When I first arrived in Beijing, I was immediately attracted by the unique charm of this city. As the capital of China, Beijing is not only a modern metropolis, but also a place that preserves profound historical and cultural heritage. Various modern transportation vehicles are driving on the wide streets, with towering skyscrapers reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, presenting a bustling scene. However, the modern urban atmosphere has not concealed the traditional charm of Beijing, but rather complements it.
Strolling through the city center, I was amazed by the fusion of various traditional and modern architectural styles. Both modern commercial districts and well preserved ancient alleys showcase Beijing’s unique urban style. When I first saw the Great Wall with my own eyes, the magnificent sight filled my heart with excitement. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall not only represents the outstanding achievements of ancient Chinese architecture, but also symbolizes the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation.
And the Palace Museum has left me amazed. As the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City preserves a large number of precious historical relics and artworks. Standing on the square of the Forbidden City, one can feel the solemn and solemn atmosphere of imperial life from hundreds of years ago, which is unforgettable. These famous scenic spots in Beijing are not only witnesses of history, but also the inheritance of culture.
Overall, the first impression of Beijing left a deep impression on me. From modern urban landscapes to ancient buildings with rich historical charm, Beijing is undoubtedly a city full of vitality and historical significance. Whether it’s the first visit or multiple revisits, Beijing always brings people different experiences and feelings, making it a city worth savoring.
Attraction 1: The Old Beijing Scenery in Hutongs
The alleys in Beijing are a condensed historical painting, and these narrow alleys not only witness the changes of the city, but also preserve the unique charm of old Beijing. Hutongs, as a unique form of streets and alleys in Beijing, are full of the atmosphere of life and the weight of history. Walking through them, it is as if time has turned back and returned to ancient Beijing.
Nanluoguxiang is one of the most famous alleys in Beijing. This alleyway not only boasts well preserved courtyard buildings, but also gathers numerous antique shops and modern creative cafes. Tourists can taste authentic Beijing snacks here and also discover some unique handicrafts. In addition, Yanbagxie Street is also a stop that cannot be missed. This alley is famous for its unique diagonal design and strong cultural atmosphere. Strolling through it, it feels like being in an ancient ink painting.
In hutongs, people can experience the traditional way of life in Beijing. In the morning, the elderly are practicing Tai Chi at the entrance of the alley, while children are playing and frolicking in the alleys. Red lanterns are hung in front of every household’s doors, and through the courtyard door, one can see the vibrant life in the courtyard. Hutong is not only the urban bloodline of Beijing, but also the deepest memory in the hearts of every old Beijing.
Entering the hutong, tourists can not only feel the local customs and traditions of old Beijing, but also gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present by visiting the hutong museum and participating in hutong tours. Every brick and door in the alley tells a story of history and reveals the cultural heritage of Beijing.
In short, Beijing’s alleys are an important window to learn about this city, attracting countless tourists to visit them with their unique charm. Here, people can not only see the past of the city, but also feel the simplicity and beauty of life.
Attraction 2: The Hidden Courtyard
Siheyuan is a representative of traditional residential buildings in Beijing. As the essence of ancient Chinese architectural culture, they not only witness historical changes, but also symbolize Beijing culture. The architectural layout of a quadrangle usually includes a main room, an inverted room, an east wing room, and a west wing room, surrounded by a central courtyard, forming a private space inside and outside. This layout not only emphasizes symmetry and balance, but also reflects the ethical concepts and lifestyle of traditional Chinese families.
In Beijing, there are many well preserved quadrangle scenic spots, among which Prince Gong’s Mansion and the East Fourth Quadrangle Museum are two representative attractions that cannot be missed. Prince Gong’s Mansion is located in Xicheng District and is one of the largest and best preserved Qing Dynasty royal mansions in Beijing. Entering Prince Gong’s Mansion is like entering an ancient time and space. The exquisite carved beams and painted rafters, spacious courtyards and quiet environment make people linger.
The Dongsi Siheyuan Museum is located in Dongcheng District, serving as a concentrated display of Siheyuan culture. It not only preserves the traditional architectural style, but also has detailed exhibitions introducing the history, culture, and architectural characteristics of Siheyuan. During the visit, tourists can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural connotations of courtyard houses through physical objects, pictures, and textual introductions.
Visiting these quadrangle scenic spots is not only a visual feast, but also a cultural baptism. Strolling in the quiet courtyard, admiring the ancient architecture, as if one can hear the echoes of history. Every corner, every detail, tells the story of the once prosperous and glorious quadrangle. Through these hidden courtyard houses, tourists can deeply feel the unique charm of Beijing, an ancient city.
