Roaming Shijingshan, a two-day and one-night adventure!

Number of days: 2 days
Average cost: 2000 yuan
With whom：parents and children
Updated: 2022.09.16

As a Beijing native, I'm struck by how dramatically the city has transformed over the years. Shijingshan District exemplifies this transformation, offering a diverse array of activities, including fun, delicious food, and a wide variety of activities. Instead of hustling back and forth, a single street caters to all your needs: Moshikou Street. This street is filled with unique shops, offering food, art, bookstores, cafes, and more. You can even enjoy cocktails. With so much to offer, it's hard to know where to start. Don’t worry, I’ve already checked out the route for you in advance, and summarized a route for roaming time, romantic encounters, and a two-day and one-night exclusive adventure.

Suggested route planning:

Day 1:

Moshikou Historical and Cultural District

Visit Fahai Temple

Fahai Temple fried cakes, Huizhen Kitchen lunch

Jingxi Old School, Fan Deng Bookstore, Cat Experience Hall, Xiaer Art Life, Stone Garden;

Jing·199 dinner and check-in

Day 2:

Shandong pancake breakfast

Jingxi Bookstore

Visit Cheng'en Temple

Lunch at Grandmother's Kitchen

Visit Stone Carving Cultural Relics Park

Gudao Sicun·Zipper Coffee, take photos and drink coffee in the courtyard

The biggest feature of this route is that it is very leisurely and natural, and there is plenty of time. There is no need to rush. The immersive play is fully reflected in this route. Besides Fengguang Lao Zao Spicy Hot Pot, which is located nearby at the Contemporary Mall, all other dining spots are located on Moshikou Street, easily accessible on foot.

Now, let's follow my camera and experience it:

When it comes to Fahai Temple, many people think of the Fahai from the Chinese tale "The Legend of the White Snake." However, there's no real connection. As you approach the temple, you'll see a small arched stone bridge. The bluestone archway is inscribed with the words "Four Cypresses and One Arch Bridge." Legend has it that this bridge was built during the Ming Dynasty. Walking down to the bridge to take a look is truly a magical sight. It's hard to imagine four cypress trees standing so neatly and orderly. Fahai Temple faces south, sloping down the mountain from south to north. Its exquisite murals are a must-see. Nine murals depict 77 figures, including men, women, young and old, as well as gods, Buddhas, and ghosts, in various poses and expressions. If you'd like to see them up close, be sure to book in advance.

From Fahai Temple, continue strolling along Moshikou Street. You'll notice a particularly popular stall, and the long line speaks volumes about its customers. As you get closer, you'll see it's the famous Fahai Temple fried cakes, a staple of local cuisine. Locals flock here daily to buy a few. One woman commented that the cakes are incredibly delicious, with a particularly sweet bean filling. Without further ado, I quickly lined up to buy a few. The first bite was truly fragrant and incredibly sticky. By this time, the sun was rising, and Beijing's high temperature was palpable. However, we could escape the scorching heat by visiting the China Quaternary Glacial Relics Exhibition Hall, where the air was pleasantly cool. Nestled against Cuiwei Mountain to the north and the Yongding River diversion channel to the south, the China Quaternary Glacial Relics Exhibition Hall, established in 1989, is one of the first key cultural relics protection units in Beijing. It is the only natural science museum in my country, and indeed in Asia, built on a Quaternary glacial relic. The exhibition hall has two floors. The first floor includes a preface, glacier knowledge, glacial scratch protection areas, and the evolution of the Earth and typical glacial landforms of the Quaternary Period. There is also a multi-purpose hall where you can watch popular science films about glaciers. The second floor mainly displays the distribution of modern glaciers, the relationship between glaciers and humans, the impact of climate change on glaciers, and the research results of China's Quaternary glacier theory. It also features multimedia interactive projects to experience a comprehensive understanding of Quaternary glaciers. Here, you can learn about glaciers and see numerous dinosaur fossils. It's an immersive and educational experience that's truly meaningful. I really enjoy visiting museums like this; not only do you learn a lot and broaden your horizons, but you can also enjoy some fun and outings. It's a perfect combination. At noon, head to Huizhen Kitchen for lunch. The restaurant has a fresh and cool atmosphere. There are several signature dishes you absolutely must try, my favorite being the hairy tofu, Huangshan ham, and Wenzhengshan bamboo shoots. The shoots are incredibly fresh and tender, and the broth is delicious. Of course, there's also their signature stinky mandarin fish. The garlic meat is slightly stinky but incredibly fragrant, and it's a must-try for almost every table. After lunch, you can head to the Jingxi Old School to experience handicrafts. Here, you'll find the famous Beijing Rabbit God and the windmills I used to play with as a kid, transporting you back to your childhood. Sit down and learn from the instructor about various intangible cultural heritage activities, making for a truly meaningful afternoon. I really enjoy this kind of time; it's not just for families, but also for friends. Or go to Fan Deng Bookstore, which has a wide variety of books and a dedicated reading area. Starting your day with a good book is truly meaningful. Reading is a great habit. I love it myself, and I hope everyone around me can take some time to read. By reading more, you'll avoid feeling the pang of regret for not having read enough.

Walking along the street, you will see the Cat Experience Hall. There are all kinds of cute kittens, which are very healing. Who can refuse such cute kittens? There are also various cat-related products. Which cat do you like?

In addition, I came across a sign that said “Xiaer Art Life” You will definitely be attracted by this place. Although the shop doesn't look big, it is a different world when you walk in. Here you can choose to make some handicrafts and make some small woodworking that you like, or you can drink tea, coffee, exquisite afternoon tea, and you can also appreciate the sculptures in the store. The boss is a very talkative person and very friendly. After your break, head to Youshi Garden, where you can enjoy not only formal meals but also exquisite afternoon tea. Enjoy a lazy afternoon with friends or family. It was raining that day, which was just perfect. Listening to the sound of raindrops outside the window, it felt like it was waiting for the weather to clear, yet at the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing breeze.

When it's time for dinner, be sure to go to Jing 199 for dinner. The bar time at night is also very romantic. Order a cocktail, listen to music, and chat about life with a few friends at such a comfortable and natural night. They also provide accommodation services and have the characteristics of a homestay. There is a cafe in the front of the courtyard, a bar in the middle, and the homestay in the back. This design is indeed thoughtful and has everything you need.

I woke up the next morning brimming with energy.

I absolutely had to try the famous Shandong pancakes; this breakfast was so down-to-earth. I headed to Jingxi Bookstore for an afternoon of reading. I love this kind of time; it not only satisfies the need for parent-child companionship but also fosters a reading habit in my children. Time slipped by unnoticed, and afternoons like these were not only enjoyable but also enriching. This is the unique charm of Moshikou Street: everything you need to know is within walking distance. You can also visit Cheng'en Temple and enjoy a different kind of scenery.