Beijing, China's capital city, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. With a history spanning over three millennia, it's a city where ancient palaces, temples, and historical sites stand neighboring, with modern skyscrapers and bustling markets. As China's cultural, political, and economic heart, Beijing offers a captivating glimpse into the country's rich heritage and fast development. Explore its iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, taste its diverse cuisine, and immerse yourself in a city that seamlessly weaves the threads of China's past and future.
Where to stay?
If your budget allows it, stay at the Orchid Hotel. This is the perfect location to spend your time in Beijing. It's between the hutongs and surrounded by cozy coffee bars, live music cafés, street food vendors, and many more.
If your budget is tight and you're with more than two people, you can book an apartment from the Orchid Hotel. The apartment costs around 200 euros, breakfast included. There is one separate room and one sofa which can turn into a double bed. It's best to send the hotel a message on the app 'WeChat.' If you don't have WeChat yet, you can download it. It's the Chinese version of WhatsApp and is widely used in China. To find 'The Orchid Hotel,' search for 'baochao65' and send a friend invitation. If this is all too difficult for you, go to their website.
DAY 1
Drum & Bell tower
After checking in at the hotel, wander around the area. You'll find the bell & drum tower at an 800 meters distance from your stay. If you're into history, buy an entrance ticket for 4 euros to visit both towers (bell & drum tower). If not, enjoy the architecture from the old buildings outside. These buildings were originally built in 1200, so they are ancient. (;
Between these two towers is a small space where locals come together and play games.
Mimi's tip: Every day, every hour from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (except 12:30 pm), 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, etc., they will perform the original drum song daily year-round. We visited straight after Covid, and no performances were going on.
Lunchtime
You’ll probably be hungry by now! Go to 'Nanluoguxiang' Hutong and go for a street food hunt. There are lots of vendors selling all kinds of local food. Beijing is full of micro-local breweries; go to the Great Leap Brewing for a fresh pint.
If you're not feeling safe ordering street food, no problem, go to 'Kodo,' where you can drink the most beautiful cappuccino in the world. They also serve some delicious food. I recommend ordering the cheese rice balls; it's so yummy. An extra big plus is that the restaurant also has a roof terrace.
Ceramics
If you want a self-made souvenir to take home, go inside one of the many ceramics shops and create your little tea/coffee mug. Ask when the cup will be ready so you can take it home. We had to wait for three weeks, which is a long time. Many ceramic shops can be found at Gulou E Ave.
Not tired yet? Go to another hutong area, 'Wudaoying.' This one has a hipster vibe, with many coffee bars and vintage shops. The Main Street of this area is called 'Wudaoying Hu Tong' and is also home to a three-star Michelin vegetarian restaurant, 'Kings Joy.' By the way, the only 3-Michelin-stars vegetarian restaurant in the world.
Do you like to visit temples? The lama temple is at the end of this street, and the entrance fee is 3,5 euros.
Dinner
You can’t leave Beijing without eating dumplings. For the best experience, go to 'Mr. Shi dumplings. This restaurant is situated on the same street as the hotel. Nice and easy. (; But it isn't easy to find because there isn't a big sign. You can always ask your hotel for help.
Bird's nest
You should visit Bird’s Nest when the sun is down. The building will light up, and it's gorgeous! Buy a ticket to go inside and climb on top of this steel structure.
Still not tired?
Go back to Nanluoguxiang Hutong and visit one of the many live music cafes.
DAY 2
The Great Wall
You have different kinds of areas to visit the Great Wall. But I’ll give you the best option. (;
The Great Wall’s Jinshanling section isn’t as busy as any other area and has a wild part where you can fly your drone if you have one. It also provides a cable car if you’re not into hiking.
There's a map with all kinds of trails at the reception of the Jinshanling section, where you buy your entrance tickets. We chose the 4-hour walk, ‘the three must-sees of the Great Wall,’ costing 110 yuan for two people.
Mimi's tip: If you can visit during the week, do it. The weekends are the most crowded.
How to get there?
Because of Covid, I didn’t trust any information on the internet. Because a lot has changed. Instead of stressing out, we just booked a taxi to the hotel. It will cost between 700 – 1000 yuan, but it’s easy, and you don’t have to stress about anything. The driver will wait for you, so you don’t have to hurry to take the bus. There is another option to arrange a taxi. Just click here.
Food tour
If you go to the great wall early, you’ll be on time for the lost plate food tour at 6:30 pm. If you have limited time in the city and want to explore all of Beijing's finest local food, go on this tour. If you have plenty of time, don’t go and do your own thing. In my opinion, it’s overpriced. It costs 75 euros/pp, including drinks, transport, and food. So create your street food tour instead. I‘ll give you plenty of options: here. (not ready yet)
DAY 3
Forbidden City
Wake up early and visit the temple of heaven. Buy tickets online. If you're 60 or older, you get in for free—next, The Forbidden City. Buy tickets at least one month before visiting. No other place in China teems with so much history. If you have your tickets, you can also enter the national museum of China and Tiananmen Square.
If you want more history, visit the summer palace and stroll the many beautiful sights. This place is also free if you're 60 years or older.
District 798
If you want something entirely different, because let's be honest, the temple of heaven and the forbidden city before noon, it's already a lot of history. Go to District 798. It’s a former army weapon factory and has become an art space. It’s a fantastic neighborhood to hang around in the afternoon and enjoy art galleries, shops, and local beer breweries.
Traditional Chinese massage
You can’t leave China without experiencing a traditional Chinese massage. Book an appointment with Bodhi Massage, and you’ll have a proper one. Or do like us and let your hotel make a reservation there. Just be aware it’s not a relaxing massage. It’s pretty hard. But you can always tell the masseuse to be more soft. They have a menu full of other treatments if you are not into a traditional Chinse massage. (;
I hope you like it.
Love,
Mimi x
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