All the expensive hotels have several well-appointed restaurants, where the atmosphere is sedate but prices are sometimes not as high as you might expect; look out for their special offers, advertised in the city's listings magazines. Local restaurants, though, are cheaper and livelier. Expect to eat earlier than you would in Western cities: lunch is around noon and dinner around 6pm or 7. Few places stay open after 11pm. Restaurants usually have two, sometimes more dining rooms , which are priced differently - though the food comes from the same kitchen. The cheapest one is usually the open-plan area on the first floor. It's rarely worth phoning ahead to book a table; if you do, you will always end up in the most expensive sections.

The imperial court banquet in Beihai Park is very good and the restaurant is housed in traditional Chinese building. I went there last winter and could not forget the delicious food.

Wangfujing Street is a good place for snacks. The hotel we stayed is quite near the street and we went there at night. Various food made me full! Tip: Remember just taste a very little piece of each, otherwise you will feel full before you get to the end of the row.