Joanna James
An avant-garde dynastic dreamscape of richly flavoured heritage gems with irresistible undertones of modernity, Beijing is full of contrasting charms and eye-opening opportunities. Here are some off-the-beaten-path enticements you can’t miss in China’s Capital City.
There is plenty to dazzle the senses in this oriental urban fantasy, from immersive UNESCO-listed masterpieces and theatrical nature-kissed panoramas to stunning new-age edifices like Olympic Park and opulently breathtaking palatial halls set in lush lyrical imperial gardens framed by majestic mountains. If you’re looking for a slice-of-life Beijing experience that will satisfy your soul with humble hospitality and picturesque charm, zoom through the cutting-edge cityscape’s traditional hutongs in a jaunty rickshaw! There’s also nothing more soothing than cycling through these picture-perfect vintage streets and stopping to chat with the locals, admiring pretty quadrangle courtyard houses, quaint boutiques, and aromatic cafés that reveal cosy glimpses of an authentic lifestyle.
Whether you're in pursuit of enchanting storybook moments that linger in your imagination or craving a thrilling excursion with breathtaking sights, the Great Wall of China offers a delightfully versatile adventure. This iconic marvel, counted among the Seven Wonders of the World, promises an exhilarating experience for every traveller. From wildly photogenic hikes along the Jinshanling route and exhilarating cable car rides with a side of tobogganing at Mutianyu to open-air shopping for souvenirs in the shadow of its majestic crenellated towers and dusky lantern-lit walks with beautiful mountain and water town views, this 2,300-year-old enigma is a tableau of diverse adventures.
While stepping into the whimsical oil paintings of Beijing’s history-riddled enclaves can get addictive, don’t forfeit the chance of roaming this lesser-known artisan enclave full of retro-chic glamour. Whether you’re an artist or not, the 789 Art District will spark your inner creativity and boundless curiosity with its rustic repurposed factories now hosting trendy culture-rich exhibitions, galleries, workshops, boutiques, bookstores, and cafés.
If you’re craving classic Beijing snacks and an atmospheric potpourri of sensations, sniff out the aromatic street food markets like Wangfujing Snack Street, Niujie Muslim Street, and Ping’an Street, where you can leisurely sample the likes of candied hawthorns, roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chilli crab, meat-stuffed sesame pancakes, and noodles swimming in black bean sauce. If you’re looking for Daxing District apartments offering prime access to the city’s effervescent hubs, venture no further than Star Apartments Beijing.
From the silks and pearls of Xiushui Street to artistic collectables like lacquerware bowls, Hetian jade pieces, bamboo carvings, and intricately detailed wood-work furniture at the Panjiayuan Antique Market, Beijing’s beguiling market streets are vibrantly shoppable museums. However, if you like a pinch of class and exclusivity sprinkled into your vintage retail excursions, the time-honoured boutiques of Qianmen Avenue and Liulichang Street will hit the spot just right, whether it's priceless Chinese literature, artisan medicines, hats, and dresses tailored to fit royalty or gourmet traditional dishes!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
