China
The hutongs
Wander around the most incredible area of Beijing. Explore Beijing's street food heaven and go to the drum tower.
Check-in at the Orchid hotel
If your budget allows it, stay at the Orchid Hotel. This is the perfect location to spend my time in Beijing. It's located between the hutongs and surrounded by cozy coffee bars, live music cafés, street food vendors, and many more. If your budget is tight and you have more than two people, you can book an apartment from the Orchid Hotel. The apartment costs around 200 euros, breakfast included. There is one separate room and one sofa which can turn into a double bed. It's best to send the hotel a message on the app 'WeChat.' If you don't have WeChat yet, you can download it. It's the Chinese version of WhatsApp and is widely used in China. To find 'The Orchid Hotel,' search for 'baochao65' and send a friend invitation. If this is all too difficult for you, go to their website.
Drum & bell tower
After checking in at the hotel, wander around the area. You'll find the bell & drum tower in a 800 meters distance from the hotel. If you're into history, buy an entrance ticket for 4 euros to visit both towers (bell & drum tower). If not, enjoy the architecture from the old buildings outside. These buildings were originally built in 1200, so they are ancient. (; Between these two towers is a small space where locals come together and play games.
LUNCH
You’ll be probably hungry by now! Go to 'Nanluoguxiang' Hutong and go for a street food hunt. There are lots of vendors selling all kinds of local food. Beijing is full of micro-local breweries, go to the great leap brewing to get a fresh pint. If you're not feeling safe ordering streef food, no problem, go to 'Kodo', where you can drink the most beautiful cappuccino of the world. They also serve some delicious food. I recommend ordering the cheese rice balls, it's soooooo yummy. An extra big plus is that the restaurant also have a roof terrace.
Ceramics
If you want a self-made souvenir to take home, go inside one of the many ceramics shops and create your own little tea/coffee mug. Make sure to ask when the mug will be ready, so you can actually take it home. We had to wait for three weeks. Which is a long time. A lot of ceramic shops are located at the Gulou E ave. So if you're staring at the drum tower, it's the street left from it. Not tired yet? Go to another hutong area 'Wudaoying'. This one has a hipster vibe with lots of coffee bars and vintage shops.. The Main Street of this area is called 'Wudaoying Hu Tong' and is also home to a three star Michelin vegetarian restaurant 'Kings joy'. Btw, the only 3-michelin-stars vegetarian restaurant in the world. Do you like to visit temples? The lama temple is at the end of this street and the entrance fee is 3,5 euros.
DINNER
You can’t leave Beijing without eating dumplings. For the best experience go to 'Mr. Shi dumplings'. This restaurant is situated in the same street as the hotel. Nice and easy. (; But it's actually not easy to find because there isn't a big sign. You can always ask your hotel for help.
Bird's nest
You should visit Bird’s nest when the sun is down. The building will light up and it's gorgeous! Buy a ticket to go inside and climb on top of this steel structure. Still not tired? Go back to Nanluoguxiang Hutong and visit one of the many live music cafes.
