If there is one place to admire the chinese architecture will be Beijing. I have been visiting this city already 3 times and I wouldn’t mind to go back. There is so much to see and explore. The city is so different compared to Shanghai but that’s why I like it. The forbidden city and temple of heaven are the most important things to visit among other touristic spots. It is a must to visit these places and of course the Great Wall. Even if I have been there more than once I still have a lot to explore and visit many other temples. I’d like to visit a different section of the wall too. Beside that you can eat amazing Chinese food and for sure taste the most delicious Pecking duck! #beijing #forbiddencity #templeofheaven #scenicspotguide #scenicspotguide#historicculture#urbanexplorer

Craving that burger but tormented by guilt over the dead cows? Or ate all the burgers in Sanlitun for the 37th time already and down for a little change of scenery? Try Side street! A no non-sense bar and restaurant located in the heart of old Beijing serving some of the best burgers and fusion food in town along with local and international craft beer from 13 taps. They even have 3 vegetarian burgers on the menu that are actually tasty! Also known for hosting Deep House/Techno DJ and other activities such as art markets, trivia nights and weekly specials on drinks and food. Going is sure to be worth every RMB you’ll spend! #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #easylife

This is a huge park containing so many activities. One side you can take a nice a quite stroll through the park enjoying the scenery; on the other there are so many activities for children including a Lego store. Inside there is a carnival and water park I don't really recommended any of them. Farther in the park is a laser tag arena above it is a special activity where you can practically climb obstacles and ride a zip-line, highly recommended though I don't think there is English. A number of festivals (like the 'Europe Cultural Exhibition') and exhibitions are held in Chaoyang Park every year, which attract thousands of visitors. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #easylife

This is a huge park, with a very big and nice lake in the middle, worth a walk through if you have around 2 hours free. Possibly do it if you have a couple hours spare before catching a train from the West railway station. Bear in mind that there is a river running on the South side of the park which is not easy to cross. There is however one bridge which crosses it and leads directly to the park entrance. There is a small charge for the park, but only about 5 rmb. The Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated in Yuyuantan Park in spring (from late March to the end of April) every year. Yuyuantan Park is one of the best places to see flowers in Beijing. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #easylife

Taoranting Park, in the south western area of Beijing, to the west of the Temple of Heaven, is an historic area of lakes and pavilions. Frequented by revolutionaries and poets in the past, Taoranting Park is now a popular urban space visited by couples enjoying boating on the lake, skaters in winter and tai chi enthusiasts year round. The park is also well-liked by families with kids due to the numerous fun activities available for young children. There were people doing all the usual (for Beijing) outdoor activities like ribbon dancing, square dancing, exercising, singing, playing exotic instruments, etc. We saw a group playing a game that was a composite of badminton, hackeysack, and volleyball. Good entertainment. Go for the atmosphere and the pavilions but not if you're looking for some solitude. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #easylife

It is situated in the Haidian District of northwestern Beijing and comprises three picturesque lakes with small islands within them. The lakes are connected by bridges. The water is full of lotus flowers in summer and surrounded by tall willow trees. Here and there pavilions offer shade and a place to relax. There are several groves of splendid bamboo hence its name of "Purple Bamboo Park" - indeed around 50 species of bamboo can be found here. Some of the buildings, bridges and other structures are constructed from the bamboo. Also of note are the lovely plum blossoms which flower in spring. The dredging of the lakes and building of the artificial hills dates from the 12th century with further renovations during the Ming dynasty and again in 1959. It is possible to be rowed on a traditional, covered boat on the lakes. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #easylife

Far away from the crowds, rarely visited by tourists, is this peaceful old temple. It's not difficult to get to - about 15 minutes walk through the hutong from the nearest subway station (Caishikou). You experience a Buddhist Temple as it should be, and if you are fortunate, as I was, there may be a service in progress - fifty or more monks walking around the courtyard chanting 'Amitabha'. Under such circumstances, respect must be shown and no photographs taken. This is real. Fayuan Si provides the most authentic experience of a functioning Buddhist temple. It's a good place to sit and meditate or reflect on the craziness of the world outside the walls. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #oldarchitecture

We went there for dinner and had a wonderful time. For the price we paid for dinner, we felt it was good value as entertainment, Chinese dancing, face changer, Chinese instrument music, etc. The food was what we expected, not the best but good value. It is not impressive on the outside but once inside, fabulous. Let them know you are an overseas visitor and they will take time to explain some stuff to you. The decor also reflects that era, although the historically accurate stone steps in the garden area can be a trifle tricky to negotiate in the dark. Despite the formal dress of the servers, the atmosphere was relaxed and informal. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #palace#oldarchitecture

This is a beautiful space. With over 80K artefacts, you won't worry that you missed somenthing about the Chinese culture, archeology and history. It is a massive building, forbidding from the outside; the interiors are extraordinarily well presented. The huge hall featuring a bronze cilinder the size of 5 story building and an archway from Ming dynasty centrally placed. We had a guided tour starting from the top floor; it can be exhausting - but it's well worth it. Model villages are particularly nice. The museum shop is on the lower underground level - again, this is a place to shop for beautifully manufactured replicas, althought these are not the cheapest in Beijing. But the friendliness of staff will put you at ease and you can have a bonus of looking at their packaging skills. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #oldarchitecture