Welcome to Beijing!
Exploring Beijing and Beyond: Cultural Highlights for ISAD 2026 Attendees
Welcome to the 16th Georg RAJKA International Symposium on Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD Beijing 2026). While our scientific program bridges groundbreaking research, your time in China offers a unique opportunity to explore a city where ancient scholarship meets cutting-edge innovation.
Whether you have a few hours between sessions or are planning to extend your stay, here is your curated guide to the best experiences in Beijing and across China.
Top Highlights in Beijing (The Host City)
Conveniently located near our conference venue at the China World Hotel (situated in the vibrant Central Business District), Beijing’s most iconic landmarks are easily accessible via taxi or the world-class metro system.
- The Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square The historical heart of Beijing, this massive palace complex served as the imperial home for five centuries. Walk through the majestic meridians and admire the ancient Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.
- ISAD Tip: Tickets must be booked online several days in advance using your passport.
- The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section) Located just 1.5 hours outside the city, the Mutianyu section offers breathtaking mountain views, beautifully restored watchtowers, and is significantly less crowded than Badaling. You can take a cable car to the top and an exhilarating toboggan ride back down.
- The Summer Palace A masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. It is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll to unwind after the symposium.
- The Temple of Heaven A stunning imperial complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Go early in the morning to see local residents practicing Tai Chi, playing traditional instruments, and flying kites.
- Explore the Hutongs (Traditional Alleyways) For a taste of old Beijing, wander through the Hutongs near Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang. These historic narrow streets feature traditional courtyard houses, artisan shops, and local street food. Don’t forget to try authentic Beijing Roast Duck (Peking Duck) at a local tavern!
- 798 Art District A thriving, avant-garde art community housed in decommissioned 1950s factory buildings. It features contemporary galleries, outdoor sculptures, trendy cafés, and design shops.
Extending Your Stay: Discovering China
China’s high-speed rail network connects Beijing to spectacular destinations within just a few hours. Consider extending your trip to explore these world-renowned cities:
- Xi’an (4–5 hours by bullet train from Beijing) The ancient starting point of the Silk Road. Xi’an is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, the ancient City Wall (where you can rent a bicycle to ride along the top), and the vibrant, food-filled Muslim Quarter.
- Shanghai (4.5 hours by bullet train from Beijing) China’s futuristic mega-city. Walk along The Bund to see the colonial architecture contrasted against the sci-fi skyline of Lujiazui, visit the traditional Yu Garden, and enjoy world-class international dining.
- Chengdu (High-Speed Train or Short Flight) Famous as the home of the Giant Pandas and world-renowned Sichuan cuisine. It is a city celebrated for its relaxed teahouse culture and spicy culinary delights.
- Guilin & Yangshuo (Short Flight) If you are looking for natural beauty, Guilin offers world-famous karst mountain landscapes, bamboo river rafting along the Li River, and stunning terraced rice paddies.