Added to this, are mini picture galleries on each subject. I’m mostly letting the images do the talking for me! 

Combine this with my Beijing Tour guide (where I am listing the most unusual things to do in Beijing) and you got yourself the perfect Beijing Holiday! 

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

This post will be taking you on a journey in Beijing, through a series of breathtaking pictures taken from my travels to China; showcasing all the rich culture, food, and sights that Beijing has to offer.

Think of this as the Beijing Itinerary you didn’t know you needed!

All the reasons to visit Beijing in one article, specially designed to provide the ultimate Chinese Wanderlust.

Beijing Itinerary

1. Go Shopping and Experience the Extravagance

 Shopping in Beijing is an experience in itself!

Countless malls, electronics shops, street markets, and outlets provide the cheap China shopping of your dreams!

Meanwhile, the high-end shopping scene is as vibrant and popping as the pictures and supercars parked on every corner below!

You will love the Pearl market Beijing – that will not only allow you to indulge in first-class pearl jewelry but will also solve the answer to the question; ”What to buy in Beijing”

2.Admire the Architecture

The Buddhist temples in Beijing are beautiful and must be admired up close. The Temple of Heaven is pure magic!

Fascinating and intricate architecture that comes in stark contrast with the ”new Beijing” of sky-high skyscrapers and futuristic buildings. 

It makes you feel like half the city is in a time machine from centuries ago.  

3. Eat ALL the Incredible Food In Beijing

 My entire life I have detested Chinese food with a passion.

Weird-looking sauces and suspicious-looking meats – no thank you!

That all changed the minute I sampled real Chinese food…In China. Literally, nothing you have ever tasted, anywhere in the world!

The most delicious, freshly rolled sushi, mouthwatering freshly steamed dumplings, Korean BBQ, mild curries, and not a sweet and sour chicken in sight! YUM! 

 4. Indulge In Chocolate Masterpieces

Prepare yourself for the sugar high of your lives!

You will be hard pushed to choose just one in this Dessert heaven venue dedicated entirely to chocolate.

Chocolate martinis, salted caramel lava cakes, delicious mousses, praline brownies and many more will have you indulging in 0.5 seconds. 

Location: Awfully Chocolate  

5. Party with the locals – Beijing Itinerary

 I had many crazy nights in Beijing – and most of them involved grape Bacardi Breezers which I have found nowhere else in the world!

While there are plenty of sophisticated and upscale venues in Beijing – getting down and dirty with the locals is where the real fun is at!

Destination Club in Beijing is also a great LGBT friendly club in Beijing that puts the wild in nightlife in Beijing 

Destination Club Address: China, Beijing Shi, Chaoyang Qu, 工体西路7号  

6. Drive and photograph the most bizzare automobiles in Beijing

I have NEVER in my life seen as many unconventional ”vehicles” in the streets!

There are bicycles carrying actual sofas, and weird-looking motorbikes decked out like a King’s Carriage!

There are electric cars, old-style sidecars and many…many more!

Ride and photograph as many as you can!  

7. Get in touch with Nature and Wildlife

The capital of the country of the Panda, Beijing is also filled with many parks, lakes, and wildlife.

Personally that this is the last thing people expect to see in China!

So pet the Pandas, stroll through the parks, and take little boat ride picnics in the lakes!  

8. Meet The Locals in Beijing

My Caucasian skin and blonde hair made me quite the celebrity in China!

I have never in my life posed for so many pictures with people I do not know!

Wherever I travel, one of my main goals is to meet local people. They hold the juice to the country – the customs, the language, the culture. 

Locals in China were fascinating – their non-existent English made interacting with them a challenge which I loved from the get-go!  

9. Get lost in The Temple Of Heaven

it is China’s largest and most representative existing masterpiece among China’s ancient sacrificial buildings.

Originally called the Temple of Heaven and Earth, it was built from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of Emperor Yongle, who was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City.

The temple was enlarged and renamed the Temple of Heaven during the reign of Emperor Jiajing in the sixteenth century.

The Temple of Heaven used to serve as the sacred place where emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911) held the Heaven Worship Ceremony.

