Ashraf Fagih on how Beijing became home and why you should visit

“It’s grand like New York but with 750 years of history character. Modern-day Beijing is the capital of one of the oldest empires on Earth. Add to that the fascinating surrounding countryside, it’s not hard to understand its unique appeal.”

They say home reveals itself in unexpected places, and Madinah native Ashraf Fagih is definitely feeling right at home in China’s capital city.

As a leading author with a PhD in computer science, Ashraf not only navigates the worlds of historical fiction and algorithms, he travels whenever time permits – rediscovering with each journey shared connections across cultures and continents. “It’s just one big scattered dysfunctional family of eight billion,” he says, smiling.

Ashraf’s love for exploration has taken him everywhere – from his days growing up in Madinah and Riyadh, to now residing in Beijing. In between, he was a professor at Dhahran’s King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and lived in Saudi’s Eastern Province, then moving to Texas and Ontario – squeezing in more travels and writing a few celebrated books along the way.

Finally, 32 countries and territories later, his insatiable curiosity for new horizons led him to China. “I took a leap of faith last year and left to join a major enterprise. And here I am today, in Beijing. Lucky me!”

Life in the Capital

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“This was an unanticipated career move that immersed me in Asia’s far east,” says Ashraf. “And a year on, I truly think if one had to pick a city to visit in this region, it has to be Beijing. China’s original influence on eastern history and cultures is undeniable, and Beijing is the jewel of the country.”

With bustling energy that matches other global urban centres like New York, Beijing is distinct in its own way and is home to many standout addresses, such as its Central Business District with its grandiose modern architecture, as well as parks and historic landmarks like the famous Drum Tower and the Imperial Garden, according to Ashraf.

“My life in China has been quite inspirational. There’s so much common history between the Arabs and Chinese, much more than we think. Perhaps my next project will build on what I’m learning and discovering here.”

Must-Try Dishes and Eateries

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“When in Beijing, the Beijing duck (Peking duck) is a must. I recommend having The Horizon’s Ya Yuan Peking Duck; the restaurant is located in Kerry Hotel,” says Ashraf. Another of his local favourites? Hot pot, particularly at his go-to spot, Jin Shan KouFu. There’s nothing quite like it, he explains – a pot of broth slowly boiling in front of you, as you dip in the raw ingredients and enjoy your hot meal on the spot.

Ashraf also recommends roast lamb from the north-west Xinjiang province, as well as Shanghai cuisine at Shanghai Tang, which comes with the Michelin Guide stamp of approval, and noodles at The Red Chamber, both located in China World Mall. “As the capital, Beijing is the perfect city to try cuisines as diverse as the country’s ethnicities.”

There’s no denying that being far from one’s home country means missing its food, but being the diverse metropolis that it is, Beijing has some decent options. “The best runner-up is Qubbe Kubei Turkish Restaurant. There’s also Toast Restaurant for a fusion of Middle Eastern and Chinese,” says Ashraf.

For a cup of really good coffee (because the end of every meal deserves one), he likes Zarah, located in old Beijing. “There’s also music on Saturdays, and the occasional cultural event.”

Where to Shop

Ashraf considers himself lucky to live in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, home to the Central Business District, full of malls and outlets. “Stroll along the street and there’s a world of top brand boutiques to choose from. There’s also Sanlitun Center and Hopson One Mall.”

For gifts, however, Ashraf prefers Dongcheng, a neighbourhood in old Beijing famous for its hutongs. “Hutongs are narrow alleys commonly associated with northern Chinese cities, especially Beijing. They have old-style houses and shop that sell traditional delicacies and products,” he explains.

Hidden Gems and Favourite Spots

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One of Ashraf’s go-to spots in Beijing is the gardens of Peking University campus, particularly Yan Garden – a former royal garden that has kept its charm and serenity over the centuries.

“Surprisingly, China has some of the oldest mosques that were built beyond Arabia in the first Islamic century. As Arabia and China were connected via the ancient commercial Silk Road, there are over 70 mosques in Beijing alone,” Ashraf explains. “Niujie Mosque is the oldest, built in AD996. I’m always captivated by the blend of traditional Chinese architecture and the functionality of the mosque.”

Must-See Cultural Landmarks

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If you have just one day in Beijing, Ashraf suggests visiting the Forbidden City, a walled collection of old imperial palaces, and its museum. There’s also the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven.

“Tiananmen Square is also a must; make sure to reserve a ticket in advance, and enter the Forbidden City across the street while you’re at it. And there’s the Great Wall, of course, a two-hour drive from Beijing,” he says.

Favourite Museums and Galleries

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“Beijing is packed with museums. The most notable is the National Museum of China with its marvellous gallery on the Silk Road that linked China, India, Persia, and Arabia,” Ashraf says. He also recommends 798 Art District, a complex of former military factory buildings that now houses a thriving art community, galleries, ateliers, and retail venues.

Additionally, National Centre for the Performing Arts (fondly referred to as The Egg) frequently hosts world-class exhibitions and shows. “I watched The Drunken Concubine there, a Peking Opera classic, and Verdi’s opera Aida for the first time in my life,” he recalls.

Where to Stay

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As Beijing is packed with top-tier hotels, Ashraf recommends Kerry Hotel for its shopping convenience. “If you’re a fan of the old town, however, I also recommend The Orchid Hotel, and if you want to enjoy the nature just outside Beijing, I’d pick Sunrise Kempinski on Lake Yanqi.”

When it comes to neighbourhoods, Ashraf recommends Dongcheng, located in the old town and full of hutongs, and Qianmen Street, which is a famous pedestrian shopping area with a history of about 600 years, located at the central axis of Beijing.

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Unmissable Events

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“There are four traditional Chinese festivals celebrated nationwide as public holidays: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival,” Ashraf explains.

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the country’s most important event. Families get together during the one-week holiday, and some of its highlights include: visiting relatives and temples, red as the main colour that signifies good fortune and luck, a lantern festival, fireworks, and giving hóngbāo, red envelopes containing monetary gifts.

The Qingming Festival, also known as the Tomb Sweeping Festival, usually falls on 4 or 5 April. People mostly spend it outdoors, enjoying the greenery of spring. This is an important day to pay respect to one’s ancestors, and is also known for flying kites, which are eventually cut and released.

Dragon Boat Festival (or Duanwu Festival) is celebrated on the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This annual event is in remembrance of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, and on 30 October 2009, it was added to the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Finally, there’s Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. It traditionally falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, and is the second most important event after Chinese New Year.