So you managed to snag a ticket to the Olympics in Beijing, but you’re looking for other things to do. You can always go to where the tourists go, but there are those attractions that won’t be so crowded because they aren’t so well-known.
Here are five of the “non-tourist” spots that shouldn’t be missed:
1. Dashanzi Art District (a.k.a. 798 Art Zone) is the epicenter of Beijing’s independent arts scene. Even if you’re not an art fan, there are cafes, tailors, and restaurants that are worth a visit.
2. The Golden Resources Shopping Mall is located in Haidan District. Although it is in the guidebooks, you can get away from the crowd by going through its twisting passages and multiple levels.
3. Simatai is a not-so-well-known part of the Great Wall. It is less crowded, boasts some magnificent scenery and, because it hasn’t been completely rebuilt, some of the original structures are still there.
4. Lianhuachi Park has pavillions, ponds, rock gardens, and flowers like the well-known Beihai Park, but this spot is more popular with locals than with tourists.
5. If you’re looking for authentic Beijing food, look no further than the Longfusi Snack Street in the Dongcheng District. There are restaurants and vendors lining both sides of the street as well as the back alleyways.
Enjoy yourself, but remember to be careful and follow these safety tips from our own James Wysong.
