When compiling a list of cities to explore, Beijing should be included. Beijing is a place that is rich in contrasts. It possesses a combination of traditional Asian culture and innovation. In Beijing, the old meets the new in a way that makes this city a fascinating place to explore.
With the wealth of history and the large population of Beijing, exploring the city can be daunting. This article shows you things you should do while visiting Beijing.
Plan for your Beijing tours and be sure to include these places!
1. Go On Bicycle Tours
Given the population of Beijing and the number of tourists who frequent Beijing, the traffic can be bad. To beat the traffic or escape crowded subways, you should get around Beijing on a bicycle. Beyond beating crowds and traffic, getting around the city on a rented bicycle or paying for a bike tour would help you explore several parts of the city, including the parts that you would otherwise not see.
2. Visit 798 Arts District
If you are an art enthusiast or you are interested in contemporary Chinese art, you should visit the city’s most important art hub, 798 Arts District. This bustling arts scene is home to vast variety of art from masterpieces to badly replicated knockoff Western art. The protected arts district has many commercial galleries, souvenir shops and cafes.
3. Have Dumplings and Baozi
A tour of a city is never complete when you have not explored the city’s local delicacies. Two delicacies you should definitely try while in Beijing are Dumplings and Baozi.
Dumplings can be found both in street food stores and in casual restaurants. This steamed or boiled delicacy is usually stuffed with pork and cabbage or chives and is served together with black vinegar for dipping. There are also sea-food and fried dumplings served in certain diners.
Baozi can be found in street food stores and small restaurants all over Beijing. These steamed buns contain meat or vegetables and are popular for breakfast.
4. Visit Beihai Park
Beihai Park which is northwest of the Forbidden City has Beijing’s largest and most beautiful public lake. Stroll around the park and enjoy nature. Rent a paddle boat and explore the beautiful lake. Take out time to see the Yongan Temple. Climb to the white stupa at the top of a small island in the lake. After that, move on to explore Houhai and Qianhai which are surrounded by lakeside bars and restaurants.
5. Explore Nan Luogu Xiang
If you do not have a lot of time to do a proper tour of Beijing’s neighborhoods, exploring Nan Luogu Xiang provides you a good feel of Beijing. This narrow alley which is over 700 years old is a centre for drinks, snacks and shopping. There are lots of fancy boutiques and souvenir shops which stock up unique souvenirs and keepsakes. Beyond drinking and shopping, spend some time visiting the eight historic hutongs which flank the alley on the east and west.
