one of the most visited cities on earth, thanks to its still intact imperial architecture from the Ming Dynasty era and its ambitious modernism: lush imperial gardens and high-rises dominating the city’s skyline all exist side by side. Alternative culture is also spreading in the form of elegant cafes and boutique hotels within the packed alleyways of ages-old hutong neighborhoods, and places like 798 Art District, an old industrial complex in north-east that was converted into a complex of galleries, cafés, bars and restaurants. Don't forget to check Nanluoguxiang street for more history, Silk Street for shopping and Sanlitun district for its popular bar streets and international stores. Tasting the huge variety of dumplings and baozis (stuffed buns), as well as the succulent Peking duck is a must. If you have extra time, day trips to The Great Wall of China and the ancient villages surrounding Beijing would be perfect to immerse yourself in the nature and local culture.