ladyironchef » Beijing Best Bars

10 Things To Do In Beijing – Why You Need To Visit The Capital Of China

Hui Jun Ng — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 13:00:40 +0000

Beijing is a multifaceted metropolis filled with surprises at every street and corner. The vibrant city is not just the capital of China but also the country’s focal point of arts and culture.

There is so much to do and so much to see that all visitors are guaranteed a smashing good time.

From exploring Beijing’s best preserved historical alleyways, cruising the Kunming Lake at Summer Palace on a paddleboat to browsing through the 12-million book collection at China’s National Library, here is our guide to 10 Fun Activities To Do in Beijing.

#1 BEIJING NATIONAL STADIUM – CATCH A SPORTING RACE OR ICE SKATE DURING WINTER

Beijing National Stadium is an impressive infrastructure that should not be missed. The architecture bears an uncanny resemblance to the bird’s nest, hence nicknamed after it. In 2008, it was the appointed venue for the Olympic Games and today it is a popular tourist destination.

Many ticketed sporting events still take place at this grand building, but one can still visit when no races are held. During wintertime, the stadium is converted to a ski resort where visitors can enjoy ice skating and even snow tubing.

1 National Stadium S Rd
Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Apr to Oct: 9am – 7pm
Nov to Mar: 9am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Guo Jia Ti Yu Chang Dong

#2 GREAT WALL OF CHINA – CLIMB THE WORLD’S LONGEST ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE

The Great Wall of China is not only the world’s longest ancient architecture but also the largest!

Spanning across 5,500 miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is indeed a must-see for all travellers. Besides its jaw-dropping physical attributes, the magnificent fortress—which commenced building since the 7th century BC—is also renowned worldwide for its rich historical significance.

#3 NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – WATCH A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE

Thanks to its large oval-shaped exterior, The National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) can be easily identified from a distance. The dome—made with titanium plates and super white glasses—is currently the largest in the world. It is a must-visit for all architecture and design enthusiasts alike!

You can catch a performance at one of NCPA’s three venues or simply take a stroll around the reflective lake surrounding it.

2 W Chang’an Ave
Xicheng, Beijing, China
Tel: +86 10 6655 0000
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tiananmen West

#4 NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CHINA – STUDY IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST LIBRARIES

With an incredible storage of over 12 million books, National Library of China is one of the world’s biggest libraries.

It is also definitely one of the most gorgeous libraries we have ever seen! The grand reading room’s spectacular design itself is worth making a special trip and your eyes will be thankful for the visual treat.

33, South Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District
Nearest Station: National Library

#5 NAN LUO GU XIANG – EXPLORE BEIJING’S BEST PRESERVED HISOTRICAL ALLEYWAY

Hutongs are ancient alleyways unique to Beijing and these backstreets are characterised by their Chinese historical architecture. The 800-year-old Nan Luo Gu Xiang is a must-visit; the busy street is filled with hawker vendors, third-wave coffee shops and other retail boutiques.

Do explore the smaller hutongs that diverge away from the main street of Nan Luo Gu Xiang and you will be pleasantly surprised by the discovery of many other hidden bars and cafes.

#6 SHI CHA HAI – PAINT THE TOWN RED AT ONE OF BEIJING’S BEST NIGHTLIFE DESTINATIONS

Boasting three tranquil beautiful lakes, namely Hou Hai, Qian Hai and Xi Hai, this scenic site has been a leisure hangout area for the locals since the Ming Dynasty days.

When night approaches, the district transforms from a quiet park into a buzzing bar street. Most of the bars and eateries on the river bank can be spotted from far by their neon coloured signboards.

Xi Cheng, Beijing, China
Nearest Station: Beihai North

#7 SUMMER PALACE – RENT A PADDLEBOAT AND CRUISE AROUND KUN MING LAKE

UNESO-listed Summer Palace aka Yi He Yuan was once a lavish playground for the Chinese royalties. The palace’s extraordinarily peaceful setting makes it a joy to stroll around during sunrise and sunset.

For something more exciting and an alternative picturesque scenery, we suggest you rent a paddleboat and cruise around the 540-acre man-made Kun Ming Lake.