Attraction 3: The quaint Liulichang Cultural Street
Liulichang Cultural Street, located in the Xicheng District of Beijing, is a cultural district full of historical significance, known for its long history and strong cultural atmosphere. The history of Liulichang can be traced back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, when it was a gathering place for literati, painters, collectors, and antique dealers. Nowadays, Liulichang still retains many ancient buildings and traditional shops, becoming a cultural oasis in modern cities.
Strolling along Liulichang Cultural Street, you can see the towering ancient bookstores and cultural relics shops on both sides, as if traveling back to Beijing hundreds of years ago. The bookstore here is like a treasure trove, collecting a large number of precious ancient books and calligraphy and painting works. One of them is the famous “Liulichang Bookstore”, which is full of book fragrance and attracts many book lovers to come and search for books. In addition to bookstores, Liulichang also has many cultural relics stores selling various antiques, jade artifacts, calligraphy and painting, as well as the four treasures of the study, which is overwhelming.
In Liulichang Cultural Street, there are also several specialty shops and museums that cannot be missed. For example, “Rongbaozhai” is a century old calligraphy and painting shop that sells various high-quality calligraphy, painting, and study treasures, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts. In addition, “China Bookstore” is also worth visiting. In addition to collecting a large number of rare ancient books, it regularly holds exhibitions and cultural lectures on ancient books, making it an excellent place to learn about traditional Chinese culture.
Liuli Factory is not only a great place for shopping, but also an ideal place to experience traditional culture. Every brick and tile on this street tells an ancient story, whether it’s leisurely shopping or sipping tea and chatting in a teahouse, one can deeply feel the strong cultural atmosphere here. If you are interested in traditional Chinese culture, Liulichang Cultural Street is undoubtedly a rare cultural journey.
Attraction 4: The artistic atmosphere of Nanluogu Lane
Nanluoguxiang is one of the most famous alleys in Beijing, attracting a large number of tourists with its strong artistic atmosphere. Strolling through this ancient street, you will discover countless creative small shops, bookstores, and cafes, each corner exuding unique charm.
Firstly, the caf é in Nanluogu Lane is an excellent place to experience its artistic atmosphere. For example, the “Cat’s Sky City” bookstore caf é not only provides a variety of high-quality coffee and desserts, but also has a personalized reading space, allowing people to spend a quiet afternoon in the aroma of books and coffee. In addition, the “Sculpture Time” caf é is also popular for its unique decorative style and strong cultural atmosphere.
In addition to coffee shops, the bookstore in Nanluogu Lane is also a beautiful scenic spot. Yanjiyou is a comprehensive cultural space that integrates bookstores, cultural and creative products, and coffee shops. Here, not only can you find the latest literary works, but you can also purchase various exquisite cultural and creative products. In addition, “Unidirectional Street Bookstore” has attracted many art enthusiasts with its unique book selection taste and diverse cultural activities.
The small shops in Nanluogu Lane are also not to be missed. For example, “Bubble Mart”, a small shop that specializes in selling various trendy toys and figurines, is a popular spot for young people to check in. There is also a “creative space” where many original works of local designers are gathered, ranging from clothing, accessories to home furnishings, everything is available.
Nanluoguxiang is not only a great place for shopping and leisure, but also a historic and cultural neighborhood. Walking in the alleys paved with bluestone slabs, you seem to be able to touch the historical context of Beijing. The ancient courtyard houses, exquisite door lintel carvings, and every detail tells the story of the long history and unique cultural heritage of this street and alley.
Scenic Spot 5: The poetic beauty of Taoranting Park
Taoranting Park is located in the center of Beijing and is a park with a long history and picturesque scenery. It is famous for its beautiful lakes and classical garden architecture, attracting many tourists to come and admire. The history of the park can be traced back to the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. After hundreds of years of changes, it still retains its unique cultural atmosphere and natural beauty.
The main attractions of Taoranting Park include Taoranting, Zuiweng Pavilion, and Huxin Pavilion. These pavilions are not only exquisitely designed, but also have important historical significance. Taoran Pavilion is the core attraction of the park, known for its ancient and elegant architectural style and beautiful environment. The Drunken Pavilion is famous for Su Shi’s “Records of the Drunken Pavilion” and is a gathering place for literati and scholars. The Huxin Pavilion is located in the center of the lake, surrounded by water and has a pleasant scenery, making it an excellent place for tourists to take photos and reminisce.
In addition to appreciating classical architecture, Taoranting Park also offers a variety of activities, allowing tourists to experience the beautiful scenery here more deeply. Rowing is one of the most popular activities, and tourists can rent a small boat to leisurely row on the lake and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Appreciating flowers is also a major feature of Taoranting Park, especially in spring when peach and crabapple flowers bloom in the park, forming a sea of flowers that is unforgettable.
