Beijing is a city that glories in being both one of the greatest historic citadels of the nation's imperial past as well as being a fully industrialized modern metropolis befitting its crown as the present-day capital. Three million cars speeding over a myriad of flyovers against a backdrop of sprawling neon-lit plazas and the majestic spires of imperial temples represents a snapshot of the oddly-harmonious dichotomy of Beijing. This incongruence is heightened upon closer inspection; streets which appear to be Asia's answer to the Champs-Elysees are peopled with Beijing denizens who appear to have eschewed the incredible pace of their peers in Hong Kong and Shanghai in favour of embracing a more laid-back lifestyle. 

This coupling of colourful metropolitan diversity and bustle with charming old-world regality and gentle recreation is best epitomized by the Wangfujing Street, one of the most famous shopping areas in Beijing and arguably the heart of the city. This pedestrian street is essentially a 30-minute montage of over 250 of China’s most famous branded stores; a "Snack Street" hawking platters that range from deep fried insects to meat kebabs and candied fruit; Wangfujing Xinhua Bookstore which is the Chinese equivalent of Barnes and Noble, and two of the city's major plazas. Nor does night-time draw the curtain on the activity. On the contrary, the neon-lit store signs and impromptu night markets are two major draws that characterizes this ever-changing heritage streetscape.  

Beijing is a city that glories in being both one of the greatest historic citadels of the nation's imperial past as well as being a fully industrialized modern metropolis befitting its crown as the present-day capital. Three million cars speeding over a myriad of flyovers against a backdrop of sprawling neon-lit plazas and the majestic spires of imperial temples represents a snapshot of the oddly-harmonious dichotomy of Beijing. This incongruence is heightened upon closer inspection; streets which appear to be Asia's answer to the Champs-Elysees are peopled with Beijing denizens who appear to have eschewed the incredible pace of their peers in Hong Kong and Shanghai in favour of embracing a more laid-back lifestyle. 

This coupling of colourful metropolitan diversity and bustle with charming old-world regality and gentle recreation is best epitomized by the Wangfujing Street, one of the most famous shopping areas in Beijing and arguably the heart of the city. This pedestrian street is essentially a 30-minute montage of over 250 of China’s most famous branded stores; a "Snack Street" hawking platters that range from deep fried insects to meat kebabs and candied fruit; Wangfujing Xinhua Bookstore which is the Chinese equivalent of Barnes and Noble, and two of the city's major plazas. Nor does night-time draw the curtain on the activity. On the contrary, the neon-lit store signs and impromptu night markets are two major draws that characterizes this ever-changing heritage streetscape.