19 Xin Jian Gong Men Lu
Haidian, Beijing, China
Tel: +86 10 6288 1144
Apr to Oct: 6.30am – 6pm
Nov to Mar: 7am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Beigongmen / Xiyuan

#8 TEMPLE OF HEAVEN – MARVEL AT THE UNESCO LISTED SITE’S ARCHITECTURE

The function of UNESO-listed Temple of Heaven was once a prayer ground exclusive to Chinese emperors that reigned in the Ming and Qing dynasty. Back then, no commoners were allowed to even catch a glimpse of the religious ceremonies.

Today, the complex is open to the public and is a popular tourist spot. It is also a local hangout place amongst Beijingers who would be playing Chinese chess and practising Tai Chi in the surrounding gardens.

1 Tian Tan Dong Lu
Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Apr to Oct: 8am – 5.30pm
Nov to Mar: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Beigongmen

#9 PALACE OF MUSEUM – EMBARK ON AN ENRICHING HISTORICAL FIELD TRIP

The Palace of Museum, otherwise known as Gu Gong or The Forbidden City, is a cultural retreat for the history buffs. It was once the Imperial Palace to the 24 Emperors who reigned during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Palace is the world’s largest palace complex and has over 10,000 rooms!

An average 3-hour period is recommended to cover the site’s main highlights even though it could take you an entire day to explore thoroughly.

4 Jing Shan Qian Ji
Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Apr to Oct: 8.30am – 5pm (last entry at 4.10pm)
Nov to Mar: 8.30am – 4.30pm (last entry at 3.40pm)
Note that it is closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Tiananmen West / Tiananmen East

#10 798 ART ZONE – ADMIRE THE VARIOUS ART INSTALLATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS

798 Art Zone is the place to be and to be seen for all art lovers. The vicinity features many exhibitions and galleries held by both local and international artists – you can enter some of these displays for free. The streets are also adorned with graffiti art murals and lined with kitschy boutiques.

Every year, two major art events 798 Art Festival and Creative Art Festival are held here.

Nearest Station: San Yuan Qiao

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

8 Affordable Bars in Beijing – Hidden Cocktail Bars And Popular Local Breweries

Hui Jun Ng — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 01:00:39 +0000

In a city where Mandarin is the only language spoken amongst most natives, majority of non-Chinese travellers tend to find themselves lost when navigating around the capital of China. English information on Beijing’s bars is extremely scarce, too!

Many bars in Beijing are located in obscure and ancient alleyways or what they call hutong. Most of them are dimly lit (or none at all), hence making the accidental discovery of bars almost impossible. Having said that, not every bar is situated in dingy alleys. To our surprise, most of these bars share an interesting vision of injecting Chinese elements into their brews and concoctions.

Through word-of-mouth recommendations from likeminded guzzlers, we have successfully narrowed down a wallet-friendly list. We understand that affordability is of utmost importance to travellers and we are no exception. From hidden cocktail bar Mao Mao Chong to award-winning local brewery Jing A, here is our guide to 8 Affordable Bars in Beijing.

#1 GREAT LEAP BREWERY

Located adjacent to the popular nightlight district of San Li Tun is Great Leap Brewery, Beijing’s first craft brewery. Great Leap boasts a comprehensive menu of unique Chinese craft beers, where they are brewed in-house with locally grown Chinese ingredients.

Alcoholic beverages are extremely affordable and we highly recommend their signature Honey Ma Gold (RMB35 for 440ml). Infused with Sichuan peppercorns and organic local honey, the Honey Ma Gold is a refreshing and subtly sweet drink. It is also Great Leap Brewery’s first creation!

If you find yourself indecisive, why not opt for their tasting flights where you get to sample 120ml of four different beers at RMB50? And if that is still too much of a hassle, choose the GLB Classics Tasting Flight (RMB40) where you get to savour the following beers, Edmund Backhouse Pilsner, Pale Ale #6, Honey Gold Ma and East City Porter in small portions.

The flagship store is at Dou Jiao Hu Tong while the other outlet is located in Dong Cheng district. All three bars commence operations in the day but the crowds at night could have you waiting up to more than 30 minutes.

