Beijing rewards travelers who look beyond a checklist. This richly illustrated field guide combines imperial landmarks, living hutong neighborhoods, contemporary districts, local food, practical navigation, and low-stress itineraries in one usable volume. Richard Wei explains how the Central Axis shapes the city, how to plan reservations and transport, where to stay from historic Dongcheng to Sanlitun, and how to experience the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Houhai, Nanluoguxiang, the Great Wall, museums, parks, markets, and new attractions with confidence. Detailed field guides, hotel recommendations, cultural context, etiquette, essential Chinese, and 3-, 5-, and 7-day plans help first-time visitors turn a complex capital into a memorable, manageable journey