If you want to get a feeling for the modernization of Beijing, Financial Street or Jin1rong2jie1 is one of those places to visit. It boasts offices of most of the big financial firms in the world along with top-class hotels and an exclusive shopping mall. If you have some cash to spare you may want to check out one of the Sunday hotel brunches which come at about 300 RMB per person but are a real treat.

To visit Financial Street, take the Loop Line to Fuchengmen and from there head to the South East. You will know when you get there.