Live Your Best Lives
What to do in Beijing? The Forbidden City, the Great Wall. Many non-locals can't help but check in on the famous attractions on their first trip to Beijing. With more and more people traveling independently these days, how can you experience Beijing more deeply and authentically? Today, Super Xiao Bao, a Beijing native with over a decade of global travel, will share the best ways to explore Beijing's ancient and fashionable charm and check out the best spots.
The story begins with the Forbidden City. This year...people all over the world have been experiencing something truly magical, and Beijing has been hit hard by two waves of the epidemic. The Forbidden City has been closed or has had limited access to visitors. However, for Beijingers, these restrictions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You know, even with a popular attraction like the Forbidden City, many Beijingers are deterred by the sheer number of tourists. They think, "It's right next door, so I can go any day." So, it's been sitting there for years, always by my side. Thinking back, the last time I went to the Forbidden City was about ten years ago, and that was because a friend from out of town was visiting Beijing, and I took him there to show my hospitality.
That sea of people is still unforgettable, and even I started to feel intimidated by the Forbidden City. But with the arrival of these restrictions, many Beijing natives who love ancient architecture and photography finally had their chance. Especially during May and June, when not only was daily admission limited to a few thousand, but interprovincial tourism was also shut down, preventing tourists from entering Beijing. It was a godsend!
I used to post instructions on how to capture a photo like this without people in a crowded tourist attraction. Now, all I need is a tripod! It's so cool!
Although many indoor venues are closed due to the epidemic, landscape and portrait photography are mainly based on outdoor locations, so it doesn't matter if you don't go to the Treasure House.
Look at this, where can you find such a clean composition? The Forbidden City has an average of 50,000 to 60,000 visitors per day, and there are always crowds of people at the main entrance.
The traffic limit gives everyone who comes to take pictures more room to express themselves.
Narcissistic men like me are in the minority, and most of the people who come to take pictures are young ladies.
With a clean background and a small environment, it's like finding a natural shooting location.
So many of the ladies who came in pairs, or hired a photographer specifically, basically dressed up in full costume.
Some cosplayed as maids, and some cosplayed as Zhen Huan. It's really amazing, just by dressing up from head to toe, they look like they jumped out of the TV series!
It's so hot, it's really hard for you! Let's give you ladies a taste of how difficult summer was for the ancients.
Turning left at the Forbidden City's north gate exit is the recently popular Forbidden City Corner Tower Coffee. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside and enjoy a cup of "Royal" coffee. As for the taste... it's probably a bit watery than the most average-tasting coffee you've ever had. So, if you're a serious coffee lover, just grab a latte with latte art or a coffee cup with the "Royal" print and take a photo. What's really good about this place is the desserts, and I highly recommend the "Thousand Mile River Mountain Roll."
As the name suggests, the two fillings in this roll are "Qianli" and "Jiangshan"... oh no, they're matcha and cream.
However, students who want to go there soon must check online in advance to see if it's open, as it's been closed for a while.
Leave the cafe and walk west along Tongzi River for a few hundred meters to reach the actual corner tower.
Historical records indicate that the water outside the corner tower was once planted entirely with lotus roots. It's likely that the imperial palace also practiced a spirit of hardship and simplicity, vigorously advocating for self-production and self-sale.
During the Qianlong reign, this stretch of water was believed to be filled with lotus flowers every midsummer. Furthermore, this moat served as the Forbidden City's final line of defense. The silt beneath the lotuses slowed down enemy movement, allowing for arrows to be fired from the city walls. If you were to plant something else, the effect wouldn't be the same. Imagine if potatoes were planted outside the Forbidden City... Unless the enemy was attacking zombies, the potatoes could transform into bombs to block them. #_# Honestly, winter melons are more effective in Plants vs. Zombies. Oh no, I'm getting off track again.
Go east from the Corner Tower and turn along Wusi Avenue to reach the famous Peking University Red Building, where many patriots and outstanding figures left their mark. Across the street from the Peking University Red Building is the Meiyuan Book House 1923 Café.
This building is said to be where the faculty and staff offices once stood.
Now it has been converted into a coffee shop. It is a unique experience to sip a cup of authentic coffee (which tastes better than the one in the Forbidden City) surrounded by ancient books.
