Discovering Beijing’s Hidden Gems

Visiting Beijing isn’t just about the big tourist attractions like the Tiananmen Tower and the Forbidden City. It’s also about discovering the city’s hidden gems. The next time you fly into Beijing with Cathay Pacific, seriously consider the following. 

Ancient Observatory

Located in Beijing, the Ancient Observatory of Beijing is the world’s oldest astronomical observatory. The site was built in the Ming Dynasty, around the same time as the Forbidden City. The observatory is one of the most historically interesting astronomical sites in the world.

The site features ancient Chinese astronomical instruments and artifacts. These include a replica of the Ming Dynasty gold foil constellation map. It also displays an early astronomy museum surrounded by ancient trees.

A horizon circle, an elaborate equatorial armillary sphere, and a sextant, each weighing more than 2,000 kilograms, are among the largest astronomical instruments in the world. The equatorial armillary spherical instrument was used to measure the declinations of stars. It is also used to calculate the right ascensions of the stars.

The Chinese believed that celestial phenomena could portend change. In addition, the emperors closely followed celestial events. As a result, the site was used for astronomical observation for more than 500 years.

The Qing Dynasty expanded the observatory to include eight large astronomical instruments. They are unique in the world, and they reflect the early development of large astronomical instruments before the invention of telescopes.

The site also contains a courtyard with replicas of ancient Chinese astronomy artifacts. It also features a Dial Hall, an eastern wing-room, and a western wing-room. There is also a two-storey museum that features pictures of ancient Chinese scientists. The second exhibition room displays China Ancient Astronomical Achievement Exhibition.

Tiananmen Tower

Located at the northern edge of Tiananmen Square, Tiananmen Tower is one of Beijing’s hidden gems. The tower has elegantly designed doors and five arched doors.

Originally a three-storey timberwork, the tower was destroyed by lightning in 1457. It was rebuilt eight years later, as a three-bay-deep gatehouse. It served as a gateway to the imperial capital. It was used by officials to issue emperor’s proclamations. It was also the site of the Ming and Qing dynasties’ triennial imperial examinations.

The square is also home to the National Museum of China and the National Emblem of the People’s Republic of China. It is considered to be the largest square in the world. The square stretches 880 m from north to south.

Its size and shape were designed to emphasize the emperor’s preeminence. The tower’s columns are carved with a dragon design. It also features the animal “Wangtianhou” on the top of each column. The roof has carved dragon heads on the ridges.

The Great Hall of the People is located west of Tiananmen. It is a 170,000 square meter space that features a peach-pink marble floor and 12 marble gateposts. It is used for national meetings and ceremonial activities.

Tiananmen Tower was originally built during the reign of the Ming dynasty. The tower was later destroyed by the rebels led by Li Zicheng. The emperor’s proclamation was issued at the tower’s proclamation platform.

Gubei Water Town

Located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, Gubei Water Town is a popular tourist destination. It is also an ideal location for a weekend getaway.

A visit to Gubei Water Town is an ideal combination with a cityscape tour in Beijing. Despite its small size, this ancient town is an attractive place to explore. Its quaint appearance and old-fashioned simplicity makes it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

It is also a popular filming location for Chinese period dramas. The town has an ancient feel, with stone buildings and long Hutongs. There are also several restaurants, hotels, and hot springs in the area. Its scenic scenery is breathtaking. The town also offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese culture.

During the day, tourists can explore the streets of the town. Most of the hotels in Gubei Water Town provide hot spring service. However, many do not offer swimming facilities.

The Water Street Area is the highlight of the town. It recreates ancient water towns in Jiangnan. It includes arch stone bridges and winding rivers. It also features a Yongshun Dyehouse, which teaches ecological dyeing.

There are several hotels in the area, ranging from open and closed ones. Some of the hotels open to the public include Wuzhen Hui Boutique Hotel, Wtown Hotel, and Baqi Guesthouse. The Wuzhen Hui Boutique Hotel has a special price for visitors who stay at the hotel for a night. It also has a free entrance ticket.

Mudzlim Quarterdz on Niujie

Located in central Beijing’s Xuanwu district, the Mudzlim is the largest Muslim enclave in town. The neighborhood is home to over 200,000 Hui Muslims, a plethora of culturally significant mosques, and some of the best bang for your buck Chinese food and drink. Some of the more memorable offerings include a slew of traditional Chinese restaurants, a high-end mall, and a plethora of halal fast food joints. Unlike many cities, the Muslim enclave is a cohesive unit, rather than a collection of distinct sub-neighborhoods.

The Xuanwu mosque is a tad over a century old, and the neighborhood has been revitalized in the past decade. During this time, a large number of new mosques and Islamic cultural institutions have sprung up in the area, transforming the formerly segregated Hui enclave into a Muslim haven. Despite the relative isolation, you’ll still find plenty of Muslim snobs around, and the neighborhood has no shortage of halal establishments. In fact, the halal food and beverage industry is one of the largest in the world. It is also home to China’s largest Muslim community, with more than a thousand mosques dotted around the city. Besides the usual suspects, the neighborhood also plays host to an eclectic mix of Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors, who are just as likely to mingle as they are to rub elbows. Niujie is also home to one of Beijing’s most renowned landmarks, the aforementioned Xuanwu mosque.

Tianzifang, Qibao and Qibao old town

Located 18 kilometers from the downtown of Shanghai, Qibao is an ancient town, which has been preserved for centuries. It is a small water town that carries visitors back through the centuries, making it an interesting destination for a day trip from Shanghai.

There are a number of things to do in Qibao. One of the most famous things to do is to go to the Old Street, which is full of food stands and souvenir shops. Besides, there are several museums and temples in the area.

The area of Tianzifang is known for its narrow lanes and traditional shikumen architecture. The buildings are built in a red brick design, and have a mix of eclectic elements. This area is also popular for trendy art studios and restaurants.

Another area to visit is the 798 Art Zone, which is filled with bookshops, coffee shops and contemporary art galleries. There are also small craft stores, bars and restaurants in this area. This area has been restored and developed as an arts and crafts enclave.

You can also visit the Qibao Distillery, which is located in the center of the city. The distillery is used to produce wine. The area has a lot of food stalls, and you can try roasted sweet potatoes, different flavoured rice cakes, and dried bean curd wrapped in lotus leaves. These snacks are appetizing and colourful.

Qibao is also famous for crickets and cricket houses. This area is also home to a thousand-year-old shop.