📍Day 4 of Beijing Trip｜Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Shichahai, and Nanluoguxiang

⭐️A Day of Exploring the Soul of Old Beijing

Today's itinerary was packed with activities like exploring Old Beijing.

This morning started at Bell Tower Square, where many women were dancing and playing shuttlecock. It was lively and vibrant, and truly down-to-earth. Our son even took a Taekwondo class there 🥋 and gave it his all. 😆 We walked to the Drum Tower, where people were snapping photos at almost every corner. It's truly a popular Instagram-worthy spot. 📸

After reaching Shichahai, we had breakfast at Ya'er Li Ji, a local recommendation. The lamb offal soup was incredibly delicious. We also ordered a sesame seed bun with meat filling. For only 10 RMB each, it was incredibly filling with braised beef. Absolutely amazing value and delicious!

Then we took a leisurely stroll to Nanluoguxiang, where the crowds were starting to gather. We first stopped at Tangfang Café. Sitting outdoors, we could admire the gray bricks of the old hutongs—perfect for photos. 📸 While strolling, we spotted some freshly steamed osmanthus cake and bought some. Wow, it was delicious! 🤤 Sweet but not cloying! While walking around, I saw someone else selling donkey rolls, so I couldn't resist buying one too. It was soft and sweet, and quite delicious!

Finally, we stopped by Qi Baishi's former residence. It was quiet and scholarly, a stark contrast to the bustling Nanluoguxiang. It felt like stepping into another world, allowing me to calm down and relax. I also bought a few cultural souvenirs to take back to Taiwan.

📌Recommended itinerary: Bell and Drum Tower → Breakfast at Shichahai → Nanluoguxiang → Qi Baishi's Former Residence

The feel, flavors, and culture of Beijing were perfectly condensed in these few stops. It was a wonderful day trip! 😊

#BeijingTravel#BellTowers#Yarliji#Lamb Offal Soup#Shaobing with Meat#Nanluoguxiang#Tangfang Coffee#Osmanthus Cake#Donkey Rolls#Qi Baishi's Former Residence#Shichahai#Taste of Old Beijing#XiaohongshuTravelNotes

Post by jOsePHyUeh | Aug 6, 2025