Browsing Category: DESTINATIONS

Planning a trip to Beijing, China? You can’t say you’ve truly experienced the Beijing capital of China without walking down one of its three most iconic ancient commercial streets. Whether you’re interested in Beijing street food, local shopping, or soaking in the life in Beijing China, these places bring history, flavor, and modern energy together—all in one unforgettable stroll. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which to explore first: 1️⃣...

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing China, there are three famous ancient commercial streets that belong on every visitor’s list: Dashilan 大栅栏, Wangfujing 王府井, and Qianmen Street (前门大街)—a top choice for travelers seeking both cultural charm and vibrant nightlife in the Beijing capital. While many rush to the Great Wall of China from Beijing or explore modern skyscrapers along the Beijing China skyline, few know that Qianmen Street is a magical...

Beijing is home to three famous ancient commercial streets that every traveler should experience: Dàzhàlán Street (大栅栏 Dàzhàlán), Qiánmén Street (前门大街 Qiánmén Dàjiē), and Wangfujing Street (王府井大街 Wángfǔjǐng Dàjiē). Each offers a unique blend of history, culture, and street life. Welcome to 王府井 (Wángfǔjǐng), one of the most iconic streets in the heart of Beijing Capital of China (北京首都 Běijīng Shǒudū), where ancient tradition meets sleek modernity. in the heart of Beijing...

Introduction: Where Old Beijing Comes Alive After Dark When the neon lights begin to glow and the red lanterns sway gently in the Beijing breeze, there’s one place that pulses with old-world charm yet never stops evolving: Dashilan Street (大栅栏 Dàshànlán). Tucked behind Qianmen (前门 Qiánmén) and just south of Tiananmen Square (天安门广场 Tiān’ānmén Guǔngchǎng), this centuries-old commercial street offers an immersive, colorful, and often surprising window into the heart of traditional...

In the heart of Beijing, just beyond the Forbidden City’s crimson walls, lies a place where time lingers and whispers still echo from the Qing Dynasty‘s golden years. This is Shichahai (Shichahai, 什剎海)—not just a lake, but a breath of Old Beijing, a destination that refuses to let go of its imperial past. For travelers seeking a serene yet profound experience on their Beijing China tour, this historic district ranks high among...

A uniquely moving tradition in the heart of Beijing If you’re looking for things to do in Beijing at sunrise, few experiences match the quiet power of witnessing the Tiananmen Flag Raising Ceremony (升旗仪式, shēngqí yíshì). On our recent China Travel Blog adventure, my daughter Elaine and I decided to take the plunge and wake up well before dawn to catch this iconic moment. What we didn’t expect was how deeply moving...

If you’re planning a Beijing China tour, there’s one magical experience that captures the city’s soul better than any grand monument or bustling plaza—a quiet walk through the legendary hutongs (胡同 hútòng). These historic alleyways, some dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, are what remains of life in Beijing China before the skyscrapers came. And while some are now protected, many are fading fast—replaced by apartment blocks and office towers. That’s why...

When you think of Beijing, the capital of China, images of the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, or even the bustling Beijing China Airport might come to mind. But tucked away in the northwest corner of the city is one of the most peaceful and majestic Beijing China tourist attractions—the Summer Palace (颐和园 Yíhéyuán). During our recent trip to Beijing, China, Elaine and I discovered that this imperial garden is...

The Real Star: Red Leaves Everywhere Let’s be honest—people come to Fragrant Hills in autumn for one reason: the leaves. And they’re worth every bit of the hype. From the moment we entered the park, bursts of red, gold, and orange surrounded us. The smoke trees (乌桕树)and maples (枫树) were blazing with color. This is one of those iconic Beijing things to do during fall. Elaine was completely absorbed in photographing the...