6 Dou Jiao Hu Tong
Dong Cheng District
Tel: 010-5717-1399
Sun to Thu: 2pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 2pm – 12am
Nearest Train: Si Cha Hai

#2 JING A BREWING TAPROOM

Award-winning Jing A Brewing Taproom is a brewery-cum-bar situated in San Li Tun’s 1949 Hidden City. Jing A has interestingly derived its name from the licensed car plates during the late 1990s period in Beijing. If anyone were to register their car plate right now, the alphabet would probably be starting from Jing Q onwards.

The team behind Jing A has come a long, long way. The founders started making their very first batch of hand crafted beers from simple plastic buckets and the rest is history.

The industrial-chic microbrewery serves a wide variety of tasty artisanal ales and lagers that have kept its customers returning religiously for more. Treat yourselves to premium full-flavoured beers infused with Chinese ingredients such as Full Moon Farmhouse Ale (RMB40 for 400ml) and Mandarin Wheat (RMB35 for 400ml).

The bar is effortlessly stunning with its bricked walls, softly lit filament bulbs and minimalistic wooden furniture. The outdoor spacious courtyard is equally inviting! Jing A also offers free wifi to all patrons.

1949 The Hidden City
Courtyard 4, Gong Ti Bei Lu
Chaoyang district
Tel: +86 6501 8883
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 11am – 2am
Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tuan Jie Hu

#3 MAO MAO CHONG

Mao Mao Chong means hairy caterpillar when translated directly. Tucked away in a dark hutong, Mao Mao Chong is a stone’s throw away from the bustling Nan Luo Gu Xiang area and its special cocktail concoctions are worth the detour from your usual route.

Two alcoholic beverages that stood out include the Pandan Daiquiri (RMB45) and White Chocolate Pina Colada (RMB50). The former is a refreshing pandan leaf-infused white rum with pandan syrup and lime juice, while the latter is a white rum infused with chocolate liqueur, pineapple juice, coconut milk and dusted with cacao.

Mao Mao Chong’s staff service is excellent; their friendly employees made us feel really at home. If you are looking for an intimate bar to unwind over exotic cocktail concoctions, the ever-welcoming Mao Mao Chong will definitely fit the bill.

Here’s a tip – Drop by on Wednesdays and diners get to enjoy cocktails at a steal for only RMB35 each. Mao Mao Chong is also renowned for their gourmet pizzas, where it has been crowned by The Beijinger Pizza Cup as top 12. Do note that Mao Mao Chong only accepts cash and is a non-smoking bar.

12 Ban Chang Hutong
Dong Cheng, Beijing
Jiao Dao Kou S Street
Tel: +86 6405 5718
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – late
Nearest Station: Nan Luo Gu Xiang / Zhang Zhi Zhong

#4 MING DONG BANG

Ming Dong Bang is a Korean restaurant at Wu Dao Kou that is well known for their tantalising Korean grilled cheese pork ribs.

Besides their mad delicious food, Ming Dong Bang is also frequented for their eye-catching cotton candy beer cocktails! Choose from the original flavour Coronarita (RMB58) or opt for the Vampire Coronarita (RMB58) and Blue Hawaii Coronorita (RMB58).

Each coronorita is essentially an inverted bottle of corona semi-dipped into a sweet tasting margarita. The inversion is made possible with a bottle holder and the corona seeps into the beverage gradually.

We love the fact that Ming Dong Bang’s take on the coronarita comes with a fluffy cotton candy! Guests of Ming Dong Bang also get to enjoy complimentary wifi.

29 Wu Dao Kou Chengfu Level 2
27th International Food Court
Tel: (010) 61647990
Nearest Station: Wu Dao Kou

#5 MOJITO MAN

Mojito Man is not exactly a bar, but is actually a takeout mojito stand located along San Li Tun’s bar strip. Famous for their extraordinarily cheap drinks, Mojito Man sells the classic delicious cocktail in takeaway plastic cups at just RMB15 each.

Sandwiched between a service centre and Miss Hai’s Cakes, the Mojito Man’s kiosk could be easily missed if you do not look hard enough.