10. Experience a true Chinese Toilet

Because you will never understand true misery until you’re forced to use one of those!

And because on the odd chance you will come across a European Beijing toilet, it will probably be out of order!

Still, an experience I will remember for some time!

11. Go and watch the the Acrobatic Show Beijing

Have you ever seen a dozen gymnasts hanging off the same bicycle?

One word; amazing! 

This show is a must! Chinese singing, dancing, and some kick-ass acrobatics!

 12. Try Alternative Medicine

Chinese medicine is a whole science in itself and Beijing is the perfect place to experiment with alternative medicine.

Herbs, cupping therapy, acupuncture, Chinese massages, and foot spas.

I can attest to the heavenly feeling of the foot spas, and I found the cupping therapy fascinating!

13. Dare to try street food

dvjdvjd

The street food culture is huge in Beijing as it is with most of Asia!

Fresh corn on the cob, entire hot pot meals, steamed sweet potatoes, and yes, even insects on a stick for the daredevils!

Go for it, you will be surprised at how yummy it is! The general rule of thumb when eating street food is:

• Choose a vendor that has a queue waiting
• Make sure you see locals eating
• Do not buy anything that isnt cooked in front of your eyes
• Always carry activated charcoal tablets with you. Total lifesaver in case something doesn’t agree with you!

14. Find the biggest tea market in the world

You will never know how invested you can become in tea until you have visited China.

Every herb you can imagine, every flavor, each with a rich history and its own medicinal purpose.

You will be hard pushed to find teabags here – all the good stuff is bought by the gram! 

The Maliando Tea Street boasts over 1500 tea vendors fanatical with tea – and after a day there, you will be joining them!

Stroll through the market, try different teas, make purchases, and learn all about the healing powers of the humble…tea.

15. Hike and marvel at The Great Wall of China

No Beijing Itinerary will EVER be complete without this.

Because if you set foot in Beijing and don’t go marvel at the Great Wall Of China – you are being silly! 

In case you didn’t know, The Great Wall is over 2.300 years old, Hike the entirety of it, or use a cable car if you need to.

Admire the wonders of civilizations past, take in the breathtaking views and make sure you slide down the mountain on your way down! 

Fascinating Facts about the Great Wall of China

• It is said that over 400.000 people died building the Great Wall, many of which are still buried inside the walls
• Although many believe that the Great Wall of China can be seen from space with the naked eye, that is simply not true! It can be, however, be seen with aid.
• It took over 20 years of hard labor to build it
• The primary purpose if the Great Wall was to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders
• The last part of the wall with the massive watch-towers was actually built by the Ming Dynasty.
• The official number of the total length of the Great Wall is 8851.8 kilometers (5500 miles)
• Over 10 million people visit the Great Wall of China every year. It has been visited by over 300 heads of state and VIPs from around the world

Did you like this Beijing Itinerary? Then share it on Pinterest!

Thanks for reading my Beijing Itinerary! Don’t forget to subscribe below, and follow my Instagram with plenty of travel news and inspo!

Useful Articles Before you fly to China

Travel Vaccinations and the health hazards in Exotic Destinations – Exotic Destinations and Diseases

Travel without Jet Lag – Travel Like A Pro and Beat The Dreaded Jet

Cyprus travel agency recommendation: How to find your perfect travel agency

The Best Things In Beijing – Beijing Itinerary – A journey through pictures

Love,

Tia

The post Beijing Itinerary – 15 Unmissable Activities In Beijing appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

I have nothing against the traditional, touristy things in any country, let alone in China.

In my opinion, certain destinations are popular for a reason, and I make it my mission to see them all.

But isn’t it nice to think outside of the box every once in a while? Travel off the beaten path, and become one with a foreign culture? I believe so!  

So if you want the wackiest, craziest, most authentically Chinese things to do in Beijing.. then read on!  

This Beijing tour guide is all about experiencing Beijing off the beaten path and getting close to the beautiful culture and delightful wackiness. 

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, please take a look at our disclaimer here.

How many days in Beijing is enough?

