"Between the imperial gardens, a skyline that delicately balances ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, and a buzzing street food scene matched only by an impressive variety of upscale restaurants, China’s second-largest city belongs at the top of your bucket list." ~ Travel + Leisure

As the capital,

 Beijing was the perfect choice for my first visit to China.

It's the perfect launching pad for the Great Wall...

amazing Xian and the nearby Terra Cotta Warriors.

Beijing has its own story to tell

throughout its 16 districts...

from the bookstore serving Beijing for 50 years...

to the paparazzi waiting to snap photos

 of those hoping to be spotted in the newer Sanlitun Villages.  

These people were all about being photographed. 

And then there are the night vibes to fit any preference. 

Ours was of the slower pace...

but has been providing live jazz since 2006.

Meanwhile, here are five strong reasons to visit Beijing.

(in no particular order because they are all amazing)

#1  A day of moseying around the 798 Art Zone.

#2  Half day without a tour, longer for a tour of the Forbidden City

#3  Live like a local in a Hutong

#4  Walk the grounds of the Summer Palace.
April sprinkled the paths with smells and colors of Spring.

#5  And did we mention the food.

Beijing has so much more to see and explore, however our time was limited.
For example, we didn't make it to the Olympic Village...
 but it's on the list for our next visit.