Hidden Beijing

Our Local Expert Says:

A fantastic way to explore authentic Beijing

Description:

If you're looking to truly experience Beijing and don't need another night in a business hotel, this renovated courtyard home is the place for you. Conveniently located on the east side of Beijing, this charming hotel gets rave online reviews from past guests wanting a more authentic look at Beijing. The helpful staff can arrange tours to the Great Wall and other sites.

Our Local Expert Says:

The 798 Space within the 798 Art District is the biggest and most famous collection of art spaces within the area, and is the best place to start any visit. However, it is easy to find new and exciting areas to explore after talking to local and international artists who are friendly and enthusiastic to share their works.

Description:

The 798 Art District at Dashanzi is a testament to the creativity of modern China. Originally a fairly desolate area of state-owned factories, since 2002 the area has been transformed into a lively art and culture community. The factories have been converted into large and exciting arts and performance spaces, allowing for a wide variety of artistic endeavours to take place. There is a 'Soho-esque' vibe to the area, yet it is still uniquely Chinese in nature. 798 Art District is an important hub for urban creativity and there are many galleries, workshops, performance areas and cafes to be explored in the area.

Description:

This splendid imperial residence belonged to several people, including the sixth son of the Guangxu emperor (Prince Gong) who, at the age of 27, was left to sign the Convention of Peking in 1860, after the Qing royal family took an early summer holiday when British and French forces advanced on the capital. The convention (which ratified the ill-enforced Treaty of Tianjin) is reproduced in an exhibition hall. But other than one picture, there's little information concerning the original owner, Heshen (1750-1799), the infamously corrupt Manchu official. Thought to have been the Qianlong emperor's lover, he ruled China for his own gain when Qianlong abdicated in 1796, embezzling funds earmarked for suppressing the White Lotus rebellion. After Qianlong's death, his demise was swift. While he was mourning in the Forbidden City, officials were dispatched to this mansion. Though the extent of his graft was widely known, officials were shocked by the piles of gold and silver ingots uncovered. His remaining friends at court managed to persuade the Qianlong emperor's son to spare him from "death by a thousand cuts," but he was soon hanged. The labyrinthine combination of rockeries and pavilions...

Description:

The demolition of Bai Feng's much-loved No Name Bar is inevitable, but his charming new restaurant has some of its spirit. There are smart touches: Luminous inlaid stones, shimmering waterfalls, and maidenhair ferns create a soothing atmosphere. The minority-chic food is sublime; try the nongjia shao jian ji (spicy sautéed chicken fillet), which uses real bird's eye chile, or the delectable grilled lemon grass fish (daizu xiangmao cao kao yu), served wrapped in a lotus leaf. The finest dish is a juicy foil-wrapped beef marinated in mountain herbs (se shao niurou). A range of fresh juices nicely complement the spicy fare, and the bar still makes a mean gin and tonic.

Description:

It's a long way from the center of town, but this tight two-floor venue is the best place for experimental music acts. On certain weekdays, the club hosts art-house movie nights.

Our Local Expert Says:

Often referred to as the Guilin of the north, Shidu doubles as a popular destination for both rock climbing parties and local newlyweds hoping for that perfect wedding-day photo.

Description:

The scenic Shi Du region is located approximately 100 kilometers from Beijing city center. Covering 300 square kilometers, it features dramatic karst limestone formations, craggy mountains and winding gullies. The area is like a beautifully painted corridor; crystal clear rivers cut through the mountains, and water-pools can be found at the feet of the slopes. Historic sites and cultural relics are dotted amongst the natural scenery. Entertainment facilities have been added in recent years so tourists can enjoy bungee jumping, water-skiing and other outdoor activities.

Description:

Are you an adventurous person? If so you may be put to the test at this luxurious establishment that specializes in nothing other than penises. While this may sound inappropriate to foreign ears, it is quite the delicacy. From deer to donkey, Guolizhuang is fully stocked. It isn't cheap but it's worth a try since you will probably have a hard time finding it anywhere else.

Description:

Unlike most clubs who try to dazzle their patrons with swanky bars, crazy lights, and ridiculous themes, White Rabbit is stripped bare for a warehouse feel. Instead, the focus is all about the music. DJs spin beats late into the night at this underground club with an excellent sound system. Dancing is the activity of the night, and with two full bars, its easy to find some liquid to cool down.