I would say 7 days are plenty to cover a lot of the attractions and dive into some of the recommendations in this article.

If you like to travel at a slow pace, then consider staying for 10 days!

Check here for flights to Beijing, China

Is Beijing worth visiting?

Maybe China isn’t on your wishlist, but it really should be. It might not be the tropical paradise of Bali or Costa Rica, but China is epic in many other ways.

The vast difference in culture will shock and awe you at the same time.

Everything – from the houses to the people, the vehicles, and the food – makes you feel like you are in a parallel universe.

One where you have to pinch yourself often to make sure you aren’t dreaming!

I will never forget the time I landed at the airport in Beijing and a Chinese lady stripped in front of me

Is Beijing tourist-friendly?

Absolutely, I felt very safe in Beijing! Pre-Covid, the city used to receive 3 million tourists per year!

The good news is that Beijing is incredibly welcoming.

What is the best way to travel in Beijing?

The best ways to get around Beijing are on foot and by subway.

As one of the largest, most populous cities in the world, Beijing has a lot of traffic, that can leave you stuck on the road for ages!

My time in Beijing

China was huge for me. So much so, that it inspired me to travel as far and as wide as I could, and to create this travel website!

  I spent three weeks in Beijing; and was extremely fortunate to get a real locals perspective as I was visiting a close friend of mine who lives there.  

Check here for hotels in Beijing

There are many fun things to do in Beijing along with lesser-known places to visit in China, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!  

Beijing Tour Guide – The Ultimate List Of Unique and Crazy Things To Do

1. Spend an afternoon with the Cricket Man  

The cricket man in Beijing is somewhat of a local celebrity!

This service allows you to visit his home, where you will learn all about cricket fighting – which is actually an ancient tradition in China!

He will show you his crickets and explain how much he paid for them (an insane amount!).

He will also explain their dietary needs, behavioral patterns, and how he preps them to fight!

Yep, I’m for real. Crickets you guys!    

2. Camp overnight on the Great Wall  

An incredible and utterly unforgettable two-day Great Wall adventure! Hike the Great Wall and camp in a tower in its more remote parts that tourists hardly even know about.

Sleep under the stars, and explore the stunning beauty of China with the heavy history of the Great Wall.

Beijing Hikers have the added benefit of having the camping gear delivered directly to the campsite, so you’ll just need to carry your clothes, additional snacking food, and a camera!

They also supply water, all main meals, and snacks. This makes it easy for anyone to experience this side of the Great Wall, even if they have no camping gear or experience.

Enjoy the scenery, sunset, stars, and sunrise without all the sweat involved in a full-on camping expedition.

Cost 1690 RMB ( 222 euros)

Company: Beijing Hikers    

3. Beijing Tour Guide- Drive a sidecar through the streets of Beijing  

In Beijing, you will witness a plethora of strange vehicles. From bicycles dragging along entire sofas in a cart to Tuk Tuks, futuristic scooters, and sidecars.

The Chinese sidecar is a copy of the German BMWR71 and the Russian M72 and it is unlike any car you will see in the Western world.

You can ride or drive these antique sidecars as part of an alternative tour of Beijing!

4. Party the night away at Destination Nightclub  

Destination Nightclub is much, much more than a simple nightclub.

Destination includes a dance floor with a pole, an in-house art gallery, multiple cafes and drag shows on selected dates.

This is an LGBT club – the biggest and most popular one in Beijing at that. But it also freely opens its doors to people of all ethnicity and sexual orientation.

In one of the most culturally controlled countries in the World, Destination is a beacon of hope, unity, and universal acceptance!

Needless to say, it is THE place to be on a night out in Beijing! Dance the night away with a drink or signature cocktail, on the packed dance floor of one of the most socially open and diverse venues in Beijing.

Address: 7 Gongtixilu Rd. Beijing, 100020 Beijing, China  

Tip 1: On Saturdays, the club remains open until 5 am! 

Tip 2: There is a mobile HIV testing lab frequently parked outside the club that provides free testing services.

