Beijing (meaning ‘Northern Capital’) is the capital of the People’s Republic of China and is the second largest city in the country. It is the social, political and cultural centre of China, and is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions on the planet. From the Forbidden City to Tiananmen Square, many of these landmarks are instantly recognisable the world over. The urban metropolis is a charming blend of futuristic buildings and ancient monuments, receiving tens of thousands of visitors each year (both local and global). It still serves as the primary gateway to the rest of China, with most visitors stopping by for a few days before moving deeper into the country.

Beijing acts like a transport hub, sending and receiving traffic from the rest of the country. From here one can catch buses and trains into the most remote parts of China, so it is the ideal base to explore the country from. One popular method of exploring China is by means of a luxury cruise, which enables travellers to visit many places in a short period of time. The nearest seaport to Beijing is in Tianjin, about one hundred and sixty kilometres away. There are quite a few companies that run cruises and it can be difficult to choose from them.

The most important factor is the itinerary. Some cruises will take visitors from Shanghai to Beijing to even Hong Kong and Singapore. So when choosing the cruise provider, tourists should carefully look at the cruise packages available. To get the best prices one should book the cruise well in advance. Those planning on taking a cruise from China to other countries or even places like Hong Kong or Macau, which are Special Administrative Regions of China, should remember to check for any visa requirements.

When in the capital, one can live in style at a Beijing luxury hotel like Grand Millennium Beijing. This city hotel Beijing is situated in the heart of the city’s business district and offers a plethora of services designed to make guests feel at home. Its excellent location makes it the ideal place to stay, whether one is on business or holiday.