Local Lifestyle Deep Dives

Beijing—a city where centuries-old grandeur meets contemporary vibes—never ceases to amaze. From monumental landmarks to hidden pockets of beauty, exploring these spots reveals 80% of its soul. Best of all? Most require zero fees, while others cost less than your daily coffee.

Temple Hotel (Dongjingyuan)

Temple Hotel (Dongjingyuan) — my long-cherished secret and one of Beijing’s most treasured escapes. Once the 600-year-old Zhizhu Temple (just 400m from the Forbidden City), it held greater historical significance than even Yonghe Temple in its heyday. After centuries of decay, Belgian architect Winston Shu discovered its ruins in 2007, sparking a meticulous 5-year restoration that birthed today’s cultural sanctuary.

Within its walls:
🍵 Meditative Tea Space
Sip premium teas amid cricket chirps and dappled shade. Laze on daybeds for hours—this is mental detox perfected.

🎨 Cultural Complex
Adjacent spaces host yoga sessions, rotating art exhibitions, and a tranquil bookstore, all pulsing with time-honored serenity.

⭐ Michelin-Starred Surprise
Chef Ignace Lecleir’s French fine-dining outpost (Temple Restaurant Beijing) occupies the former main hall—prepare for exquisite flavors at premium prices.

🧘 Temple Yoga
Practice sun salutations where monks once chanted—an immersive spiritual experience.

Essential Notes:

📸 No professional cameras (phone photography allowed)
🆓 Free courtyard access (seating requires tea/dining purchase)
⏰ Book ahead for yoga/restaurant

Dongjiaominxiang Lane

Dongjiaominxiang Lane—a one-kilometer city walk through Beijing’s living history. This architectural corridor blends Chinese and Western styles, where every building whispers tales of the past.

Start at Chongwenmen Station (Exit A). Walk west to trace these landmarks:St. Michael’s Cathedral
➠ Former Belgian Embassy ➠ Old French Post Office➠ China Court Museum ➠ Beijing Police Museum

Panjiayuan

Tucked away in East Beijing’s Third Ring Road, Panjiayuan Market is the city’s ultimate hidden gem—China’s largest antique bazaar where vintage books, artifacts, prayer beads, retro cameras, and nostalgic toys collide (replicas abound, so sharpen your bargaining skills!).

Smart Shopping Tactics:

Scout First, Buy Later
Walk the entire market (it’s huge!) to gauge prices before touching your wallet.
Observe > Inquire > Purchase
Compare 3+ stalls for identical items—quality varies wildly.
Play It Cool
Show interest, but never excitement. Your poker face is your discount card.
Master the Art of Haggling
- Anchor low: Start at 50% of the quoted price.
- Walk away: Vendors often chase you with better offers.
- Bundle deals: “I’ll take these 3 for ¥X” works magic on small items.
Doubt Every Backstory
95% of “Ming Dynasty heirlooms” were made last Tuesday.

On Friday nights, there’s also a night market to explore. Beyond the daytime goods, you’ll find food stalls offering delicious snacks — the perfect way to spend a Friday night by grabbing snacks while exploring.

Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum

The Ancient Architecture Museum of China, the nation’s first thematic museum dedicated to collecting, researching, and exhibiting the history, art, and techniques of ancient Chinese architecture, is located within the Xiannongtan (Altar of Agriculture), an imperial altar-temple complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

When visiting the museum, be sure to see its treasure—the Celestial Well (Tiangong Zaojing) in the Taisui Hall. It features six tiers of nested bracket sets (dougong), with each circular frame intricately carved with cloud patterns. The central dome displays a Ming-dynasty replica of a Tang-dynasty star map, depicting 1,400 stars—a truly breathtaking sight.

Another masterpiece is the Coiling Dragon Ceiling (Panlong Zaojing) in the Worship Hall. Adorned with auspicious cloud motifs and phoenixes, it is exquisitely carved from a single block of golden nanmuwood. The five-clawed golden dragon coils dynamically through the clouds, appearing vividly lifelike.

Bell and Drum Towers Plaza

The small plaza between the Bell and Drum Towers bustles with activity from mid-morning onward. It’s a daily gathering spot for senior residents living nearby.

You’ll see people walking their caged birds, groups dancing to square dancing music, and others practicing Tai Chi. Feel free to join in the fun – try some Chinese square dancing or follow along with a Tai Chi session led by one of the regulars.

Nearby, small clusters of people gather around chess games, the rhythmic clack of pieces hitting the board punctuating the air every so often.

Safety Essentials

Guard your phone: Hold it in hand—never in back pockets (pickpocket hotspots!).
Avoid scams:

Say NO to “drink-pushing traps” (common in Houhai bars)
Ignore street hawkers selling overpriced trinkets/snacks!

Remember to claim your tax refund before your leaving

1️⃣ Find “Instant Refund” Shops
→ Look for stores with “Instant Tax Refund on Departure” signs (e.g., SKP, China World Mall, WF CENTRAL).

2️⃣ Shop & Sign Agreement
• Single receipt ≥¥500
• Show passport/Taiwan Compatriot Permit
• Sign the “Terms Agreement”
• Pre-authorize credit card (amount = refund)

3️⃣ Get Cash Immediately!
Staff verifies documents → Receive RMB cash refund via:
✓ WeChat/Alipay ✓ Bank card ✓ Cash

4️⃣ Departure Check
At customs:
• Use “Tax Refund” lane
• Show:
✔️ Unused goods
✔️ Original invoices
✔️ Refund forms
⚠️ Fail to depart on time? Pre-authorized amount will be charged!

5️⃣ Non-Refundable Items
Food, alcohol, cigarettes, cars.
✅ Refund allowed for 21 categories:
Luxury goods, cosmetics, electronics, etc.

Beijing Survival Musts

① Carry your ORIGINAL PASSPORT daily (checked at attractions/hotels)
② Enter top sights like Forbidden City EXACTLY during booked time slots—late arrivals get denied!
③ Use Amap (Gaode) for buses—real-time English updates ✓

Toilet Tip
Public restrooms are everywhere—BUT always carry tissues! (none provided inside)

💰 Smart Saving Move
▶ Bike + subway combo = Avoid traffic jams + save money!

Hi! I’m Yoyo, a traveler with adventure in my blood and taste buds forever hunting for the next feast. My mission? To live off the beaten path and constantly seek out the new and exciting.I want to share all my experiences and hard-earned practical knowledge with you, to help you discover the wonders of this ancient yet vibrantly alive country.