Whilst you perform your on a regular basis life in Beijing, there’s all the time room for just a few facet quests to maintain you entertained and within the recreation. Right here, we have shortlisted just a few issues you are able to do on the facet. The perfect half?
A) These are brief facet quests between two to 5 hours
B) Most of those are free
C) They’re family-friendly, or they could be a nice date concept
Right here we go…
1. Furnishings Flea Market at Tongzhou
In a land far, far-off, there lies a furnishings flea market with porcelain cheetahs straight from Joey Tribbiani’s condominium and creepy classic Easter decorations out of your grandma’s. Within the coronary heart of Tongzhou, there lies this quaint and quiet however tremendous distinctive furnishings place that sells all the things from beds to coat hangers to genuine picket ottomans. Well worth the 40 or so minute trip, this furnishings retailer opens up a really conventional Beijing dwelling decor fashion to you. It is proper above a contemporary fruit and meat market, so you’ll be able to come again with not just some new furnishings but in addition some actually contemporary groceries too!
Protip: Keep away from utilizing the bogs there, although. They’re situated in a brilliant creepy again alley and stink like hell.
Baimiao Flea Market北京通州白庙旧货市场
Beijing Tuanli Forest Agricultural Commerce Market Middle, 150 meters northwest of the intersection of Liyuan Erjie and Jiaoxiao Waihuan Lu, Tongzhou District
通州区潞苑二街与驾校外环路交叉口西北150米北京疃里丛林农贸市场中心
2. Library Time in Tongzhou
Talking of Tongzhou, come hither, facet quester! Come hither to put your eyes on probably the most wonderful libraries you’ll ever go to. The Beijing Library is a sight to see, not solely architecturally but in addition for a ebook nerd. Bustling with vitality and pure mild, the megastructure is a haven for a lot of foreigners who climb up these twirling stairs and comfy up with a Victor Hugo or Fyodor Dostoevsky if that’s your vibe. In case you are searching for a soothing day trip amongst books and low, this would possibly simply be the place to be.
Beijing Library 北京城市图书馆
Bldg 3, 1 Lüxin Lu, Tongzhou District
通州区-绿心路1号院3号楼
Hours: 10am-8pm
3. Thrifting at Roundabout
An underrated gem that has caught traction in recent times is charity store Roundabout, situated simply on the sting of Chaoyang District, near the border with Shunyi. Thrifting at Roundabout would possibly simply be that Sunday repair to maintain your Monday blues away. From antiques to classic clothes to an absolute fiasco of random home goods and baggage basically paired with sneakers and vases from the gods themselves, this wonderful thrift retailer is an entire expertise in itself. The right facet quest measurement, the situation would go away you with sufficient time to prepare dinner your self a pasta dinner and catch the most recent episode of no matter gossip housewife desperation present you’re into this summer time.
Roundabout
Cathy View Plaza, 2A Xiangjiang Beilu,Chaoyang District
朝阳区香江北路甲2号观唐广场
Hours: 10am-7pm
4. Exploring Backyard Expo Park
All people goes to Chaoyang Park, however have you ever been to Backyard Expo Park? The second-to-last station of Line 14 in the direction of Zhangguozhuang holds an impressive park that has a number of gardens inside itself. Our private favourite is the Rose Backyard, however it’s a secret spot for Chinese language {couples} who need some quiet but in addition aesthetic views. Spend a day on the farthest finish of one in every of Beijing’s essential subway strains and simply dwell your unbothered facet questing life. Don’t overlook to hold a ebook alongside and a selfie stick if you happen to’re going alone – you would possibly need to seize the beautiful bronze sculptures, the archways and the floral magnificence.
Backyard Expo Park 北京园博园
15 Shijichang Lu, Fengtai District
丰台区射击场路15号
Hours: 6.30am-7pm
5. The Hidden E-book Market at Panjiayuan
We’ve most likely all been to Panjiayuan by this level, however have you ever been to the ebook market that lies behind the bracelet retailers? Proper behind the principle bustling bazaar at Panjiayuan lies a really lovely and artsy ebook market. You might be positive to seek out some wonderful presents right here. With outdated agenda posters, hardcover books in pristine situation and thriftable frames, work, badges and cash, you’ll discover a complete number of issues right here. We favored the endless bundles of stamps and classic posters. The market holds a lot character; it’s the best facet quest vacation spot. Don’t overlook to look out for a line in your approach out: the Qingzhen Baozi store in your left will function the right place for a pleasant, steaming lunch.
Panjiayuan Vintage Market 潘家园旧货市场
18 Hua Weili, Panjiayuan Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区潘家园路华威里18号
Hours: 9am-11pm
6. A Bairong World Commerce Mall Buying Spree
Line 8 on the Beijing subway holds one of many biggest treasures of Beijing items. Intention for Muxiyuan on Line 8 and end up on the Bairong World Commerce Mall. Crammed to the brim with garments in a single constructing, crockery and giftable objects within the different and Chinese language dried meals and edible items on the bottom ground, this can be a place to find. Pack a thermos of espresso, or get some boba on the native boba store on the bottom ground, and off you go for a buying spree like no different. Haggle like your life relies on it, crack the best offers within the low cost bins and toil round till your cart is so full, you’ll be able to barely drag it.
Bairong World Commerce Mall 百荣世贸商城
101 Yongdingmen Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区 永定门大街 101 号
Hours: 9am-7pm
7. Potter a Mug for your self
Ever needed a chunk of Beijing for your self, however the principle souvenirs simply didn’t do it for you? Head over to Jinyu Hutong on Line 8 and end up in one of many many pottery retailers. For under round RMB 88 and a beautiful hour later, you’ll have put your very personal spin on a pottery mug that may sit in your desk at work and be an important dialog piece. There are different choices like saucers and plates as properly. It’s all about discovering what you might be drawn to, and you’ll be left with a chunk for a lifetime that can remind you of the nice instances in Beijing.
Jinyu Hutong 金鱼胡同
Hope you might be sorted for just a few of your coming free days. Completely happy facet questing!
Concerning the Creator
Sundus Farooq is an English literature and language trainer primarily based in Beijing. She found her voice via her weblog, TheLiteraryPeanut.wordpress.com, which she has been curating since 2014. With a ardour for storytelling and a deep love for meals and journey, she has spent the previous decade writing for varied publications. Now she ventures on by capturing the flavors, sights, and spirit of Beijing.
READ: The Nice Beijing Ice Cream Quest
Pictures: Uni You, Sundus Farooq, Dianping, Canva
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