Beijing, the ancient capital with a history of 3,000 years, always makes me forget to come back. Every time I set foot on this land, I can feel the unique charm of tradition and modernity intertwined. On this trip, I decided to avoid the crowded popular attractions and explore the lesser-known corners to experience a different Beijing.
Early in the morning, I rode a shared bicycle through the hutongs. The sunlight pours on the green bricks and gray tiles, and the aroma of soybean milk and doughnuts wafts in the air. The pace of life in the hutongs is slow and cozy, with the old people sitting in front of the door basking in the sun, and the children chasing and playing, as if time has come to a standstill here. I casually turned into a small store, ordered a bowl of bean juice, although the taste is unique, but it is the old Beijing people's favorite breakfast.
At noon, I went to the 798 Art District. Once an abandoned factory, it is now Beijing's most vibrant art district. The mottled red brick walls are covered with colorful graffiti, and galleries, cafes, and design studios line the streets. I strolled through the art district, admiring the various avant-garde artworks and feeling the creativity and vigor of Beijing's younger generation.
In the evening, I climbed up to the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park. As the sun was setting, the golden roofs of the Forbidden City glittered in the afterglow. Standing here, it was as if I could feel the weight and vicissitudes of history. I closed my eyes and imagined that hundreds of years ago, the emperors had also stood here, overlooking their empire.
As night fell, I came to Sanlitun. This is one of the busiest business districts in Beijing, with neon flashes and crowds of people. I walked into a bar, ordered a cocktail, listened to a live band and soaked up Beijing's nightlife. The people here were stylish and energetic, a stark contrast to the laid-back nature of the hutongs during the day.
On this trip, I saw a diverse and tolerant Beijing. It retains its ancient traditions and is full of modern vigor at the same time. I was fascinated by the fireworks in the hutongs, the creative atmosphere of the art district, and the hustle and bustle of the business district. Beijing is a city worth exploring again and again, and every time I revisit it, I will have new discoveries and feelings.
Travel Tips:
Public transportation in Beijing is very convenient, and most attractions can be reached by subway and bus.
If you want to experience the hutong culture, you can choose to stay in a B&B converted into a courtyard house.
Beijing's food culture is rich and varied, in addition to roast duck, you can also try bean juice, haloumi and other specialty snacks.
Beijing's weather is highly variable, so check the weather forecast before traveling and take measures to protect yourself from the sun and keep warm.
