Raw and unforgettable, the other side of Beijing and its secrets await, offering unexpected journeys
Beijing is a unique Olympic city, as it’s the only one so far to have hosted both the Summer and Winter Games. This distinction adds an extra appeal to the idea of running a marathon here. Best of all, you can even run a marathon on the Great Wall! While the dates may vary, feel free to contact us for more information.
Old Beijing was originally a walled city, enclosed by four walls and nine gates. This area, known as the Tartar City, formed the core of the inner city. To the south, the walled city was expanded, but the extension was never fully completed. In addition to the walls and gates, the city’s defenses included watchtowers and corner towers.
Over time, especially after the collapse of the Qing dynasty, the walls began to be breached. This process culminated in their complete demolition following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Nevertheless, a section of the wall still stands today, along with a corner tower and a few gates, serving as a reminder of the city’s historic past.
Locals in Beijing have been ice skating for centuries. Among China’s many inventions, some even claim that hockey originated there. Starting in the 17th century, the imperial court held ice games on the central lakes every December. Skating on natural ice has long been a cherished pastime in North China, enjoyed by both children and adults alike. While playing hockey in the Imperial City is no longer possible, ice skating remains a popular winter activity in Beijing.
Besides Roasted Duck, Beijing offers a wide range of dishes, sweets, and drinks—some of which are only for the daring. Beijing’s local cuisine can be described as “hearty,” specially crafted to withstand the city’s cold winters. Think baozi (steamed buns), noodles, youtiao (fried dough sticks), porridge, and creamy yogurts. While the food isn’t particularly spicy, some might say it leans toward being a bit oily.
Do you dare to try brain tofu? How about a stew made with intestines and liver? Or perhaps a comforting lamb hot pot? If not, don’t worry—the variety of options is vast, catering to all kinds of tastes.
As the second-largest tea market in China, this area boasts hundreds of stores, all centered around Chinese tea. It’s the ideal destination in Beijing for tea enthusiasts looking to explore and taste a wide variety of teas. In addition to tea, the market is filled with tea wares and related accessories. Regular tea-related activities and exhibitions also make this a vibrant hub for tea culture.
If you want to experience the warmth and welcoming essence of Chinese tea culture, this is an excellent place to start.
The wild Great Wall is the true Great Wall. To fully appreciate its scale and grandeur, the best way is to explore it in its natural state—taking the necessary precautions, of course. For hiking enthusiasts in Beijing, hiking often means one thing: climbing the Great Wall. This is because the areas surrounding Beijing showcase all the remarkable features the Wall has to offer.