{"id":12691,"date":"2016-11-08T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2016-11-08T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/chinese\/?p=12691"},"modified":"2016-11-07T14:49:24","modified_gmt":"2016-11-07T18:49:24","slug":"3-days-in-beijing-part-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/chinese\/3-days-in-beijing-part-one\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Days in Beijing (Part One)"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, world-class dining, epic nightlife, and plenty of options for outdoor adventures on the outskirts of the city,\u00a0you could spend a year in Beijing and not do it all. For most travelers, though, you’ll probably only get a few days to explore the Chinese capital. To make the most out of\u00a0your visit, it’s best to give yourself at least three full days in Beijing. As such, add a day on each end for travel in and out of the city. Make sure you get some good rest on your first night, because day one is jam-packed.<\/p>\n

Temple of Heaven<\/h2>\n
\"Temple

Temple of Heaven<\/p><\/div>\n

It’s your first full day in\u00a0Beijing, so you might as well make the most of it. As Beijing was planned on a south-north axis, your epic day of sightseeing will take you right along this path. Start your day off early in the morning at the Temple of Heaven<\/strong> (\u5929\u575b<\/span> – ti\u0101n t\u00e1n), where you\u2019ll spot locals doing tai chi<\/em> and you can see the impressive temple, which was used in Imperial times to offer up sacrifices. It can be reached by subway on line 5, by local bus, or of course by cab.<\/p>\n

Around Tiananmen<\/h2>\n
\"Tiananmen

Tiananmen Square.<\/p><\/div>\n

From there, head to Qianmen Street<\/strong> (\u524d\u95e8\u5927\u8857 – <\/span>qi\u00e1n m\u00e9n d\u00e0 ji\u0113) and dip down some of the side alleyways. These are more authentic than the modernized main street, and you\u2019ll be able to find a cheap Beijing breakfast \u2013 soybean milk, steamed stuffed buns, fried dough, and porridge. Next up, check out Tiananmen Square<\/strong>\u00a0(\u5929\u5b89\u95e8\u5e7f\u573a – <\/span>ti\u0101n’\u0101n m\u00e9n gu\u01ceng ch\u01ceng). If you\u2019re so inclined, you can get there at sunrise to see the daily flag raising, or you can stand in line to see the body of Chairman Mao. Around Tiananmen, you\u2019ll find both the National Museum<\/strong>\u00a0(\u56fd\u5bb6\u535a\u7269\u9986 – <\/span>gu\u00f3 ji\u0101 b\u00f3 w\u00f9 gu\u01cen) and the Planning & Exhibition Hall<\/strong> (\u89c4\u5212\u5c55\u89c8\u9986 – gu\u012b hu\u00e0 zh\u01cen l\u01cen gu\u01cen). The former is free and is full of interesting exhibits; the latter costs 30 RMB to enter and features an incredible model of Beijing on a 1:750 scale.<\/p>\n

Forbidden City and Jingshan Park<\/h2>\n
\"Looking

Looking down at the Forbidden City.<\/p><\/div>\n

Across from Tiananmen, you\u2019ll find the Forbidden City<\/strong>\u00a0(\u6545\u5bab – <\/span>g\u00f9 g\u014dng). Buy a ticket and head in to see where many emperors of China once called home. This massive compound can be done in around two hours, but if you try to see everything inside it might take three to four. Exiting out the north entrance takes you right to Jingshan Park<\/strong>\u00a0(\u666f\u5c71\u516c\u56ed – <\/span>j\u01d0ng sh\u0101n g\u014dng yu\u00e1n), another great place to spot locals doing their thing \u2013 dancing, playing cards, flying kites, and more. It was here that the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Chongzhen, hung himself from a tree after fleeing the Forbidden City. At the top of the \u201cCoal Hill,\u201d you\u2019re treated to a breathtaking view of Beijing, both new and old. Of course, this is only true on clear days \u2013 Beijing\u2019s famous air pollution limits the view most of the time.<\/p>\n