Taoranting Park not only attracts tourists with its rich history and beautiful scenery, but is also known for its tranquility and poetry. Here, tourists can stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city and find a pure land for their souls. Whether strolling along a shady path or sitting quietly by the lake watching the shimmering lake, Taoranting Park can create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
In the busy urban life, Taoranting Park is undoubtedly an ideal place for people to relax and regain the beauty of nature. The poetic beauty of the park not only gives people visual enjoyment, but also evokes people’s yearning for a peaceful life in the heart.
Attraction 6: Modern Art at the Red Brick Art Museum
The Red Brick Art Museum is located in Shunyi District, Beijing and is an important modern art exhibition space. Its unique architectural style and rich exhibition content have attracted many art enthusiasts. The art museum was designed by the famous Chinese architect Dong Gong, and the exterior of the building is constructed with red bricks, which not only has the weightiness of traditional culture, but also retains the simplicity and delicacy of modern art. The red brick walls complement the surrounding natural environment, creating a serene and artistic atmosphere.
The exhibition content of the Red Brick Art Museum covers many fields of contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, installation art, photography, etc. The art museum regularly holds solo and group exhibitions of renowned artists both domestically and internationally, providing audiences with a wide range of artistic experiences. For example, works by German artist Anselm Kiefer have been exhibited, renowned for his grand historical narrative and complex material use. In addition, American installation artist James Turrell has also showcased his light and shadow art works here, bringing a unique visual experience to the audience.
In addition to regular exhibitions, the Red Brick Art Museum actively organizes various art activities, such as art lectures, workshops, and film screenings. These activities not only enrich the audience’s artistic knowledge, but also promote communication between artists and audiences. There is an art bookstore and caf é inside the art museum, where visitors can purchase art books, souvenirs, or take a nap after watching the exhibition.
Among numerous exhibitions and artists, the works of several artists are particularly noteworthy. For example, contemporary Chinese artist Xu Bing is eye-catching for his unique textual art and installation works, and the portrait photography works of Dutch photographer Rineke Dijkstra are also highly praised for their delicate emotional expression. The Red Brick Art Museum provides audiences with a platform to gain a deeper understanding of modern art by showcasing these outstanding works of art.
Travel Tips
As the capital of China, Beijing not only has rich historical and cultural heritage, but also many hidden attractions waiting for tourists to discover. To make your trip to Beijing smoother, here are some practical travel tips.
Best Travel Time
The best travel times in Beijing are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). The temperature in these two seasons is moderate and the weather is sunny, making it very suitable for outdoor activities. Avoid visiting during summer and Spring Festival, as there are many tourists and attractions are overcrowded. In addition, in summer (July to August), Beijing has high temperatures and humidity, making it unsuitable for long-term outdoor activities, while in winter (December to February), it is cold and dry, which may affect the tourism experience.
Transportation mode
There are various modes of transportation available from the capital airport to the city center, including taxis, airport buses, and subways. Taxi is the most convenient choice, with a cost of approximately 100 to 150 yuan. There are numerous airport bus routes, with ticket prices ranging from 20 yuan to 30 yuan, suitable for tourists with less luggage. The subway is the most economical option, with a ticket price of only a few yuan, but multiple transfers are required. Transportation within the urban area includes subways, buses, and taxis. The subway lines in Beijing cover a wide range and are the preferred mode of transportation for travel. Buses are frequent, but there may be traffic congestion. Taxi is relatively flexible, but the cost is higher.
Accommodation recommendations
Beijing has many hotels and homestays with superior location and high cost-effectiveness. The recommended hotels include the Beijing International Hotel located in Wangfujing, which is convenient for shopping and dining, and offers affordable prices. You can also choose the Beijing Marriott Hotel near Xidan, which is close to major attractions such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. For tourists with limited budgets, they can consider youth hostels near Gulou Street. Not only are they affordable, but they can also meet travelers from all over the world.
Budget recommendations
The budget for tourism in Beijing mainly includes transportation, accommodation, tickets, and catering. In terms of transportation costs, urban transportation costs approximately 50 to 100 yuan per day. The accommodation cost varies from 200 yuan to 1000 yuan per night depending on the level of the hotel. The admission fees for major attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven are approximately between 40 and 60 yuan. In terms of dining expenses, Beijing’s snacks and fast food prices are relatively affordable, costing about 20 to 50 yuan per meal, while high-end restaurants may charge over 100 yuan per meal. Overall, a tourist with a moderate consumption level has a daily budget of approximately 500 to 800 yuan.