Food Lover's Guide to Beijing

The best flavors of China are on the menus of Beijing, China's capital city. Influenced by its neighboring regions as well as the imperial cuisine of the Forbidden City, the food is characterized by its bold flavors and hearty preparations. Here are a few favorite foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Beijing's most famous dish, the crispy-skinned, juicy-on-the-inside Peking duck, is often served with rice flour wraps, cucumbers, green onions and a sweet, salty hoisin sauce.

While rice dishes are popular in the south of China, the north leans more toward noodles and dumplings called jaozi, which come stuffed with shrimp, pork and a variety of vegetables. To satisfy a hankering for noodles, try Zhajiang noodles, a hand-pulled wheat variety served with minced pork and a smoky fermented soy bean paste sauce. And on a cold day in Beijing, nothing beats a bubbling lamb hot pot —a dish once enjoyed by Qing Dynasty royalty.

Must-Do Experiences

• Set aside an evening to feast on Peking duck before attending a famous Chinese acrobatic show, an iconic experience in the Chinese capital.

• Eat like a local and sample a variety of different foodson a street food tour. Opt for one in the Beijing hutongs to get a feel for some of the city's most interesting neighborhoods.

• Take the flavors of Beijing home with you by learning new recipes at a cooking class (dumplings, anyone?)

• Gain an understanding of Beijing's culture and cuisine bytouring one of the many food markets anddining with a local family.