Muddled with fresh mint leaves and well mixed with Bacardi white rum, lime juice and soda water, the traditional Cuban cocktail packs an invigorating punch with every sip! Do not underestimate the sweet mojito – it is actually a lot more potent than you think so.

The Mojitos are meant for takeouts but if you would like, you can sit at the puny stools along the road for an authentic hipster Beijinger experience.

43 Sanlitun N St,
Chaoyang District
Daily: 7pm – late

#6 PANDA BREW PUB

Beijing’s craft beer industry is booming rapidly and Panda Brew Pub is one of those that had evolved quickly to cater to its patrons’ needs. We love the fact that Panda Brew Pub’s name and logo have been inspired by China’s national animal. Both the beer bottles and cups at the bar are adorned with adorable pandas – how irresistible!

Cuteness aside, locally owned Panda Brew Pub features an impressive variety of excellent beers that have been brewed in Beijing. There is a bigger 2-storey outlet that had opened its doors late last year in the same Dong Cheng district.

Order their “Too Young” Wheat (RMB35) – an adapted version of the Traditional Belgium White Beer which was awarded a silver medal during the 2014 Shanghai International Beer Festival. The fine wheat beer is brewed with barley malt and European spices (the exact formula remains a secret), resulting in a fragrant, citrusy and low-alcohol content brew.

Panda Brew also recommends one of their earliest creations, the “Pure Red” Honey Ale (RMB38), which was created out of the owner’s love for honey.

61 Wu Dao Ying Hu Tong
Dongcheng District
Nearest Station: An Ding Men

14 Dong Si North Street
Dongcheng District
Daily: 10am – 2am

#7 SLOW BOAT TAP ROOM

After an apprehensive walk through an alley in pitch darkness, we finally arrived at Slow Boat Taproom without knowing it! The entrance’s appearance is hardly visible, but upon entry you would be surprised by how such a concealed bar-cum-restaurant could be so jam-packed.

Slow Boat Taproom takes pride in serving fresh unpasteurised beers and is the proud creator of 17 different beers. They have also been acknowledged by magazine – That’s Beijing – as having the best burgers in town.

Each beer is free from chemicals and preservatives, hence ensuring a fresh topnotch drink. Savour Slow Boat Taproom’s Captain’s Pale Ale – a dark copper light-bodied ale with a piquant grapefruit aroma. Its sweet malt notes juxtaposes the bitter citrus taste, hence resulting in a smooth finish. This signature brew also happens to be Slow Boat Taproom’s flagship beer.

The list of beers vary from time to time, depending on the season, but core brews such as Captain’s Pale Ale (RMB40), Monkey’s Fist IPA (RMB40) and bottled Zombie Pirate Pale Ale (RMB40) will always be available.

Dongcheng Qu 8th Alley
56 Dong Si Ba Tiao
Tel: +86 10 6538 5537
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 5pm – 1Aam
Sat: 2pm – 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Zhangzizhonglu

#8 STUFF’D & ARROW FACTORY BREWING

Arrow Factory Brewing has opened up its taproom right inside the whitewashed cottage-like building of Stuff’d restaurant. These two seemingly different brands are actually owned by British restaurateur Will Yorke.

Boasting 12 types of beers on tap and a delectable selection of British grub, Arrow Factory Brewing is a budding star to watch out for. The watering hole resembles a log cabin and is a cozy space perfect for a chill night out.

Do expect guest DJs spinning in the lounge from time to time when daylight wanes away. Start your day/night with The Man With The Golden Hop (RMB40), an English country Ale with a dry fruity finish that is easy to drink. If you are looking for something stronger, do try their Bitter End Rye (RMB40) and Seeing Double I.P.A (RMB45).

Tap on their happy hour promotion – which takes place daily from 5pm to 7pm – and enjoy RMB10 off each beer!

9 Jian Chang Hutong
Dong Cheng District
Mon: 11.30am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10pm
Tue: Closed
Wed to Sun: 11.30am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10pm
Tel: +86 (10) 64076308
Nearest Train: Dongsi

Jing A Brewing Taproom – Local Microbrewery in Beijing, China

Hui Jun Ng — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 10:00:01 +0000

Tucked away in Beijing’s 1949 Hidden City is Jing A Brewing Taproom, a brewery-cum-bar serving artisanal ales and lagers that has revolutionised Beijing’s handicraft beer industry. The microbrewery is housed in one of the 1940s industrial brick-wall warehouses, but with a modern touch.

