Visit Beijing’s lesser known attractions
Been seeing those viral videos of packed tourist attractions and not sure where to go?
Steer clear of the crowds with these five noteworthy yet lesser visited attractions this Golden Week.
Take Line 1 all the way west and at the last stop, Pingguoyuan, you’ll find yourself at the foot of the Western Hills. This is temple territory. There’s more than enough to choose from, but don’t miss an afternoon at Tanzhe Temple, which is perched on the side of a hill and offers superb views of the city on a clear day. Fahai Temple is much smaller, but boasts a remarkable collection of preserved Ming Dynasty frescoes. Nearby is Tianyi’s Tomb, the final resting place of a high-ranking eunuch, complete with dioramas. It’s the kind of crazy museum you only ever get in Beijing. Take an extra bus to the village of Jiuyuan to soak up some old Chinese culture at the cute siheyuan residence of one of China’s great Yuan Dynasty playwrights, Ma Zhiyuan (马致远故居).
Line 1, Pingguoyuan Station
China hasn’t always had an easy relationship with foreigners, but there are places in Beijing that show how they have been accepted and even celebrated by the city. One such example is Zhalan Cemetery. This small but attractive location contains the graves of 88 Jesuits who opened up scientific and cultural dialogues with China in the 1600s. It’s the perfect place to reflect on China’s changing attitudes towards the West (perhaps while sipping on a latte from Starbucks), as it has been alternately attacked and protected according to changing political winds.
Beijing Administrative College, 6 Chegongzhuang Lu, Haidan district, Open 8.30am-5pm, Mon-Fri. 50RMB
In Yangqing County lies the 'birding capital' of urban China – the protected wetlands of Wild Duck Lake. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect oasis of tranquillity and natural splendour anywhere in Beijing. Once you're past the duck-feeding wharf at the entrance gate, most visitors stick to pedalling rented four-person quadricycles around the largest of several lakes, leaving the reed-lined pools and marshes of the rest of the park blissfully deserted. Birdwatchers can expect an abundance of waterfowl, while those simply in need of peace and quiet can enjoy a picnic by a pool teeming with carp, or in a tiny wooden lodge with a view of the distant Purple Mountains. Come early and spend a full day wandering the pathways and experience a kind of serenity you didn’t know was possible in Beijing. Well worth the 50RMB entrance fee.
Kangzhuang Yanqing county. 50RMB
If you want to get serious about your birding, the unsung Miyun Reservoir northeast of the city centre is, unexpectedly, a premier location. These massive, manmade wetlands boast a wealth of wildlife. In the spring and autumn, the reservoir’s bird- watching hits world-class standards as it’s smack in the middle of the East Asian flyway for migration. In fact, over 100 species have been spotted in a day during peak season. As of April 2015, the best birding spots are around the northern and northeastern shore of the reservoir. Two locations in particular are frequently visited by birding pilgrims: Houbajiazhuang and Bulaotun. Both are free to access.
North of Miyun county, Miyun County
This is a lovely alternative to the more popular and touristy parks in the city, even when it gets cold. It does have its share of crowds with locals from lively taichi-practicing groups, gatherings of elderly musicians
and boating on its central lake (from 10RMB per person). But if you came to escape the hordes, it’s easy to get away in this vast park, with top
spots including grassy hillsides tucked away by the water and plentiful
tree-shaded nooks and pavilions. Later, make your way to the park’s
northwestern corner, where you can jump on a canal river cruise to the
Summer Palace Pair it up with a visit to the nearby Wanshou Temple (6842 3565), which contains the Beijing Art Museum, for a relaxing day out.
35 Zhongguancun Nan Dajie, Haidian district. Open 6am-9pm daily. Free
For more family activites,
tap 'Read More' below