Stunning Beijing Hidden Gems
Whether you’re looking to travel to Beijing to visit its iconic landmarks or you just want to experience the city’s culture, there are plenty of great hidden gems you can visit. Here are some of the best ones! Just look at the flights to Beijing from Cathay Pacific and you can enjoy them.
The Great Wall
Located in the north of Beijing, the Ming dynasty walls of China are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders. They twist along steep mountain ridges. They are surrounded by misty green hills and low hanging clouds. They are 20 feet wide at the base and 30 feet high at the top.
Ming dynasty people used local materials to build the wall. They layered stone and brick over packed earth.
The Ming dynasty built the wall to prevent nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe from entering China. The wall was used for head-on battles and defense. The wall was built by more than one thousand,000 builders.
The Great Wall has become one of the most visited attractions in China. It is usually packed with tourists, but there are some ways to avoid the crowds. One of the best ways is to rent a car. Another option is to book a private tour.
The Badaling section of the wall is one of the most popular sections to visit. This is because the wall is well preserved in this section. It is also one of the most visited sections by locals.
The Simatai section of the wall is another popular section. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1987. This section has cable cars and boat tours.
Mudzlim Quarterdz on Niujie
During the brief period in which the Qing dynasty ruled the roost, the Mudzlim quarters on Niujie were the epicenter of the Islamic faith in China. Today, the area is still home to the best of China’s Muslim population. For one, the region is home to the largest mosque in the city, the granddaddy of them all. The area is also home to the China National Center for Research on Cultural Heritage, a repository of the country’s oldest and most important archival materials. The area also happens to be the home of China’s oldest Chinese dynasty, the Yuan.
The area is also home to the country’s newest mosque, the Niujie masjid, which serves as the spiritual headquarters of the country’s resurgent Muslim community. The masjid is a fitting tribute to the halal religion and is one of Beijing’s most beautiful buildings. The masjid is also home to the city’s only Islamic bookstore, the Al-Araby bookstore. The area is home to a large Muslim population, as well as a plethora of mosques and temples of worship. The Mudzlim quarters on Niujie is not short on Muslim friendly restaurants and cafes. The area also happens to be home to the country’s largest mutton and mutton hot pot restaurants.
798 Art District
Originally built as a factory complex in the 1950s, the 798 Art District in Beijing, China is now a thriving modern arts district. The area is home to almost 200 galleries, cafes and boutiques, and offers a wide array of cultural activities.
In 2006, the 798 factory and surrounding industrial district was declared an arts district by the city of Beijing. This was in response to a request from local residents.
The area was originally home to state-owned factories. Each factory was assigned a number that distinguished it from the rest. The numbers are still visible in some factory walls. Similarly, slogans on the walls remind visitors of the fervor that accompanied the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
As an arts district, the 798 area features a variety of exhibitions and museums. It is also home to a number of shops, cafes and restaurants. The area is a good choice for tourists who are looking for an alternative to city skyscrapers.
The area is also home to the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, which is a must-visit for art lovers. It features exhibitions and talks by international artists. The building also houses a brewpub, which serves local and international beers.
Beihai Park
Located in the heart of Beijing, Beihai Park is one of Beijing’s hidden gems. It is a quiet park that has over a thousand years of history. It is considered to be one of the most important ancient imperial gardens in China.
The park is composed of Jionghua Islet, the North Shore Area, the East Shore Area, the Circular City, the Dotanical Garden, and the Lake. It is an excellent place to take a break from the bustling city.
Beihai Park also contains historical buildings dating back to the 11th century. These buildings include the White Pagoda, the White Dagoba, the Jade Flowery Islet, the Tuancheng (Circular City), and the Temple of Everlasting Peace.
This park is considered to be one of the best preserved ancient imperial gardens in China. It was rebuilt several times in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
It is one of Beijing’s most visited parks. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit the park every year.
The park features many interesting activities and monuments. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Chinese pipa performance, a tea ceremony, or local snacks. The park is also famous for its huge lake, which turns into a spectacular scene during the summer.
Tanzhe Temple
Located in Beijing, the Tanzhe Temple is one of the oldest and largest Chinese temples. It is situated in Mentougou District, about 30 kilometers from downtown Beijing. In recent years, the temple has been opened to tourists. The temple has a beautiful scenery, surrounded by mountains.
The temple complex is a combination of five buildings. The central part has two pavilions. The first one is the “Empress Tree” and the second one is the “Empress Gate.” The temple is divided into two levels. The northern part is higher than the southern one. Each part has a different deity.
There are also five courtyards at the temple. The wing halls are where monks live. They also perform religious ceremonies. The temple has been rebuilt many times since it was built.
The temple is surrounded by a number of ancient “Zhe” trees. These trees are over 300 years old. The best time to see them is late October to early November.
The temple’s layout is well proportioned. The building has yellow glazed tiles, a wooden carved roof, and a big green glazed owl kissing the main ridge. The Mahavira Hall is located in the building. This hall is part of the Yuan Dynasty.
Houhai (or Back Sea)
Located in the northern part of Beijing, Houhai (or Back Sea) is a unique area that is home to many cultural attractions and restaurants. It’s an ideal place for travelers to visit all year round, but is especially popular with tourists in the summer and autumn.
The neighborhood of Houhai has a number of interesting bars, restaurants, and cafes that offer visitors a unique and lively experience. Many residences along the lake’s shore have been converted into bars and restaurants. The bars and restaurants in this area charge a premium for drinks and food.
In the summer, the waters of Houhai are dotted with lotus flowers, a popular sight for tourists. During winter, the lake becomes frozen, making it an ideal location for ice-dipping. There are also pedal-boat hire stations on the lake. The lake’s scenic beauty is enhanced by a number of old style local residences.
Houhai is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the former residence of Soong Ching-ling. You can take a rickshaw to get around. You can also hire a bicycle at Houhai Park. There are a number of ancient buildings in Houhai Park, as well as alleys and rowing boats.