citylikeyou — Summer Palace — Beijing by Zara Arshad

Beijing / Place

The Summer Palace is just gorgeous and definitely a must-see spot for those visiting Beijing for the first time. The sheer size of the grounds is inconceivable; I don’t think I’ve covered everything yet, but the marble boat and Seventeen Arch Bridge are well worth a visit. Close to the east gate also lies Aman, which offers great afternoon tea; the complex is housed in a series of pavilions, some of which date back over a century and were originally used by guests of the Summer Palace awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi.

Address
Summer Palace, Yiheyuan Lu, Haidian District, Beijing, China

Designer

Current city: Beijing

cargocollective.com

Zara Arshad was born and raised in the UK, but has also lived in Syria and Indonesia. She now resides in China as a graduate of the BA (Hons) Design course, Goldsmiths College. Strongly influenced by Bruce Mau, Troika and Graffiti Research Lab, she continually promotes internationalism and the potential of design to solve social and political issues. As well as practicing as a freelance, multi-disciplinary designer, Zara currently works on the Organising Committee for Beijing Design Week 2011 and writes for Design China.

More Places in Beijing 9

Beijing / Cafe

ICI or 33 Coffee is what you will find yourself at this address. Backed by ICI, a cultural organization and a team of architects, it is a multi-functional space offering authentic speciality coffee drinks, pastries as well as event experiences, such as art exhibitions, talks and workshops. Located right in the middle of downtown Beijing, close to my childhood neighborhood, it has become one of my favorite meet-up points in town. I enjoy the cozy and welcoming atmosphere, a breathing space away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the minimal design details and their interesting space making of the exhibition design.

Beijing / Cafe

A good surprise down the lane - used to hang out with childhood friends here a lot before the commercial development made the area touristy. So happy to spot this independent coffee during a brief stay in Beijing. Cozy space, and impressively diversified line-up of single origin coffee beans, quite neat!

Beijing / Restaurant

What's better than a late night table like this to share with gals. Not only the dishes are exactly the comfort food like from mom's kitchen, the staffs also speak like your neighbors. So very homy and cozy. Will come back next time in Beijing:-) Highly recommend to those who look for real taste of Beijing house kitchen.

Beijing / Shop

My go-to place when I need a break from Beijing. CAFA is, surprisingly, not known by many, which makes it even more perfect. It is the only art institution of higher learning operated by the Ministry of Education and was founded in April 1950 when the National Beijing Art College and the Fine Arts Department of Huabei University were transformed into a single institution. The School of Design holds graduate exhibitions every year, which are well worth a visit, and also houses AIGA China. Equipped with an art museum (designed by Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki) as well as art supplies and book stores.

Beijing / Cafe

One of our favorite meet-up places in old town Beijing close to Ditan Park. Renovated on a garage by a design veteran, the place has its unique and soulful character. A thoughtful blend of old town style and contemporary design that produces a solid and edgy vibes, true to Beijing. Their seasonal coffee menu and house desserts never fails to amaze us.