Our Local Expert Says:

A fantastic way to explore authentic Beijing

Description:

If you're looking to truly experience Beijing and don't need another night in a business hotel, this renovated courtyard home is the place for you. Conveniently located on the east side of Beijing, this charming hotel gets rave online reviews from past guests wanting a more authentic look at Beijing. The helpful staff can arrange tours to the Great Wall and other sites.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the most impressive section of the wall in terms of height and architecture, and is by far the easiest section to climb. However, Badaling is the busiest of all the areas of the Great Wall and is extremely crowded during Chinese holidays and in peak summer season. Get to Badaling early if you want to get good pictures without the hassle of the crowds.

Description:

Unspoilt and far from the maddening crowds, this wild section of China's greatest architectural feat curves in delightfully dilapidated fashion across a range of hills and valleys. A small restaurant serves Grilled Rainbow Trout fresh from the lake, and you can dine under the shadow of the Wall. Warning - this path is steep and in dire need of repair. Take good walking shoes, and do not climb if you doubt your ability or fitness. From Huai Rou city negotiate with a mini-van driver to take you to the Wall.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nanluoguxiang is a great place to chill out and enjoy the surrounding architecture. It has plenty of choices for eating and drinking without the all-out party atmosphere associated with Sanlitun bar area.

Description:

Nanluoguxiang is one of the best preserved historical areas of downtown Beijing, as well as being one of the most chic and trendy places to hang out in the afternoons and evenings. The 768-metre-long south-north central lane, with 16 hutong branching off the central lane, is full of interesting craft shops, relaxing cafes and trendy bars. The area has a history of over 700 years and is one of the oldest hutong neighborhoods in the city. Nanluoguxiang has been fully restored to its former glory, and is surrounding by other historic sites such as Houhai Lake and the Drum and Bell Towers.

Our Local Expert Says:

A fantastic way to explore authentic Beijing

Description:

If you're looking to truly experience Beijing and don't need another night in a business hotel, this renovated courtyard home is the place for you. Conveniently located on the east side of Beijing, this charming hotel gets rave online reviews from past guests wanting a more authentic look at Beijing. The helpful staff can arrange tours to the Great Wall and other sites.

Description:

An old legend holds that two giant red snails lived on the hill behind this temple. According to the legend the snails emitted strange lights at night and were thus worshipped by local villagers. Hence, the mountain was renamed Red Snail Hill and the temple, Red Snail Temple. Originally the temple was called Great Brightness Temple when it was built in 348 AD. Now, the temple has become a scenic spot open to the public. The scenery around the temple is breathtaking.

Description:

It's a sign of the times that Mao's best-known slogan can be used so frivolously by this chic Thai eatery. In the heart of the San Li Tun diplomatic quarter, you'll find Beijing's finest Thai food at very reasonable prices. The grilled beef salad and green chicken curry are highly recommended, and the pad thai (rice noodles with seafood in peanut sauce) is done to perfection. The small but interesting wine list has a limited by-the-glass selection. The temptation to use inappropriate local ingredients (such as cabbage!) plagues other Thai restaurants in the capital, but here the people are given their due.

Our Local Expert Says:

KTV, as karaoke is commonly known, is the quintessential Chinese social event. Come prepared to impress on the high notes.

Description:

Centrally perched Melody is a favorite destination of local karaoke-goers, and also plays host to an increasing number of Westerners keen to experience this Asian phenomenon in its full glory. In the well-lit, pastel-pink rooms on the second floor customers can peruse up-to-date Chinese, Korean, Japanese and English song selections, but be warned, there is a lot of teen-pop. Book ahead to avoid the queue, at weekends it can take up to two hours to make it out of the waiting area.

Our Local Expert Says:

A fantastic way to explore authentic Beijing

Description:

If you're looking to truly experience Beijing and don't need another night in a business hotel, this renovated courtyard home is the place for you. Conveniently located on the east side of Beijing, this charming hotel gets rave online reviews from past guests wanting a more authentic look at Beijing. The helpful staff can arrange tours to the Great Wall and other sites.