Leaving Plum Garden, walk one block east, past the Art Museum. On the north side of the road lies the Longfu Temple area, once one of Beijing's most vibrant and established business districts. Now, it's evolving with the times: Longfu Building rises from the middle of the hutong, and the surrounding vacant lots have been transformed into a cutting-edge hub for trendy fashion.
Tonight, I'm going to experience the "National Trend Book Market," a market here.
It seems the book fair is quite popular. If you don’t have a reservation in advance, you can basically just go somewhere else.
Even if you have a reservation, you still have to queue up to get a wristband. Because it is a special period, you also have to take your temperature before you can enter.
The book fair is crowded and bustling! There were quite a few people browsing the book market, and the selection was incredibly diverse. What's even more interesting is that many of the stalls sell independent publications. This alone is enough to keep you occupied for hours, as every book at each stall is likely unique, and quite possibly even one-of-a-kind or out-of-print.
This small square was packed with creative stalls and a constant stream of trendy people tonight.
In short, to use a Beijing saying, it's "very stylish" to be here!
After just a few bookstalls, I turned a corner and found that the stalls had transformed into a market for creative goods. Further ahead, I discovered a whole host of food stalls!
The crowds here are even denser, practically shoulder to shoulder. With my big backpack on, I felt like I was trapped in a turtle shell, unable to squeeze through anywhere. I glanced down at my wristband and saw the words "Wood Eats Toke" in large letters!
Although I don't know what "Wood" means or what "Toke" means, just seeing that one keyword instantly gave me a strong impression of the entire book market!
Hmm... I really like the atmosphere of this market!
Since it's called the National Trend Creative Market, the items sold at "Wood Eats Toke" naturally can't be too cliché. For example, there are actually a few privately brewed craft beers in Beijing? I've only heard about it from foreign friends before, but today I finally found the place.
Next to this is the "Beijing A" version of the craft beer bar. Next time I have the chance, I will come to this alley specifically for a drink or two.
And take a look at these unique and creative (Hei) Yi (An) drinks…
There's also a physical store specializing in cocoa at Joy City Chaobei in Beijing. Look at the packaging—it's so exquisite. I'd have mistaken it for Japanese chocolate.
The lady saw me taking photos and offered me a plate. I loved the atmosphere! I wasn't here for free... the matcha flavor was really good! This place is definitely a paradise for foodies...and hell for dieters!
Walking further ahead, a board of refrigerator magnets caught my eye.
These are so fun to make, and you can tell they're handmade; each one is completely different. As a die-hard fridge magnet enthusiast like me, whose double-door fridge is already completely packed, I couldn't pass up such unique pieces. I picked and chose two that I found most interesting, but when I checked out, I realized this stall didn't seem to be selling cultural and creative products; it was filled with bottles of all sizes.
I was wondering what they were doing. Do you give me free drinks when I buy fridge magnets? The young lady proudly said, "My family makes finely ground sesame oil, and we're just selling the magnets on behalf of them..." So, at a sesame oil stall, I bought two handmade magnets—magnets I'll never see again. And best of all, after this market closes, I doubt anyone will ever find these magnets again, hahahahahahaha... I love this market so much! Good times are always short-lived. Just as I was enjoying my skewers and sipping on a local specialty iced drink, a sudden, violent wind blew up. At first, I thought it was just a drop in temperature, but a second gust of wind suddenly overturned a third of the stalls.
The music on the speakers was still throbbing, but the market was already in chaos. Most people were in the same situation as me, walking peacefully when suddenly, from nowhere, several huge umbrellas flew over, blocking the way...
It was only then that I could see the sky, and there was already lightning and thunder. I knew the situation was not good, so I quickly retreated to the nearby Longfu Building.
It should have been only a few hundred meters away, but the chaos of people and umbrellas made our progress very slow.
I watched as the huge raindrops began to fall. Finally, I rushed into the building before the downpour began to pour. As soon as I walked in, I heard a faucet running outside, "Wow~~~!"
The person who rushed in half a minute after me was soaked! What a close call.
It was raining so hard, and I didn't have an umbrella, so I had to wander around the building first.
A bio-art exhibition was taking place on the first floor of the building, combining the pristine beauty of nature with artistic processing and modeling, elevating it to a higher level of splendor.
It's clear that this artist, Christopher Marley, has quite a few ideas. I also like the entire art exhibition...
Because it's free, yeah.