Photos above are by Pierre, drag performances by Beijing Drag Haus, Haus of Lily  

5. Learn Ceramic Pottery from A Chinese Pottery Master  

As far as DIY Activities go, the Taozui pottery cave on Gulou Dong Dajie is pretty great.

The area of Gulou-Nanluoguxiang has much to offer in DIY things to do in general!

Therefore, taking a stroll through the area is a good idea if you like to window shop and take ideas.

In this pottery ‘’shop’’ you can pay for a 1hour session and learn the art of ceramic pottery from a Chinese master.

The masters rarely speak English, but it all adds to the experience!

And if you are observant you will pick up a lot from their hand signals and the way they work.

During the first 15 minutes of your session, you get to observe the master at work. He/she skillfully crafts a piece of art using hands and gestures to explain how he/she rolls, pinches, and shapes the clay.

After that, side by side you begin to work on your own creation replicating their actions.

It’s harder than it looks but the master is by your side the whole time, correcting you as you go along!

In the end, he/she might even step in and correct your creation if you need additional help.

Regardless of whether you end up with a shapeless maze or a pottery masterpiece, this is a great activity for all ages.

You never know, you might just discover new talent!

Address: 186 Gulou Dong Dajie, Beijing, China  

6. Beijing Tour Guide; Visit the Watermelon Museum

I still giggle at this. Only the Chinese would think of devoting an entire museum to the humble watermelon!

But if you have actually traveled to Beijing, you will also know…that this isn’t even high on the list of the wacky and amazing things in Beijing!

Unlike any other museum you have visited, this Futuristic museum is packed with wax watermelons of every shape and size, bright signs, and neon lighting.

They display every variety of watermelon in the world, their history, growing methods, and China’s booming watermelon culture.  

7. Explore Chinese Medicine with a Cupping Therapy  

China is most famous for two things; food and Chinese medicine.

Cupping is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that is extremely popular to this day. It is said to relieve pain and inflammation and leaves the patient refreshed and rebalanced!

It is done by placing a cup over the skin that gets sucked into the skin creating a vacuum effect while the air left inside the cup is heated.

Not painful, but certainly a strange sensation and a one-of-a-kind experience, especially when done in its original country of origin.

While Beijing boasts hundreds and practices that perform cupping, I recommend the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing (open also for outside guests) which offers traditional Chinese medicine services on top of their normal spa services.

Address: Hilton Spa  

8. Master the Art of Making Dumplings in a Chinese home  

This is a cooking class with a real spin on it. This class is all about dumplings – A Chinese Favorite with a delicate yet mind-blowing taste.

The twist is, that the class takes place in a local home, which is in charge of teaching you how to make this amazing dish from scratch.

The interaction with the locals and the privilege of being in their home and meeting their families was beautiful. Cooking and eating with them and exchanging life stories will be as important as learning the art of making dumplings.

Real people, real authentic neighborhoods, and a whole lot of fun. Priceless. 

9. Beijing Tour Guide – Bathe in Natural Hot springs  

The Jiuhua Resort is one of China’s four major hot springs. It is abundantly rich in minerals and elements which are believed to be extremely beneficial to our physical and mental well-being.

The Hot springs at Jiuhua are said to be effective in curing a plethora of skin diseases as well as providing body and soul rejuvenation.

The Jiuhua hot spring comes from 1230 meters underground, with a steady temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, It has modern outdoor Jacuzzi-type hot tubs and indoor pools.

The Hot springs are available for a day pass: Price is RMB 220 per person with additional fees if you want a massage at the spa too.

Address: Xiaotangshan Town, Changping District, Beijing    

10. Beijing Tour Guide; Eat Silkworms and Scorpions On a Stick  

Did you really think my Beijing Tour Guide would leave out insects?

Are you brave enough to really dive into Chinese culture?

If the answer is yes, then the Donghuament Night Market is the place to be!

Find a large array of insects – scorpions, seahorses, starfish, and silkworms all barbecued and served on a stick.

An experience that is suitable for strong stomachs!  And most definitely NOT suited for mine! 

11. Beijing Tour Guide; Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi  

Slow down, breath,e and enjoy simply experiencing the present.