Fun fact: Jing A actually derived its name from Beijing’s licensed car plates in the late 1990s (present-day cars start with Jing Q and onwards).

Besides the must-order locally brewed craft beer, Jing A actually serves a rather comprehensive food menu boasting tasty charcuterie and other delectable dishes.

Located in the popular nightlife district Sanlitun, award-winning Jing A Brewing Taproom is the place to be and to be seen. Crowned as ‘Best Craft Beer’ and ‘Best New Bar’ by City Weekend and The Beijinger respectively, Jing A is clearly a media darling well-loved by both local and expat beer guzzlers.

We are glad to say this – Jing A is indeed of its various titles!

Long before Jing A became a go-to brick and mortar, it was actually a post-work hobby by two passionate drinkers. Back then, the beers were crafted with simple plastic buckets. They eventually gained a large following via word of mouth with its unique taste.

Choose to dine at Jing A’s inviting alfresco courtyard or seek shelter in their spacious interiors. The bar’s rustic charm is undeniably attractive with its dimly lit filament bulbs, exposed pipes, bricked walls and wooden furniture – every angle makes a great picture! Those who are dependent on internet will be glad to know that the bar offers complimentary wifi too.

Jing A has infused their premium full-flavoured brews with refreshing Chinese ingredients – so do expect an interesting selection of beers such as the Full Moon Farmhouse Ale (RMB40 for 400ml) and Mandarin Wheat (RMB35 for 400ml).

If these craft beers are too exotic for your liking, there are classic international wines for you.

The kitchen whips up quite a fare and we particularly enjoyed their Sweet Potato Fries (RMB25). The freshly cut deep-fried vegetarian dish is sprinkled with aromatic rosemary and parmesan. More substantial dishes are also available on the menu and one can choose from Corned Beef, Fish & Chips and more!

Jing A Brewing Taproom
1949 The Hidden City
Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu
Chaoyang district
Tel: +86 6501 8883
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 5pm – 2am
Sat: 11am – 2am
Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tuanjiehu

48 Hours In Beijing – 15 Tips On What to See And Where to Eat

Hui Jun Ng — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:32 +0000

The capital of China is one of the world’s greatest ancient sites. Filled with many imperial relics dating back to over 3000 years, Beijing is a must-see destination for all travel enthusiasts and history buffs.

Today, the Chinese global city is a booming metropolis and is China’s arts, cultural and political centre. It is hard to believe that the municipality had only opened its doors to the outside world in 1978.

Exploring Beijing’s vastness without a plan in mind is not feasible, especially when you only have a limited period of time. One should not miss out on its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the decadent Beijing cuisine!

This is our suggested itinerary for those who have a 48-hour layover in Beijing.

DAY ONE

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT QING FENG BAO ZI

7.30am: Qing Feng Bao Zi is a long-standing brand renowned for their traditional stuffed buns. They have been such a well-loved household name that even President of China Xi JinPing was seen eating the buns at one of their outlets!

Diners get to choose from a variety of fillings such as picked vegetables and minced pork with leek. These lovely lukewarm buns also make a great takeout breakfast option. If you are dining in, do try their silk-like wantons too.

Daily: 6.30am – 9pm
Various Locations

#2 MORNING STROLL AROUND SUMMER PALACE

9am: The Summer Palace aka Yi He Yuan was once a luxurious meeting place for the Chinese royalties and comprises of several stunning gardens that are worth visiting. For an alternative scenery, rent a paddleboat and cruise around the 540-acre manmade Kunming Lake.

We reckon 9am is the perfect timing to experience the splendour of UNESCO World Heritage Site Summer Palace in tranquility. Most tour groups would be still having their breakfast elsewhere and you can stroll around the waterfront palace with negligible interruptions.

