UCCA is a contemporary art institution that's home to an excellent rotating programme of exhibitions. Escape the city as you peruse the industrial-chic museum. 

The 798 Art Zone is an ex-industrial site turned contemporary art Valhalla. It's perfect for gallery hopping, but it's also home to a tonne of hip shops and restaurants. What more could you want?

Pak Pak Thai Kitchen is a buzzing restaurant that locals flock to week in, week out. The dishes are authentic and spicy (but manageably so!), and the Thai-inspired cocktails are definitely unforgettable.

The Chaoyang outpost of Xin Rong Ji Restaurant has an elegant but relaxed dining area. Just what we need for a chilled weeknight dinner. The sensational peking duck, which you have to pre-order, is only available at the flagship location.