Explore the Hutongs<\/em><\/h2>\n
\"Drum

Drum Tower and hutongs – Old Beijing.<\/p><\/div>\n

From the west side of Jinghsan Park, you can hop on local bus #5 and take it to the Drum Tower<\/strong>\u00a0(\u9f13\u697c – <\/span>g\u01d4 l\u00f3u). Near the bus stop, you\u2019ll find both the Drum and Bell Towers, Beijing\u2019s ancient clocks. You might as well get the double ticket and see both towers. There\u2019s a drum performance up in the tower a few times a day that is not to be missed, and from both towers you\u2019ll get a nice view of old Beijing neighborhoods and the famous alleyways, called hutong<\/em><\/strong> (\u80e1\u540c – <\/span>h\u00fa t\u00f2ng) in Chinese. Since you\u2019ll be tired, you should stop to relax, drink a cup of tea (or coffee), and get some lunch. There are plenty of places to do so around the Drum Tower, so take your pick. Sculpting in Time, a nice little caf\u00e9, and 4 Corners, a Vietnamese restaurant around the corner, both come recommended.<\/p>\n

Hou Hai<\/h2>\n
\"Summer

Summer fun on Houhai.<\/p><\/div>\n

After lunch, a short walk will take you to Hou Hai<\/strong>\u00a0(\u540e\u6d77 – <\/span>h\u00f2u h\u01cei), a man-made lake in the center of the city. In the warmer months, you can rent a boat to cruise around the lake, and in winter you can go ice-skating. Year round, bicycles are also available for rent. Cruise around the three lakes, take in the sunset, and get out of there before all the bars turn on their offensively loud music and send out their pushy and obnoxious workers to draw in customers.<\/p>\n

Olympic Park<\/h2>\n
\"Bird's

Bird’s Nest<\/p><\/div>\n

With the sun down, it\u2019s a good time to head north to take in the sights of modern Beijing at the Olympic Park. From the Hou Hai area, it\u2019s best to just get a cab there. At night, the Bird\u2019s Nest<\/strong>\u00a0(\u9e1f\u5de2 – <\/span>ni\u01ceo ch\u00e1o) and Water Cube<\/strong>\u00a0(\u6c34\u7acb\u65b9 – <\/span>shu\u01d0 l\u00ec f\u0101ng) are both illuminated in a sea of neon light. Outside, it\u2019s like the Olympics never ended, with hordes of Chinese tourists posing for pictures and plenty of touts selling knick-knacks and photography services.<\/p>\n

Peking Roast Duck<\/h2>\n
\"The

The Imperial Bird – roast duck.<\/p><\/div>\n

Having seen the emperor\u2019s former residence in the Forbidden City and playground in Hou Hai, it\u2019s time to eat like the emperor. Head to Da Dong, one of Beijing\u2019s most famous restaurants, to eat the imperial bird \u2013 Peking roast duck<\/strong>\u00a0(\u5317\u4eac\u70e4\u9e2d – <\/span>b\u011bi j\u012bng k\u01ceo y\u0101). While you wait for a table, grab a free glass of house wine and watch the master chefs at work preparing this fantastic fowl. The menu here is like a novel, so take your time and order up a few dishes to complement your duck. When the bird is ready, they\u2019ll take it out to your table and carve it up right in front of you. It\u2019s an incredible dining experience that is a must-do in Beijing.<\/p>\n

Craft Beer<\/h2>\n
\"Slow

Slow Boat Beer in Beijing<\/p><\/div>\n

Although Beijing has never been known as a city for craft beer lovers, that is changing rapidly. Over the past few years, a handful of local breweries have popped up, pouring tasty micro-brews for crowds of thirsty customers. Try a flight of five tasty beers at Slow Boat, sample a pint of Honey Ma Blonde at Great Leap, or try a really strong IPA at Jing A to wind down one hell of a day in the Chinese capital.<\/p>\n

Nightlife<\/h2>\n
\"Partying

Partying in the Sanlitun area of Beijing.<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re a night owl and you just have to take in some of the city\u2019s nightlife, your options are plentiful. Whether you want to rock out with local bands, drink fancy cocktails, get crazy in a club, or just wander around drinking cheap beers in the street, the night is your oyster in Beijing.<\/p>\n

Day One Itinerary<\/h2>\n