19 Xin Jian Gong Men Lu
Haidian, Beijing, China
Tel: +86 10 6288 1144
Apr to Oct: 6.30am – 6pm
Nov to Mar: 7am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Beigongmen / Xiyuan

#3 VISIT THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

11am: The Temple of Heaven used to be a prayer ground for Chinese Emperors in both the Ming and Qing dynasties, where the kings would pray for good harvests. The religious ceremony was extremely exclusive and no commoners could catch even a glimpse of it. Today, the Temple of Heaven is an UNESCO-listed complex that spans over 267 hectares and is open daily (capped at 90,000 visitors per day).

While this attraction is undoubtedly touristy, it interestingly remains a favourite hangout place amongst Beijingers who reside nearby. In fact, you will see many locals doing their morning exercises and playing Chinese chess.

1 Tian Tan Dong Lu
Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Apr to Oct: 8am – 5.30pm
Nov to Mar: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Beigongmen

#4 LUNCH AT MR. SHI’S DUMPLINGS

1pm: As its name suggests, Mr. Shi’s Dumplings is a no-frills Chinese eatery famous for their dumplings. Their signature pan-fried dumplings are stuffed with fillings of your choice and you can choose from 50 different fillings – even vegetarian options are available too! Prices start from RMB 15 / SGD 3.30 for a portion of 15 juicy greasy dumplings. What a steal.

Thanks to the availability of English menus, Mr. Shi’s Dumplings restaurant sees a large percentage of expat patrons on a daily basis. But that does not mean that this is a ‘tourist trap’. As Chinese ourselves, we thoroughly enjoyed the tasty dumplings and would recommend it!

74 Baochao Hutong
Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Tel: 131 6100 3826
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Gu Lou Da Jie

#5 EXPLORE NAN LUO GU XIANG

2.30pm: Hutongs are ancient backstreets unique to the capital of China and 800-year-old Nan Luo Gu Xiang is inarguably the most well-known hutong. The bustling street is is lined with takeout vendors, pretty cafes and retail shops.

But what caught our attention was the numerous alleyways diverging from Nan Luo Gu Xiang – many of these have led to the exciting discovery of hidden bars and cafes. So venture away from the main street and explore!

Nearest Station: Nan Luo Gu Xiang

#6 WANDER AROUND 798 ART ZONE

4.30pm: 798 Art Zone is an art focal point for both local and international artists. Many exhibitions and galleries are usually held in this vicinity – some of which you can enter for free. The vibrant street art wall murals and enthralling art pieces displayed publicly will keep you preoccupied. The art zone also boasts many unique boutique shops and eateries!

Two major art festivals – namely 798 Art Festival and Creative Art Festival – are held at 798 Art Zone district annually. The former lasts from end April to end May, while the latter is held between late September to late October.

Nearest Station: San Yuan Qiao

#7 DIM SUM DINNER AT JING DING XUAN

6.30pm: Opened 24 hours daily, Jing Ding Xuan is the go-to destination at any time of the day. Jing Ding Xuan’s menu features not just dim sums – one can expect a wide variety of Beijing, Cantonese, Si Chuan cuisine etc.

The dishes are delicious and comforting, but not mind blowing. Do be warned that the service is near atrocious, but the meal is still a great value for the amount you pay!

Various locations

#8 DRINK UP AT SAN LI TUN BAR STREET

9pm: Home to over 80 bar establishments, San Li Tun Bar Street is symbolic of Beijing’s world-famous nightlife – where people from all walks of life frequent this party district every night. From live sports broadcasts to themed parties, there is so much going on every night!

While most global cities are particular about dress codes, Beijing’s bars clearly remain down to earth and unfazed by the world’s increasing emphasis on appearance. You can rock up in your denim shorts and honestly nobody really gives a damn.

Chao Yang, Beijing, China
Nearest Station: Tuanjiehu / Dongsishitiao

DAY TWO

#9 HIT THE STREETS FOR JIAN BING BREKKY

8am: Perk yourselves up with a piping hot jian bing! These takeout street snacks are essentially pan-fried soft crepes stuffed with coriander, crisp fritter, spring onions, soybean paste and optional meat. These delicate street food are most commonly found right outside major train stations. They are usually served in a plastic bag and eaten on the go.

