Beijing's Lesser Known Tourist Attractions

When you visit Beijing as a tourist, the capital city of China, you will inevitably be taken sightseeing by your tour guides to view monumental and historical attractions like The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City and The Ming Tombs amongst many others.

However, more and more of the residents of Beijing are saying that there are many less well known tourist attractions that you must visit and these lesser known places, on their own accord also have many charms and delights for tourists.

For example, Cui Jian, a famous Chinese rock star who performed on a Rolling Stones act in Shanghai in 2006 was known to have said, "I am not at all interested in all that historical kingdom culture, stuff that shows this was once the greatest kingdom or something like that".

Cui recommends that tourists when visiting Beijing should also soak up the atmosphere in the 798 art district in Beijing's eastern Dashanzi instead. This1950s period factory zone has been transformed into a bohemian community of art galleries, cafes and bistros, outdoor sculptures, colorful graffiti painted on factory walls among many other interesting features.

Another Beijing resident, Wu Jianxin, who is an owner of a private wine club, grew up near Houhai, which was once a quiet lakeside village, which is now being overrun by noisy bars and boat rentals for tourists. Wu likes to take leisurely strolls in Baiyun Guan or White Cloud Temple.

This Taoist temple ground has a certain mystical charm about it and without the tourist crush like those in the major attractions,is a wonderful place to just enjoy a leisurely paced sightseeing. A sight to behold when you are in the 800 year old Baiyun Guan are regular traditional ceremonies and rites being performed by Taoist monks. This ancient temple is also the headquarters of the Chinese Taoist Association.

Li Jing, who is a designer by profession, prefers to take his walks in the Nanluoguxiang area. This area has well preserved stretch of backstreets although situated in downtown Beijing, is almost unknown to many tourists. These backstreets are home to many local bars, hostels and boutiques. The area exudes the ambience of old Beijing when contrasted against the city's modern superstructures.

For tourists who like to bring home unconventional souvenirs should visit Jindian Consignment Shop. Here, you will not find the usual replica dragons or jade chopsticks which you can find in souvenir shops all over Beijing. Instead, you will discover unusual and remarkably quaint souvenirs to bring home, such as old bus passes, Chinese antique clocks and flying pigeon bicycles (whatever that is).

Having visited Beijing on a number of occasions myself, I have to disagree with the locals who only recommend the less well known tourist attractions. My recommendation is to see everything Beijing has to offer including the major tourist attractions many of which will leave you awestricken.

About the Author - Chris Chew loves to travel. Read his travel exploits at Beijing Imperial Palace and Singapore tourist information

Comments

[Local Noodles]

Because I live in an extended family I don't get much time to spend with my wife. So, to spend some quality time with her, I thought to make a tour to Beijing. I was aware of some tourist spots out there, but I wished to know more. I searched on internet and fortunately found this site http://www.localnoodles.com/index/index.aspx. It not only provided me with a lot of options to visit the major attractions of the place but also informed me about the best hotels and restaurants, the places to shop etc.

[Jordan 2010]

Benjamin Franklin says that "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise". So, develop a good habit, then execute it.

[africa travel deals]

Thanks for the effort you took to expand upon this topic so thoroughly.
Many of us dream of taking a wild adventure through an exotic location for a holiday, vacation or trip of self exploration, not many of us actually treat ourselves to such an exciting and wonderful experience. There has never been a better time to fulfill this worthy dream, and traveling through beautiful and enchanting Africa is something everyone should do in their lifetime.
Booking an africa travel deals safari directly with a local operator in the country you wish to visit can save you a lot on money. But you must be very careful that you are booking with a reliable local safari operator who will give you a stress free vacation. With the internet full of all manner of safari operators, read on and discover how easy it is to vet if your African safari operator is genuine and reliable.

[ugg knightsbridge]

You have a good understanding of China! Deeply the Chinese people I admire you! Thank you for your love! We will be better in China

[Ugg Sundance II]

You’re welcome! I’m glad that persons are discovering this information valuable. It was most certainly a big aid to me.

[Retro Jordans]

Here, you must strive, grasp your time well, and always keep up the pace of the other members.

[acg boots]

I read so many different articles.butI like your articles,and hope you will write more,and better.i will assit to reading them,thanks.

[Nike Air Max 95]

Be confident which you have by no means had any regrets within your lifestyle which only lasts for any handful of decades. Chuckle or cry as you like, and it is meaningless to oppress your self.

[Latasha35MATTHEWS]

Every body admits that men's life seems to be very expensive, however some people need money for various issues and not every man gets enough money. Thence to receive some loan and just credit loan will be good way out.

[UGGs On Sale]

No matter how many times I read it, it never gets old. You definitely hit the nail on the head on this one. This is something people need to know about.

[red sole]

I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.

[manolo blahnik]

It's great to hear from you and see what you've been up to. In your blog I feel your enthusiasm for life. thank you.

[supra womens]

Hey ! am I glad to vist your blog ! from this I can get some information and facts that I didn’t know prior to. You made my day. Thank you rather much!

[Office 2010]

before, and forget the words soon. This time I am deeply stricked by your article. Your sense between the lines all have influenced me. Excellent writter, Thank