China - Where to visit in Beijing

Beijing - Dec 2014

Other than the must go place - The Great Wall of China. Below is the list of places that I recommend to go in Beijing for its rich history and culture.

1) Beijing Hutongs

Hutong refers to lane or alley. Beijing Hutongs consists of many rows of old alleys formed by traditional courtyard residences lived by old Beijing residents.

Trishaw services is available to drive visitors around. 

2) Qianmen Street 前门街

Located in between Tiananmen Square and Temple of Heaven is the oldest and most famous ancient pedestrian shopping street: Qianmen street 前门街.

It has undergone a year of renovation and just reopened before 2008 Beijing Olympics. Although it has many international brand store, there are still many preserved ancient Beijing buildings.

It has been a prosperous area for more than 600 years and has accumulated some long-standing stores like Tong Ren Tang.

Dang dang tram

It has the snowy look right! It gave a very christmasy feeling! WHY DIDNT IT SNOW??

Having matcha ice cream at near 0 degree weather was indescribable.

3) Wang Fu Jing 王府井

Basically this is just like our Orchard Road with all the big international brands.

So pretty at night.

This was the only time we felt so relaxed walking around without time constraint as tour guide gave us all the time to shop, have dinner ourselves and take cab back to hotel as it is very close by. 

I have craving for steamboat because winter is the best time to eat steamboat! So, we went back to our hotel as our tour guide told us there is a famous eating street just a street away from our hotel.

 We over ordered partly because we were too hungry and the waitress didn't warn us about the super big plate of beef. It was too reasonably priced (only around S$10) that we did not think of the size at all. 

4) Wangfujing snack street

This is the street that you must not missed when you are in Wangfujing. 

Wangfujing Snack Street is conveniently located just adjacent to Wangfujing Street. However it is over commercialized and touristy, the prices are not as low as other places. Tons of snacks from all corners of China can be found there.

Even insects...

Just next to Wangfujing snack street is Laobeijing snack street. They pretty much sell the same kind of food. 

They looked so yummy and sinful lol..

4) Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest 鸟巢)

Beijing National Stadium was the main venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Tour guide was right. It looks better at night when it lights up.