Off the beaten path in Beijing
So you managed to snag a ticket to the Olympics in Beijing, but you’re looking for other things to do. You can always go to where the tourists go, but there are those attractions that won’t be so crowded because they aren’t so well-known.
Here are five of the “non-tourist” spots that shouldn’t be missed:
1. Dashanzi Art District (a.k.a. 798 Art Zone) is the epicenter of Beijing’s independent arts scene. Even if you’re not an art fan, there are cafes, tailors, and restaurants that are worth a visit.
2. The Golden Resources Shopping Mall is located in Haidan District. Although it is in the guidebooks, you can get away from the crowd by going through its twisting passages and multiple levels.
3. Simatai is a not-so-well-known part of the Great Wall. It is less crowded, boasts some magnificent scenery and, because it hasn’t been completely rebuilt, some of the original structures are still there.
4. Lianhuachi Park has pavillions, ponds, rock gardens, and flowers like the well-known Beihai Park, but this spot is more popular with locals than with tourists.
5. If you’re looking for authentic Beijing food, look no further than the Longfusi Snack Street in the Dongcheng District. There are restaurants and vendors lining both sides of the street as well as the back alleyways.
Enjoy yourself, but remember to be careful and follow these safety tips from our own James Wysong.
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just keep one thing in mind - Chinese culture is not as insistent on sanitary food production and the ‘meat’ you will be eating may be horse, dog, cat, or any type of critter they may have available that day - the oil could be days old - cooked over a charcoal cooker which is the source of the cities air pollution - millions of charcoal bbq’s going 24 hrs a day, not vehicles with or without pollution controls.
I was there for 2 weeks in November 2007 - also go to Hui Hai Lake - very interesting place with many Chinese bistros - friendly to westerners - be CAREFUL on the south side near the Hutongs - LOTS of pick pockets - be friendly, most Chinese here are relaxing - even the pickpockets. Lots of bar girls hawking more bar girls, if you know what I mean. Plus livebands singing the hits of the Beatles - in Chinese. This is probably in all the guidebooks now - but - its still a fun place for westerners in GROUPS. Do NOT go alone.
I also went to a real Chinese flea market in Qufu, birthplace of Confucius, just outside the city wall - EVERYTHING from spices to televisions was on sale - antiques that were real - since they were for Chinese consumption, Tibetan rugs, the place was awesome. Too bad you can’t haul this stuff back.
Have fun, and be careful - Beijing is mostly safe - its the pickpockets you need to worry about. Chinese for the most part do not accept tips - do NOT insult them by offering except in the most Western of hotels and restaurants,