Tai Chi can help you feel in balance with yourself as well as energize and work the muscles. It is practiced to realign the posture and soothe the body and soul.

What better way to immerse yourself in the true Chinese spirit than with a class or two of Tai Chi?

Definitely an experience worthy of a Beijing Tour Guide!

Address: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN – DONGCHENG DISTRICT, BEIJING, CHINA, 100050

Company: Kung Fu Experience Class  

12. Beijing Tour Guide- Discover hundreds of teas at Maliandao Tea Street  

Imagine a street full of hundreds of tea vendors (over 1000!) selling a large selection of regional teas all at your disposal.

Sounds awesome right?

That’s because it is, and it is found at Maliandao Tea Street!

 The vast local knowledge of herbs is thoroughly impressive and not at all surprising because tea has been used for health purposes for centuries in China.

Herbs have been long believed to cure and treat a multitude of both physical and mental illnesses and the Chinese are huge fans indeed.

These ancient traditions and herbal practices are very much kept alive and are still being carried out through generations in China.

In this tea street, you can learn all about herbs, and buy tea accessories and teas to take home.

You also experience a slice of true Chinese culture. You can sample most teas before you buy, and tea is either bagged or loose.

As a tea fanatic and culture enthusiast, I have to say I really adored this experience! 

Check out more attractions in Belize here

I hope you have enjoyed this Beijing Tour Guide filled with unique, cultural things to do!

I certainly hope that you give China the chance to win over your hearts!  

For travel vlogs, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel! 

Do you want to travel with me? For group trips, travel giveaways, discounts, and newsletters, subscribe with your email below! (scroll to the bottom of the page)

Lastly, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

See you soon,

Love, Tia x

Like this post? Then share it on Pinterest!

Related Articles

Indonesia

• Komodo National Park Indonesia – 10 Activities You Cannot Miss In Paradise
• Padar Youtube Video – Padar Island Vlog 

Singapore

• Singapore Travel Guide – 3 blissful days in Singapore
• Exciting Things to Do in Sentosa – A list of 8 amazing activities in Sentosa
• beaches in Sentosa
• Discover Universal Studios Singapore – A list of the BEST Rides at Universal
• Heavenly Beach Spots in Sentosa – the best beaches on the island

China

• Things You MUST do in Beijing – 15 activities in Beijing you need to experience
• Beijing Off The Beaten Path – The Most Unique Things to Do in Beijing

Thailand 

• Thailand information you should know – climate, budget, visas
• Thailand Packing Guide – what to pack for paradise

Phi Phi Islands

• The best things to do in Koh Phi Phi – The best activities
• Food and Nightlife in Phi Phi Island – where to eat and drink
• Phi Phi – Island Hopping Guide – The most paradisaical activity

Koh Samui Island

• Koh Samui Thailand – Full travel guide
• The best of the best Koh Samui Beach bars –  Blissful luxury in Samui
• Koh Samui – The best Restaurants and Nightlife – Fantastic food and drinks

Phuket

• The best Activities to do it Phuket – The Best things to do in Phuket
• Phuket’s best beaches – Breathtaking beaches you need to visit
• The best restaurants and Nightlife in Phuket – food and partying in Phuket

Jordan

• Jordan Travel Guide – All The Information you need to know before you visit.
• The Best Things To Do In Jordan – A guide to the best activities in Jordan
• Vegan Jordan – A vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide in Jordan
• What to wear in Jordan – The ideal packing guide
• Jordan In Ramadan – Tips to Visiting the country during Ramadan

Also, Check out…

• How to travel ethically – Responsible tourism – How to travel and save our planet
• Where to travel without a visa – Cyprus Passport Visa Free Countries – A Full List
• Exotic Diseases – How to avoid getting sick on holiday

The post Beijing Tour Guide- Unique Things to Do in Beijing appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

This second article of my epic Travel Fails series, holds one of many culture shocks I experienced in China!

And seeing as we all need a good laugh, keep reading and feel free to giggle!

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

China, a culture shock favorite

Ahhhh China… how i love thee.

