Zhongguancun-中关村

Don't be fooled by the instant noodle association, Master Kong serves large, steaming bowls of beef noodles with handmade noodles and nourishing broth. Prices range from RMB 20-something on up to around RMB 100 for deluxe bowls.

Aimed at the dakuan dining set, this Zhongguancun restaurant serves Sichuan dishes laden with spices and salt. Try the smoked tea duck and shrimp meatballs.

Old Shanghai takes center stage at this distinctive Haidian eatery specializing in seafood dishes.

This education consulting firm provides help to Chinese and expat parents in choosing and applying to the US undergraduate programs, private high schools, and boarding schools. Offers extensive training, including essay writing, interviewing, and career planning. Highly experienced and dedicated consultants work directly with parents and students throughout the entire application process. Achieved recognition for successfully coaching applicants to get accepted top US universities.

Orange Bar offers a serene alternative for Haidian residents or guests at the Ariva Beijing West. With Oriental-style plush chairs and elegant hanging crystals, this is a classy hotel bar suitable for a relaxing evening of quiet conversation. Don’t be fooled, however, by the frivolous selection of soft Korean pop and R&B playing in the background. With a comprehensive list of cognacs and whiskeys, Orange Bar caters to the patron with a mature taste in liquor.

Well-known chain of Hubei restaurants serves up re gan mian, braised pork ribs, Tujia spicy boiled fish, chestnut chicken and other regional specialties.

This chain is known for its gan guo (dishes that are served simmering in small cast iron pots). They also serve suan tang yu (spicy soup fish).

There's something for everyone at this chain of family-friendly, basement level food courts. Choose from Cantonese dim sum, dumplings, Hainan Chicken Rice, Hunan dishes, Yunnan Guo Qiao Mi Xian, Sichuan Ma La Tang, Japanese teppanyaki, Taiwan shaved ice and even Indian Roti in the Shuangjing branch (RMB 12-13, choose from chicken, beef, fruit or chocolate fillings). Prices are tallied on a charge card (with the exception of the pay-in-cash stands around the perimeter.

Upscale restaurant specializes in Taiwanese and contemporary Chinese cuisine in a purple-themed interior. Try the San Bei Ji (Three Cups Chicken).