Explore Beijing's Historic Charm and Everyday Life on This City Walk

As autumn deepens in Beijing, it's the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a stroll through the city. This hidden-gem route takes you through some of the city's historic landmarks, creative spaces, cultural experiences and everyday scenes, offering a closer look at both old and contemporary Beijing.

Route: Longfu Temple → 77 Cultural and Creative Industrial Park → ZSPACE → Beihai Park → Fangshan Teahouse (Imperial Pastries) → Jingshan Park

Longfu Temple

First built in 1452, Longfu Temple boasts a rich cultural heritage. Here, you will find the Beijing Daoxiangcun No. 0 Treasure Hunt Museum, known for its creative pastries, and Fengnian Guanchang, a traditional Beijing snack whose classic flavor lingers long in the memories of generations of Beijingers. Other attractions include the Longfu Temple branch of Cathay Bookshop, the Mahua Fun Age A99 Theater (Longfu Temple Branch), and Longfu Intangible Cultural Heritage Lane, which brings together more than a dozen distinctive intangible cultural heritage brands. You can also head up to the rooftop of Longfu Temple for panoramic views of Beijing's historic Central Axis and the modern skyline of the CBD.

77 Cultural and Creative Industrial Park

This is a thematic cultural and creative industry park centered on film, television, and theater. The 77 Theater retains the lofty spaces and rugged industrial structure of the former factory buildings, creating an ideal setting for immersive theatrical productions. It has staged a number of popular productions, including Inside No. 9, adapted from the hit BBC series, and the avant-garde production Immersive Hamlet 1001.

ZSPACE

The restaurant's design is imbued with an expressive, understated Chinese aesthetic, while its dishes echo the style of the artworks and exhibits displayed throughout the courtyard. A ginkgo tree, more than one hundred years old, turns a brilliant golden color every autumn, making the terrace a popular photo spot. The restaurant also offers a relaxing setting for afternoon tea, perfect for taking a leisurely, carefree break.

Beihai Park

The Dual Holiday Cultural and Creative Fair is currently taking place on the eastern shore of Beihai Park and will run through October 7. Bringing together intangible cultural heritage, food and distinctive local products, the event offers visitors an immersive experience of Guizhou culture and traditions. From September 25 to 27 and October 1 and 5 to 7, a different "Flower Goddess" will make a special appearance each day. Limited-edition bouquets featuring the themes of the two holidays (Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays) will also be available.

Fangshan Teahouse (Imperial Pastries)

Located inside Fangshan Restaurant on the northern shore of Beihai Park, Fangshan Teahouse features an elegant imperial-style interior. Visitors can choose from a variety of traditional imperial pastries, including milk pastries, walnut crisp, pea cakes and almond tofu. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the teahouse's special imperial mooncakes are now on sale.

Jingshan Park

From the top of Jingshan Hill, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Beijing's Central Axis and take in beautiful sunset views. "Meow Night at Jingshan" is Beijing's first immersive nighttime tourism experience themed around the Central Axis. Tickets can be purchased through the WeChat mini-program of "Chaopiao" (巢票). Visitors can use AR devices to explore virtual versions of iconic historic buildings along Beijing's Central Axis. Several hidden interactive spots are also scattered throughout the park, where scanning can unlock special surprises. The five pavilions in the park, including Wanchun Pavilion, are also regularly illuminated at night, emphasizing the park's unique evening atmosphere.

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)