There's also a Gengdu Book Club next door, which looks like a combination of a bookstore and a cafe, but their design is completely different. If Plum Garden Bookstore is retro, then this one is basically sci-fi.
There are not only various shapes and cute ornaments.
There is also a recording studio for some show.
In addition to books, vintage items that have transcended time can be found everywhere here.
Mixed in the stylish and simple design style, the entire tone seems to be full of science fiction.
And the patrons here are mostly artistic young ladies, hmm…
Anyway, I really like the atmosphere of this bookstore!
Peking Opera is a national quintessence and one of Beijing's greatest characteristics. Many students visiting Beijing want to learn about Peking Opera. However, most aren't amateur opera fans, and attending a performance seems too grand, not to mention the possibility of not understanding it. East of Xianyukou, there's a Peking Opera Experience Center called Tianleyuan, which caters to this desire.
From the outside, Tianleyuan may appear small, but it's a truly impressive venue with a rich history. During the Qing Dynasty, it was one of the four famous opera houses. Over the next 200 years, four renowned Peking Opera actresses—Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun, and Xun Huisheng—performed here.
Today, Tianleyuan offers a comprehensive Peking Opera experience. Here, you can dress up in full costume and take photos on the stage and against various antique backdrops. For a more polished look, you can even have professional makeup done, guaranteeing you'll be the most stunning performer in the crowd. 
Besides experiencing it yourself, Tianleyuan also offers Peking Opera performances. However, unlike other opera houses, this one focuses on action scenes. While Peking Opera singing is merely entertaining for most who don't understand, the movements are much more intuitive. Not only can you witness the exquisite Peking Opera costumes, but you can also admire the actors' varied and captivating movements.
As soon as I entered, I was attracted by the ancient and charming decoration style here.
In the center of the room is a small stage, with gorgeous helmets and phoenix crowns placed on both sides, and domineering beards and exquisite facial makeup hanging on the walls. 
Further in, on one side is a small museum dedicated to Mei Lanfang's authentic works. The walls are covered with collectibles related to Mr. Mei Lanfang, including his huqin, photos and posters of his performances, original copies of his music scores, and so on. All of these are old items that have been searched for. 
On the other side is a dressing table, where those who want to experience the art of dressing up can do so. Since you’re going to dress up, why not pick a memorable character – Justice Bao? I asked my grandma, and she says we're at least several dozen generations of Bao Zheng's direct descendant. Seriously, I probably got my skin color from my third uncle...
As soon as I put on the beard, I made a fool of myself. Because I didn't have any makeup on, my "pretty boy" look was left with two big black mustache marks. It seems like the stuff these guys wear on stage is what real opera actors wear, so the black paint on Bao Zheng's face would inevitably get on his beard.
Putting on the dragon robe, the jade belt, the black beard, and the gauze hat, I instantly felt like I had traveled through time.
As bright and colorful as this outfit looks, it's really tiring to put it on.
It feels like the dress alone must weigh over ten kilograms, not to mention the hat. It's said that some headdresses weigh dozens of kilograms. Thinking of this, I can't help but have awe in these veteran Peking Opera artists. Forget about performing a full-scale opera, even taking a few pretentious photos in this costume feels like I'm being steamed.
My super-small buns almost became super-steamed buns. If I take a few more photos, I think I'll be sublimated and ready to meet my Lord Bao.
Next to Tianleyuan is the Royal Inn, a unique boutique hotel. From the rooftop terrace, you can directly see the Qianmen Tower in the distance.
Having a glass of summer special drink here, boiled water, the feeling is different - mainly for the view.
If you are a guest staying in the hotel, you can also enjoy the rooftop swimming pool next to it.
In the distance, you'll see the entire skyline of Beijing's CBD. I don't know how many Beijingers like this place, but I'm sure foreigners will love it, so the poolside is basically full of foreign friends.
After passing Qianmenlouzi, continue north and walk a few more blocks along Beiheyan Street until you reach the art museum.
Yesterday's experience was interrupted by a rainstorm, so I continued today.
The bustling market has retreated, leaving only a small, somewhat empty square. I came back today because there's a trendy check-in spot nearby.
On the rooftop of the nearby Longfu Building, there's a niche but stunningly beautiful check-in spot that's definitely a celebrity check-in spot.
Enter from the north gate and take the elevator directly to the ninth floor. Once you get out, you'll find yourself outside. The red walls and green tiles on both sides give you the illusion of stepping back into the Forbidden City!
