Day 3 was our final day with our private tour guide and driver. The tour company we had worked with offered the flexibility of customizing our itinerary. I’ve always wanted to visit a Hutong so naturally I requested a Hutong visit. As well, I wanted to explore the art scene in Beijing given the notoriety of one of its famed artists, Ai Wei Wei, who piqued my interest since he exhibited in Toronto. The itinerary for Day 3 in Beijing included:
1. Summer Palace (颐和园)
The open-air layout of the Summer Palace with enchanting willow trees is a welcome contrast to the fortress-like Forbidden City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the epitome of an imperial garden, blending classical Chinese architecture with elements of nature. Visitors come here to enjoy boating on Kunming Lake and stroll along the manicured gardens, arched bridges, and courtyards.
One of the highlights at Summer Palace is the 728 meter Long Corridor. The ceiling of the corridor is painted with scenes from Chinese classical literature and folk tales.
Only at Summer Palace were we accosted by elderly women at the main entrance asking if we wanted a guided tour of the Summer Palace, even though our tour guide was walking beside us!
Planning Tip: The main entrance admission doesn’t include admission into areas like Longevity Hill, the opera theatre and boat rides. Even if you join a tour, inquire with the tour company as to what is included. Some of the boats even bring you to the Beijing Zoo.
Suggested time to spend: 2-3 hours
2. Houhai Hutong (后海胡同)
Hutongs are traditional neighbourhoods characterized by narrow streets and alleys with homes that feature a main gate leading to an open courtyard. Houhai Hutong is one of the most visited hutongs in Beijing and has become a hip destination for local youths, tourists and expatriate communities.
It’s nice to stroll along the alleyways in the hutong, but many pedicab drivers will try to solicit your business.
Planning Tip: Easily accessible by Beijing Metro – Behai North Station
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
3. 798 Art Zone (798艺术区)
If you’re looking for a unique experience, 798 Art Zone would fit the bill. For starters, 798 Art Zone is an art district, home to many galleries, publishing houses, designers, architecture firms, cafes and restaurants, all lining alleyways in the Dashanzi district of Beijing. The thriving contemporary, avant-garde arts community from local artists to international ones gather for shows and exhibitions within the old Bauhaus-style factory buildings.
Maps of the Art Zone are scarce. There are a few map directories posted along the main street (No.798 Road), but souvenir maps have to be purchased from shops or cafes.
Planning Tip: The Art Zone is located in the eastern part of Beijing and requires a bit of walking from the nearest Metro station
Suggested time to spend: 2 – 2.5 hours
4. Bird’s Nest
We were only able to view this iconic structure (designed by the Chinese artist, Ai Wei Wei) from a distance, as the International Olympic Committee happened to be meeting inside the Olympic area the very day we were there to decide the fate of Beijing’s bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics. We learned the same day that Beijing indeed won the bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics!
5. Kung-Fu Show
Our tour itinerary included an evening at The Legend of Kungfu show at the Red Theatre in Beijing. Feeling skeptical, I initially wanted to omit this show from our itinerary fearing its touristy nature. The cost savings of omitting the show would’ve been nominal so I kept it in the itinerary. I was pleasantly surprised by the show, though I was a little bewildered when the dialogue began and the characters mouthed their lines to an English track!
The show was 90 minutes long with 7 action-packed martial arts scenes. The storyline tells of a young boy who practices kungfu, becomes a master, and finally reaches enlightenment. The show performs twice daily and tickets can be purchased in advance or from the ticket office.
Read My Other Beijing Trip Itineraries:
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Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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