Besides visiting the iconic landmarks and attractions in Beijing, the Beijing travel also offers a variety of cultural activities to immerse yourself in the local life.
Taste Beijing Snacks
Beijing’s food culture is colorful and unique. Peking Duck is Beijing’s most famous dish, with its crispy skin and tender duck meat. The Boil Mutton (aka Mongolian firepot) is a popular winter dish in Beijing. Fresh mutton and various vegetables are cooked in a steaming copper pot and eat them with sauces for a greater flavor.
There are many century-old restaurants where you can taste these cuisines. During your Beijing travel, you can also enjoy street food specialties such as Clay Oven Rolls, Tanghulu, and Zha Jiang Mian.
Watch a Beijing Opera Performance
Beijing Opera is one of China’s national treasures and the most influential opera genre in China. With a history of about 200 years, Beijing Opera has been enlisted into Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The opera has a set of standardized artistic expressions in all aspects, including literature, performance, music and stage art.
The current roles are mainly categorized into four types: Sheng, Dan, Jing and Chou, and the performance style includes four techniques: singing, reciting, acting and fighting. Beijing Opera will take you to experience the traditional Chinese culture and feel the charm of Chinese art.
Discover Traditional Beijing Life in Hutongs
Beijing Hutongs are the veins of the city and the places where ordinary Beijing people live. This place witnesses the development of Beijing’s history and culture. There are many snack stands and restaurants in the hutongs, where you can taste delicious Beijing food. Also explore traditional handicrafts such as paper-cutting, kites and clay sculptures.
A hutong tour is now an essential part of any Beijing travel. Stroll among the traditional buildings and immerse yourself in the lively life.
Experience Traditional Culture and Handicrafts
Beijing has a long history of traditional culture and handicrafts, such as shadow puppets and paper-cutting. Visit the relevant venues or workshops to watch performances and observe handicraft-making techniques.
Have the opportunity to participate in the creation and make your own crafts. This experience will give you a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture and handicrafts, and bring a sense of fun and accomplishment.
Take a Leisurely Stroll along the Streets
Blending ancient cultural heritage with the bustle of a modern city, Beijing offers numerous choices for shopping enthusiasts. Wangfujing, one of Beijing’s most famous commercial districts, offers a mix of international brands and local stores. Taikoo Li Sanlitun is a place for young people and one of the best choices for enjoying the urban life.
Houhai Bar Street is one of the famous nightlife centers in Beijing with bars and Chinese teahouses. There are often performances by singers and bands, you can experience the lively nightlife here.