Various locations

#10 CLIMB THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

9.30am: Climbing The Great Wall of China is an opportunity that should never be missed! Even if your legs cannot take you far, we believe that the splendid view is still worth waking up early for. This timeless wonder is also the world’s largest and longest age-old architecture.

Do be reminded that it would take you approximately 90 minutes via car from Beijing’s city centre to The Great Wall of China. There are many different entrances to the timeless wonder; after all this ancient site actually spans across 5,500 miles!

Various entrances

#11 FILL YOUR TUMMIES AT CI FU RESTAURANT

1pm: Ci Fu Restaurant is an underrated local diner with virtually zero online presence in the Western world. There is an array of delectable home cooked Chinese dishes to choose from and to our delight, very dish we ordered was to our liking! The generously portioned braised beef, griddled tofu and fragrant eggplants were impeccable and instantly made it up for the restaurant’s poor staff service.

The regulars at Ci Fu are mainly students from the nearby Peking University which probably explains the significantly lower priced items. The private rooms upstairs do not require minimum spendings and are extravagantly furbished. Unfortunately, the same opulence does not apply for the washrooms. We would return in a heartbeat for the divine dishes but never the toilets.

Summer Palace Road No. 8
Chang Chun Food Street A21B
Haidian District, Beijing, China
Tel: +86 10 6275 1078

#12 CHECK OUT THE FORBIDDEN CITY

2.30pm: The Forbidden City aka Gu Gong was the designated imperial palace for 24 Emperors that reigned in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering over 74 hectares, The Forbidden City is the world’s largest ancient palace and has nearly 10,000 rooms! Of course, the construction of this impressive architecture was only made possible with a million labourers.

The distance between each gate of the Forbidden City is nearly a kilometre so do show up in comfortable footwear as a significant amount of walking would be involved. The Forbidden City is also iconic of Beijing and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.

4 Jing Shan Qian Jie
Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Apr to Oct: 8.30am – 5pm (last entry at 4.10pm)
Nov to Mar: 8.30am – 4.30pm (last entry at 3.40pm)
Nearest Station: Tiananmen West/ Tiananmen East

#13 MARVEL AT THE BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

4pm: The National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) is characterised by its gigantic oval-shaped exterior made with an astonishing number of titanium plates and ultra-white glass. The dome is currently the largest at present and is a spectacular visual treat for all architecture fans.

The surrounding manmade lake reflects the infrastructure clearly and is an amazing view! It does not matter if you are not catching a performance at one of the three in-house venues. The grandeur of this architecture is worthy of your time!

2 W Chang’an Ave
Xicheng, Beijing, China
Tel: +86 10 6655 0000
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tiananmen West

#14 JOIN THE CROWD AT SHI CHA HAI BAR STREET

6pm: Shi Cha Hai is a historical scenic spot boasting three beautiful lakes – Hou Hai, Qian Hai and Xi Hai. It has always been a beloved recreational area for the Chinese civilians since the Ming Dynasty. While the modern day Shi Cha Hai is relatively quiet during the day, it transforms completely into a buzzing hub at night!

The riverbanks are occupied by a large number of bars and eateries – you can spot them from afar at night by their neon light signboards. Visitors can even board a boat and travel through the waterway to admire the scintillating view.

Xi Cheng, Beijing, China
Nearest Station: Beihai North

#15 LATE NIGHT DESSERTS AT MAAN COFFEE

9pm: Beijing’s cafe culture is expanding at an incredible rate and we are thankful for the many exciting establishments, especially the Hogwarts-like Maan Coffee. Opened till the wee hours daily, this late night dessert spot is the perfect place to curb those sugar cravings.

Its ambience is so dramatic that we felt like we were in the Harry Potter movie! Maan Coffee was also featured in Forbes Asia magazine for its roaring success in China’s burgeoning cafe industry.

Various Locations

Most open till 12am or 2am

Disclaimer: Do note that this proposed itinerary is intended to serve as a rough guideline on what you can do in Beijing within 48 hours. Hence one might not be able to conquer all attractions within the short time frame due to lodging location, budget and pace of travel etc.