First in: Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing

Crossing the ancient stone threshold of just-opened Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing into the quiet, calming courtyard – with its 130-year-old maple tree – transports you back in time. The group’s tenth property in Greater China, which sits just a few minutes’ walk from the capital’s Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and The Temple of Heaven, is inspired by the age of hutongs: traditional narrow alleyways of single-storey buildings, 42 of which make up the hotel. Many of the suites are in private houses that sit side-by-side with those belonging to local people, delivering truly authentic cultural immersion. Given this unusual set-up, getting around means instantly and interactively channelling the hutong’s charm. Neighbourhood cats patrol centuries-old rooftops, children smile shyly en route to school, an elderly gentleman takes his pet grasshopper out for a walk, holding it in a polished wooden case against his chest.

TIAO, the two-storey bar, has quickly become the capital’s hot ticket. Take a seat on the terrace overlooking the roofs of the hutong and order a Brief Autumn, a concoction of Cognac, coffee, Vermouth and local baiju crafted by one of the young mixologists. For Cantonese and Chaozhou cuisine, Yan Garden by Chef Fei already has few equals, thanks to a chef whose restaurants hold multiple Michelin stars. The ultra-elegant but understated interiors don’t detract from the mastery on the plate. Standout dishes include an ethereal lobster with leek oil and perfectly cooked roast pigeon. Things are more relaxed at Italian-inflected VICINI, where homemade pasta, grilled fish and pizzas are served up. This is where breakfast is taken, too, with pan-fried dumplings and soothing abalone congee bringing a sense of place.