Guest Post: 8 Unique Things to See and Do in Beijing
There aren’t many places in the world like Beijing. This massive city has a unique mixture of ancient history and cutting-edge innovation. It will definitely leave an impression on you. While there are plenty of must-see things to do in and around Beijing, like the Great Wall or The Forbidden City, this post will highlight eight more unique places that are worth checking out.
798 Art District
If you love art, you absolutely must visit the 798 Art District during your stay in Beijing. In the 1950s, this factory complex was originally named Joint Factory 718 and was designed as part of a Socialist Unification Plan between the People’s Republic of China and the Soviet Union. Between the late 1950s and the late 1980s, tens of thousands of factory workers lived and worked in Joint Factory 718 before it finally shuttered its doors in the early 1990s. Now, the former factory complex is known for its unique Bauhaus architectural style and is home to an incredible variety of galleries, art studios, restaurants, and bars. You could spend all day wandering in and out of different art exhibitions and stopping to eat at the district’s many trendy restaurants and cafes. This one-of-a-kind arts district is a must-see for any art enthusiast visiting Beijing.
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is a great place to visit for families with young children, or even just amusement park enthusiasts in general. This massive amusement park features six different areas, each with a different theme ranging from ancient Greece to Mayan culture to the mythical city of Shangri-La. It has forty rides in total, ten of which are extreme rides perfect for any adrenaline junkie or thrill-seeker. Even if you’re not into roller coasters, you’re sure to have fun catching a movie in Happy Valley’s IMAX theater or wandering around its extensive shopping center. You can also watch the Golden Mask Dynasty show at the park’s Overseas Chinese City Opera theater or visit the Living Art Museum exhibition. If you’re looking for a fun-filled excursion full of thrill rides, Happy Valley is the perfect place for you!
Wudaokou
Wudaokou, also known by many as Koreatown, is a neighborhood in northwest Beijing. This neighborhood in particular has a large population of students due to its proximity to several prestigious universities like Tsinghua University and Peking University. It also has a sizable Korean immigrant population, as evidenced by its “Koreatown” nickname. As a result of its diverse student population, which includes Chinese natives and foreign exchange students from all over Asia, Europe, and the US, Wudaokou is home to a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that serve all sorts of international food. It also has a notoriously vibrant nightlife and club scene, with different establishments catering to the clubbing preferences of students from different continents. If you love to party, definitely make sure to stop by Wudaokou!
CCTV Tower
CCTV Tower is the tallest building in Beijing, the third tallest building in China, and the sixth tallest building in the entire world. It’s named after China Central Television (CCTV), which is the number one TV network in China. There are a number of interesting attractions to visit inside the tower, including the largest open-air observation deck in the world, a pair of exhibits highlighting the history of CCTV and the traditional culture of Beijing, a rotating buffet-style restaurant, and an indoor aquarium and ocean park. If you want to get a birds-eye view of China’s capital, CCTV Tower is the best place to be. On a clear, cloudless day, you can see the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City from the observation deck.
Houhai
Houhai, which literally translates to “Rear Lake,” is a beautiful lake district in central Beijing. Houhai is well-known for its idyllic beauty and bustling nightlife. During the day, you can ride a pedal boat on the lake, stroll across the area’s many bridges, or even just sit on a bench and people-watch. Although its serene water and picturesque bridges are beautiful in the daylight, nighttime is really when Houhai comes alive. It’s home to a number of bars, restaurants, teahouses, and coffee shops that cater to Chinese natives and tourists alike. If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, a museum dedicated to the former Vice President of the People’s Republic of China. You can also visit the Prince Gong Mansion, another museum that was the former residence of Qing dynasty statesman Prince Gong.
Nanluoguxiang Hutong
If you’re bored of shopping malls and retail centers, Nanluoguxiang is a breath of fresh air. Located in a series of narrow alleyways, or “hutongs,” this unique shopping area is full of interesting stores and food stalls. It’s a perfect place to hunt for unique souvenirs to bring home to your family and friends. It’s also home to the smallest bar in Beijing, measuring only 12 square meters, and also aptly named “12 Square Meters.” It’s a pedestrian-only area, which means you can wander around on foot without having to watch out for cars or buses. If your feet are tired, you can also hire a pedicab to drive you around the area or rent a bike and pedal around yourself. Nanluoguxiang is also an excellent place to take a peek at Beijing’s famed courtyard residences and Yuan Dynasty architecture.
Sanlitun
Sanlitun is a can’t-miss destination for any shopaholic. It’s a popular shopping and entertainment district full of malls, bars, restaurants, and a newly-constructed multiplex movie theater. In addition to housing internationally-known brands like Uniqlo, Apple, Rolex, and the world’s largest Adidas store, Sanlitun is also home to a bevy of unique boutiques, bookstores, vintage shops, and even a clothing market called Yashow Market, which is notable for selling counterfeit designer items. Whether you’re into luxury fashion, kitschy-cute clothing items, or unique vintage finds, Sanlitun has something for you!
Ride around the city on a Mobike or Ofo
Mobike and Ofo are station-free bike-sharing companies originally native to Beijing. Using the Mobike or Ofo apps, you can connect your credit card, locate any eligible bicycles in the area, and scan and unlock a bicycle to ride around the city for however long you’d like. You may even already be familiar with these two bike-sharing services if you live in cities like Milan, London, Bangkok, Tel Aviv, Berlin, or Santiago. If you’re looking to get some exercise and boost your heart rate as you tour the city, Mobike and Ofo are excellent ways to get around!
Nick Dahlhoff is an American English teacher living in Beijing. He writes a lot about learning Mandarin on his website – All Language Resources.
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