Where to stay

Guomao is a hub for business-minded luxury hotels like Park Hyatt Beijing, which has its lobby up on the 63rd floor of Beijing Yintai Centre. Loftier still is China World Summit Wing, a Shangri-La property occupying the upper floors of Beijing’s second-tallest tower. A picture of discreet elegance, the hotel lobby feels more like a private members club. Next door, Jen Beijing tones down the cigar-and-cognac vibes in favour of design-led rooms, a huge 24-hour gym, co-working spaces and even a microbrewery restaurant.

Though generally more low-key than Guomao, Financial Street has a Ritz-Carlton and a Westin property in the neighbourhood, two long-standing options for business travellers.

What to say

With football being a global language, you could ask your Beijing colleagues about the newly rebuilt Workers’ Stadium, which recently welcomed back the local team, Beijing Guoan, for its first match there in more than three years. Another tip: nothing gets to the heart of Chinese passions more than food, so any interest you show in the topic will be reciprocated many times over.