Hidden Gems in Beijing

Beijing is full of popular sights like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall, but there are dozens of hidden gems that will make visiting Beijing after your Cathay Pacific flight a wonderful experience. These hidden gems will make your trip to Beijing even more memorable. Daniel McCrohan, a Beijing resident and long-time writer for Lonely Planet’s China guide, has written this guide to help you make the most of your Beijing visit.

Longfusi’s commercial history

Longfusi has a commercial history that spans over 550 years. Ever since the Ming Dynasty, the temple fair has been a popular commercial event in the area. However, the popularity of the fair has decreased over the years, and today the street is best known for its folk arts and snacks.

Tianzifang

Tianzifang is a maze of small shops and galleries. You can get all kinds of things there, from art and antiques to food and clothing. It’s not for the faint of heart, however, and the prices here can be quite expensive. You’ll also find some fun shops, like a teddy bear-themed restaurant and a photo-to-oil painting service.

You can enter the area via multiple entrances, but the easiest is off Jianguo Middle Road, lane 210. This district was first made famous by artists because of its low rents, and today there are many art galleries and handcraft shops, cafes, and souvenir shops. You’ll feel as if you’re in Mykonos, as the streets are very similar to those in Mykonos, Greece.

The area’s historic architecture is a combination of traditional and modern styles. Many of the buildings are from the 1930s, and some have been renovated for commercial purposes. They retain a lived-in feel and are often home to local residents.

Qibao

Qibao is a small village located on the west side of the city that is rich in ancient culture. Its narrow streets are teeming with eateries and souvenir shops. Located near a canal, the town is car-free and perfect for strolling. You can take a thirty-minute boat ride along the canal and check out the local sights. The area is also famous for its local delicacies like glutinous rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves, roasted sweet potatoes, and sweets on sticks.

The first qibao was invented in the early Ming Dynasty, when the young emperor was enamored of a fisherman’s daughter. She was skilled at both home affairs and fishing, but she was hindered by her clumsy dress. To solve this problem, she sewed a special dress with slits on both sides, which allowed her to do both. As a result, the qibao became a beloved dress for ladies all over China.

The name of this ancient town translates as “seven treasures” in Chinese. The town is a spiritual sanctuary, free of the problems of modern cities. It was first built around 1000 years ago. During the Song Dynasty, it underwent great development. Later, it grew and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Qibao old town is divided into two parts by the Puhuitang River, a canal that is crossed by the Puhui Bridge. This gives the town the feeling of being on the water. You can find souvenir shops and snack stands on the North Street, as well as a local flavor restaurant.

You can explore the town’s ancient streets. The main scenic spots include the Qibao pawnshop, Zhou’s Micro carving hall, and the cricket cottage. You can also try out some of the many delicious local snacks.

Beihai Park

Beihai Park is a popular place to visit in Beijing. It’s famous for its vast lake and is cool both in summer and winter. But in the summer, it’s a sight to behold. You’ll be able to watch fireworks as the sun sets over the lake.

Built during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), Beihai Park has undergone various restorations over the years. It was rebuilt in the Jin, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Today, the park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Beihai was a royal playground as far back as the Jin dynasty (1115-1234). The White Dagoba stands on the northwest edge of the lake. It is a famous landmark in central Beijing. The first Qing emperor built it in 1651. You can reach it by boat or via a bridge at the south and east gates.

Tiananmen Square

If you’re looking for a great place to visit in Beijing, you might want to spend a day at Tiananmen Square. This city square is the location of a famous protest in 1989, which caused thousands of people to gather in the square and call for a democratic government. While you’re there, you might also want to check out the National Museum of China. It’s huge and has objects from the different dynasties of China. There are even pictures of all the protests that took place here, which you can check out as well.

The square was the scene of the largest protest in history, with thousands of people defying police orders to disperse. According to the South China Morning Post, it was the largest demonstration since the founding of the People’s Republic 40 years earlier. On that day, three students knelt down in front of the Great Hall of the People and handed a petition demanding a reappraisal of Hu’s life.

Temple of Heaven

If you’re looking for a secluded escape in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven Park is the place for you. It’s a 267-hectare oasis with methodical Confucian architecture. It was originally built as a grand stage for the Emperor, who would come here to ask for good harvests and divine clearance. It features a 65-meter-high Echo Wall, Triple Echo Stones, and Round Stone Altar, all of which were constructed to boost the Emperor’s voice.

The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most spectacular historical sites. The temple was originally constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1611) and was extensively rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was built with attention to detail and is considered to be the finest example of Chinese ritual architecture. The Temple of Heaven is also a symbol of Beijing and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.

798 Art District

Dashanzi, otherwise known as the 798 Art District, is a thriving creative district tucked away in the former military factories. It’s home to hip creative spaces like the 798 Photo Gallery, and the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, where established Chinese artists are showcased. Outdoor sculpture installations sit alongside chic boutiques that offer eclectic fashion and artsy gifts. Specialty coffee is also a popular draw at chic cafes.

The 798 Art District is a hidden gem tucked away in Beijing, just a 30-minute walk from Wangjing South Station. This artistic cluster features high-quality art galleries, cafes, and museums. In the late 1990s, a small group of artists decided to create a space for art and culture. Soon after, the district attracted international media attention and was declared a protected art district.

You can visit the 798 Art District on a Beijing tour. The area features lots of small galleries and independent art spaces. You can also visit the LTL Mandarin School’s list of the best coffee shops. Once you’re done, stroll the area and admire the art that adorns the streets.