Beijing China's historic capital is a magical place to visit at any time of year. Not only does Beijing have sights to keep visitors enthralled for days, the city can also play host to some spectacular events whether they be for Incentive Groups, Spouse Programmes, Conferences or Meetings. Whether it's a long summer evening sipping cocktails overlooking the Forbidden City to a day of trekking along the Great Wall with snow lying on the surrounding hills, from a sumptuous Imperial themed Banquet to treasure hunts in the old parts of the city, from exploring Beijing's Imperial past to flying kites at the Temple of Heaven, this city definitely has something for everyone. Tai Chi in the park, exploring local markets, dumpling or noodle making competitions and Lion Dances are only a few other ideas that might appeal and depending on available budgets we can suggest some spectacular lunch and dinner venues, whether it be a relaxed champagne and barbeque lunch at the Great Wall or a formal dinner inside China's Parliament, the Great Hall of the People or at the State Guest House. Sightseeing Recommendations   Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City - no visit to Beijing is complete without walking around famous Tiananmen Square and through the stunning Forbidden City, once the private compund of China's Imperial Dynasties. The Hutongs are the small lanes and alleyways of Old Beijing, where life has gone unchanged for hundreds of years and where one experiences the 'real' Beijing.   The Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors came to pray for harvests is set in a beautiful park and plays host, particularly in the mornings, to Beijingers enjoying 'the great outdoors'. Activities such as Tai Chi, various Martial Arts, ballroom dancing and opera singing can be witnessed. Summer Palace, the summer home of the Emperors is a stunning spot set in the 'Fragrant Hills' on the edge of the City and makes for an interesting afternoon visit.   The Great Wall & Ming Tombs - this is another 'not to be missed' experience in Beijing and 'No' the legend that says it can be seen from the moon isn't quite true, though visiting the Wall is a spectacular experience. We suggest visiting a less commercialized location though this will be determined by the make-up of the Group and the catering facilities required. Team Building Activities We are able to offer a number of exiting and very Chinese style team building events in Beijing and those which we find work particularly well are: Treasure Hunt around the Hutongs - in this atmospheric part of Old Beijing we set tasks for small groups and where the group will have to rely on their collective wits and ingenuity so as to make it back to the finishing point (normally a local bar or restaurant). Trekking the Great Wall - this fascinating day is offered to enable our Guests to get off the tourist path and visit the Wall in its natural state. As we don't encourage hardship a delicious boxed lunch is provided along with knowledgeable guides and support staff. Tai Chi - an ancient art form to encourage the body's vital energy flows to be in alignment and a useful teaching tool to encourage balance and harmony. Dumpling & Noodle making - this is a hands on activity that would take place in small groups in various family homes normally in the Hutongs and which is not only fun but allows Guests to meet local Beijingers and share an experience that will be long remembered. Kite Flying - it may sound easy though we do have Guests build their own (with the assistance of local Masters) before getting the opportunity of launching them into the Beijing skies. Eastern Journeys also works with a Beijing based company that specializes in unique team building events. Other Activities Beijing has numerous other activities that are highly recommended and include sessions on Tea Tasting, Introductions to Chinese Traditional Medicine, Calligraphy, Chinese Antiques and Art, visits to performances of the Beijing Opera, Chinese Acrobatics as well as some great shopping. Visiting Beijing Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Beijing as mid summer is wet and the winter months can be very cold.   Hotels Beijing has some excellent hotels and we particularly recommend the St. Regis, The Peninsula Palace, Grand Hyatt, Great Wall Sheraton and the Kerry Centre and have excellent relationships and rates at each.   Venues Eastern Journeys works with an extensive list of city venues and whether it's for a simple picnic lunch, sumptuous cocktail party, cutting edge fashion show or elaborate dinner we can come up with the space that is just suited to you and your Event. These are just some of the Venues with which we work: Prince Gong's Mansion is one of Eastern Journeys' favourite Beijing dinner venues. This old mansion, located in the atmospheric Hutongs, offers both outdoor and indoor dining in a truly remarkable setting. Guests arrive by pedicab and are sure of a night to remember with silver service catering, Beijing Opera and numerous other forms of entertainment possible. The Great Wall offers opportunities for both lunches and dinners. From champagne and barbeque events, formal dinners or elaborate picnics there are endless uses for this truly unique and memorable venue. Eastern Journeys generally suggests lunch events here as there is a 1 hour journey back to Beijing, though it does make for a spectacular Dinner spot. The Summer Palace, a 30 minutes drive from Dowtown, offers a superb venue for that special dinner. Cross Kunming Lake whilst sipping cocktails and then be spirited back to the era of Imperial China. The Summer Palace makes for a great venue for an 'Imperial' themed dinner and promises to host an Event that won't be easily forgotten. The China Club owned by David Tang of 'Shanghai Tang' fame is a perfect venue for a sophisticated Chinese dinner and among the antiques and Chinoiserie of this delightful private club a memorable evening is assured.   The Rooftop Terrace of the Beijing Hotel overlooks Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and is a delight for buffet lunches, summer evening cocktail parties and is also a perfect venue for small intimate dinners, hosting about 30 guests. The Great Hall of the People, China's Parliament and from where Mao ruled China offers a more formal setting for Dinners. Various function rooms are available, though catering is done in-house. We also recommend a number of excellent restaurants around the city and are delighted to offer a number of themes for both lunch and evening events. At most venues we are able to provide numerous forms of entertainment ranging from the most classical of art forms such as Beijing Opera and Chinese music ensembles through to Acrobatics and Lion Dances. We can also stage Fashion Shows and arrange various alternative musical and entertainment options so as to fit with the theme of the Event. We also work with various local and regional production companies for more elaborate events. Need more ideas, just let us know! Sample Programme Day 1 Arrival & Lunch On arrival at Beijing Airport, Guests will be met by our Representatives and escorted by deluxe coach, with a police escort, to your chosen Hotel. Welcome Lion Dance on arrival at Hotel, followed by lunch.   Afternoon We visit the fascinating Hutongs, the small lanes of Old Beijing. We journey around the Hutongs by rickshaw touring the interesting Prince Gong's Mansion, visit a Kindergarten and visit with a local family, where we take tea.   Evening Welcome Cocktail Party and Buffet Dinner overlooking the Forbidden City. Day 2 Morning Morning guided visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City - a must do on any itinerary to Beijing. Lunch Lunch at Green T House, a feast of modern Chinese cooking.   Afternoon Afternoon guided visit to the Imperial Summer Palace.   Evening Dinner at the modern Courtyard Restaurant or atmospheric China Club with entertainment. A themed Banquet can also be offered this evening. Day 3 Full Day Visit to the Great Wall (a must do) at Badaling with a barbeque lunch on the Wall. We will also offer the experience of learning to make Kites and then flying them above the Wall.   Evening Gala Dinner at the Great Hall of the People, China's Parliament with a performance during dinner by the Philharmonic Orchestra and a Children's choir. Day 4 Morning & Lunch Visit the Temple of Heaven where our morning Tai Chi lesson occurs before visiting the eclectic Hongqiao Market for some shopping time.   Lunch Our lunch location will be determined by the timing of departing flights.   Afternoon Deluxe coach transfer to Beijing airport, with police escort. Journey's End. Eastern Journeys also offers Itineraries that combine Beijing with Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, The Yangtze and Mongolia. Eastern Journeys recognizes that every Event is unique and we would be delighted to talk through your specific requirements, whether in terms of proposed duration, hotel accommodation, itinerary sightseeing or team building inclusions, meal arrangements, entertainment and industry focused meetings.