It’s like you stepped into a parallel universe.. one with millions of very tiny people.

Some of those, evidently like to strip and pee in public. (and hold impromptu karaoke sessions on The Great Wall of China, but let’s leave that for another story..).

In the entire trip, 90% of my China Picture Gallery is a culture shock!

So my trip to Beijing, China was my first long-distance Travel Adventure.

I had the best time, discovering the local side of Beijing! This became possible, because I visited my friend Chloe, who has been living in Beijing for over a decade.

I traveled the 19-hour journey alone and by the time I arrived in Beijing I was jet-lagged, exhausted, and thoroughly confused.

Where am I? What day is it? what time is it ?? and more importantly where is my bed ?!

First things first though, a quick bathroom visit to brush my teeth, wash my face and pretend the jet lag hasn’t officially kicked my arse.

China Experience – The Striptease

In the bathroom, I went, and off with my business.

I was standing in front of the sink, with my toothbrush in my hands when two Chinese women waltzed in chatting to each other.

I was still standing there minding my own business when this lady – who I am crowning ”Naked Pee Lady” stood in the middle of the bathroom and proceeded to leisurely take off her clothes.

Every.Last.Bit.Of.Clothing.

Now I am a professional dancer folks, so I’m definitely used to seeing skin.

But the sheer casualness of just stripping in front of a good 25 strangers had my toothpaste dribbling down my chin.

There she is, casual, naked, and happy about it chatting away to her friend in the middle of a crowded airport bathroom and a lot of confused faces.

China Experience – The Squatting

I started thinking of various scenarios.

Is this a prank? Maybe she’s a bit crazy? The confusion was REAL.

But wait..Striping apparently wasn’t enough.

Because soon after, Naked Pee Lady proceeded to bend over and squat – yes squat! in front of her suitcase to find new items of clothing to wear.

Thank the Lord I thought – At least there are clothes in the horizon.

Meanwhile, Chloe rings: ”Tiaaaa have you arrived? I’m waiting at the airport! What’s taking so long?”

I whispered ” Babe I’m here, but I came to brush my teeth and there’s a naked lady squatting in my face!! ”

Chloe: ”Tia this is China, so to be honest I’d get out before she pees!”

”As IF she’s going to pee!” – I thought…BUT SHE DID.

In to a cubicle, she strolled.. butt naked.. and proceeded to pee (and chat) with the door wide open.

Then…. wait for it… She got up, turned around, and reached deep into the bottom of her throat for the deepest most ear-splitting SPIT I have ever heard.

If I wasn’t busy experiencing the culture shock of my entire life I would be secretly impressed!

China Experience – My Queue to Leave

A woman waiting in line tried to close the door on her – NO she screamed!

The idea of peeing and wiping with the door closed was clearly very foreign to her.

There are Women tutting, kids laughing, awkwardness all around and I’m stuck mid-air with a contouring brush in hand.

That’s when I realize; that’s my queue out of there. If she poops I’ll frigging DIE.

Out I hurried to join the rest of the fully dressed society and the now impatient Chloe.

We hadn’t even left the airport parking complex when we stopped at a pedestrian crossing to let a woman and her child cross.

She waved us to keep going, as her child was also busy peeing in the middle of the street.

My jaw dropped to the floor. You can’t be serious!!!

”Why is everyone peeing everywhere apart from the toilet? what the hell!!!!”

She laughed her gorgeous laugh and said ” Welcome to China babe, you are in for a ride!”

And that folks, is how the Naked Pee Lady became the first thing I ever think about when people ask… ” So Tia, how was China?”

Related Articles

The Most Unusual things to do in Beijing

15 Unmissable Activities to add to you Beijing itinerary

Tips to Ensure No more jet lag when you fly!

Other funny short travel  Stories

Accidentally Killing the Pet Spider– Bali

Diving headfirst into the Thai Jungle – Thailand

Chasing the sharks in Belize – Belize

When the monkey ate my glasses – Bali

Did you like this post? Then share it on Pinterest!

The post China Experience – When The Woman Peed and Stripped at the Airport appeared first on Tia Does Travel.