As in Hong Kong, The Peninsula Beijing is the grande dame of five-star hotels. It was one of the first to open in Beijing and underwent a US$35 million renovation and modernization in 2006 to serve its demanding clientele. Don’t be surprised to find Chinese starlets or fashion divas, like Donatella Versace, in the lobby lounge. Beijing’s ladies who lunch come here to shop in the luxury arcade and have their tête-à-têtes over high tea. There are 525 guestrooms including 57 suites, all of which have elegant interior décor, deluxe marble bathrooms and all the electronic gadgets you could ever need. Jing is one of Beijing’s standout restaurants, serving modern Asian fusion cuisine in stylish surroundings. For authentic dim sum and Cantonese dishes, Huang Ting is a local favorite. The hotel also boasts the exquisite Peninsula Spa by Éspa with exclusively designed treatments and an indoor hearted swimming pool.