Because the Cannes Film Festival is currently being held on the ninth floor, ticket holders are required to enter the top floor.
This provides perfect conditions for taking photos and checking in. It's so crowded and beautiful, you'll never find it again!
The sun was setting, and the shadows cast on the big red wall were particularly striking. Most importantly, it wasn't the weekend, so there was almost no one around when I arrived!
The rooftop wall has two viewing pavilions on the east and west sides. To the west, you can even see the rolling hills in the distance—the air is so clear today!
I had originally planned to come up when there were fewer people so I could take some good photos, but I unexpectedly ran into Teacher Wang Gang and Chun Ni. It seems the crew shared my sentiment: come when it's less crowded. Having just traveled through the Forbidden City, I felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity when I saw Lord Heshen. He seemed to be in good spirits.
In several buildings on the top floor, the Cannes Film Festival was being held, a full-scale 4D imaging experience.
There are numerous short films that will take you on an immersive journey through different themed worlds!
A immersive Beijing tour is definitely worthwhile without exploring the hutongs. From Drum Tower to Dongsi, many of the old Beijing hutongs are still preserved. Let's explore them together today! If you're simply wandering the hutongs where residents live, while you can get a feel for everyday life, it can feel a bit too down-to-earth. So I recommend starting with Fangjia Hutong near Beixinqiao. Besides its unique shops, No. 46 Fangjia Hutong has also become a trendy destination in recent years.
Don't be fooled by the narrow entrance to the hutong; in fact, the further you go, the wider it becomes. At No. 46 Fangjia Hutong, there's a large open space, completely overturning your typical hutong residence. Because of its spaciousness, there's plenty of room for development. Many years ago, a small theater was built here, often hosting avant-garde plays. Now, with its cafes and Western restaurants, it's become a trendy gathering place.
Besides Beijing's artistic youth, foreigners also frequent this kind of place. The craft beer I tried at the market the day before yesterday was produced by their company, Beiping Jiji, another Beijing-style craft beer that's as famous as "Jing A."
Looking at their bilingual menu and various Western-style simple meals, it's easy to tell who their main customer group is.
In fact, even many Beijingers don't know that Beijing has its own craft lager.
I really should stop by and order a few craft beers when I have some free time. I want to taste the difference between this "Imperial Capital Lager" and Yanjing Beer.
Okay, let's continue exploring the hutongs. If no one points it out to you in advance, most people will never notice this unique feature of Beijing's hutongs.
These unassuming stone carvings are called "mounting horse stones." If you look closely, you'll see a pair at the entrances of many large mansions. In the past, when there were no bicycles or cars in Beijing, people traveled by horseback or sedan chair. If you look closely, you'll notice that the size and carving techniques of these stones vary. Wandering down an alley, you can roughly infer the financial resources and social status of each household at the time from these tiny stones.
Exit the west exit of Fangjia Hutong and walk north for 100 meters to reach the famous Guozijian Street.
The three large golden characters "Chengxian Street" are inscribed on the western archway, gleaming brightly in the sun.
The Imperial College on this street was an institution of higher learning during the Ming and Qing dynasties, equivalent to Peking University and Tsinghua University today.
However, with the passage of time, several creative shops have now appeared on Imperial College Street.
For example, this one is called "Haobai Store." Seeing the items on sale there, I couldn't help but exclaim, "So white!"
After strolling around the Imperial College, exiting the east entrance is the Lama Temple, the largest Lama temple in Beijing. As the sun sets, many locals sit out on the street to enjoy the cool air and relax.
Of course, sitting on the street is definitely not the style of Beijingers.
Either set up a chessboard and play a few games, or raise a teacup and chat about everything under the sun.
There's a joke that Beijingers see everyone as just another commoner, and it's true. Living at the feet of the emperor since ancient times, Beijingers have an innate sense of dignified authority. Listen to Beijingers chat, and they'll explain everything from astronomy to the most trivial. In the eyes of Beijingers, there's no obstacle too great to overcome, no chapter too far to turn. Over a bowl of noodles with soybean paste, three ounces of Erguotou, and clinking glasses, everything unfolds amidst laughter, anger, and banter.
When the first rays of morning sun shine on the golden glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, and flocks of white pigeons rustle over the courtyards between the Drum Tower, Beijing, the ancient capital, will usher in a brand new day.
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