Perhaps no one city in China represents the opposing yet complementary forces of yin-yang, be it dark and bright, feminine and masculine or tradition and innovation, better than Beijing. It’s a city characterized by sharp contrast and extremes that come together in mutual harmony, with old world hutongs, or alleyways, alongside starchitect-designed stadiums and buildings, the last remnants of China’s imperial dynasties (now UNESCO World Heritage Sites) scattered throughout the city’s ring roads. It’s the pulsing heart of Chinese politics, culture and education, and is particularly big on nurturing the arts, with formidable institutions, like Tsinghua and Peking University, or the Central Academy of Fine Arts, luring the country’s most brilliant talent. Its rich cultural milieu also allows the city to have a wide range of scenes, whether fashion, music or contemporary art, making it particularly fascinating to explore for first-time travelers and experts alike. So without further ado, here’s our guide of top spots for the creatively savvy and inclined.