Visit 798 Space , where contemporary art by Chinese artists is showcased.
EVERYONE knows Beijing is changing rapidly with preparations for the 2008 Olympics reaching fever pitch.
However, Beijing-born Grace Zhou, 35, says that despite the transformation, the people remain "as chatty and welcoming as ever".
"When you first arrive in Beijing, you get into a cab and immediately, the driver will be able to update you on what's new there," she says.
The majority of the 11 million residents are generally well-educated and the city has over 100 colleges, she notes, adding that many people speak English.
"When people get together, they'll talk about politics and what's going on in society. Because of that, there is also a misconception that Beijing residents are boastful but it's just their way of sharing what's on their mind," she adds.
Ms Zhou, who moved to Singapore 10 years ago for work, returns to Beijing at least once a year to visit her family.
She is the managing director of her own company, GraceZhou Public Relations, as well as the co-founder of Speedflirting.sg, which organises events and parties for single expats and locals.
The single is now a Singapore citizen.
Here are her six suggestions to having a good time in Beijing.
1. Try the original Peking Duck
Peking duck is sold in almost every restaurant in the city but if you want to try the most authentic version, head to Quan Ju De restaurant which is a 10-minute walk from Tiananmen Square. This is where the Peking duck was first sold.
Apart from the skin, you can also request for the various innards to be cooked any way you want.
A good meal should cost you $20.
2. Shop at Ri Tan Park
Ms Zhou says that Ri Tan Park, or Temple of the Sun Park, is the "old town of Beijing". Here, you will find small shops selling cheap knick-knacks and clothes.
At the south gate of this park is a building called Temple of the Sun Business which sells Western-influenced fashion.
You can find good bargains because over-runs for foreign brands are sold there.
3. Visit the nightspots at the Beijing Workers Stadium area
The stadium is where the football quarter-finals and semi-finals for the 2008 Olympics will be held but there are also a lot of karaoke outlets, restaurants and bars in that area now.
The most popular is Kandi Bar. You can also find restaurants that serve the different culinary styles in China.
4. Check out the artwork of up-and-coming artists at 798 Space
Previously a factory, this exhibition space located in Dashanzi Art District is now an avant-garde and trendy place where contemporary art by Chinese artists is showcased.
Today, 798 Space easily seats 1,000 people and doubles as a venue for fashion shows, among many other activities.
5. Buy a set of 2008 Olympics mascots
There are five mascots with the names of Bei Bei, Jing Jing, Huan Huan, Ying Ying and Ni Ni, and you can buy the entire set almost anywhere. Most shops sell them.
In English, the names of the five mascots - Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni - mean Beijing welcomes you.
6. Get around Beijing by train
For first-time visitors, taking the bus can be rather confusing because of the road signs. The safest way of getting around is via the subway.
