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China
Major Beijing Tourist Attractions
Tourists
visiting Beijing will inevitably be taken by their tour guides to view
monumental historical attractions like The
Great Wall of China, The
Forbidden City and The Ming Tombs amongst many others. However, more and
more of the local people are saying there are many lesser known tourist
attractions that you must visit while in Beijing.
Lesser known Beijing tourist attractions
The locals say that there is a wealth of unique and low cost lesser known
alternative attractions for the discerning tourist. For example, Cui Jian, a
famous Chinese rock star who performed on a Rolling Stones act in Shanghai
in 2006 said, "I am not really interested in all that historical kingdom
culture, stuff that shows this was once the greatest kingdom or something like
that".
Cui recommends that tourists when visiting Beijing should also soak up
the ambience in the 798 art district in Beijing's eastern Dashanzi instead.
This1950s period factory zone has been transformed into a bohemian community
of art galleries, cafes and bistros, outdoor sculptures, tasteful graffiti
splashed on factory walls among many other interesting feature
Another Beijing local, Wu Jianxin, who is an owner of a
private wine club, grew up near Houhai, which was once a quiet lakeside which
is now being overrun by noisy bars and boat rentals for tourists, like to
stroll the ground of Baiyun Guan or White Cloud Temple.
This Taoist temple ground has a certain mystical charm
about it and without the tourist crush like those in the major attractions, is
a wonderful place to just enjoy a leisurely paced sightseeing. A sight to
behold when you are in the 800 year old Baiyun Guan are regular ceremonies
being performed by Taoist monks. This ancient temple is also the headquarters
of the Chinese Taoist Association.
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Li Jing, a designer by occupation, prefers to take his leisure strolls around
Nanluoguxiang area. This area has well preserved stretch of backstreets
although situated in downtown Beijing, is almost unknown to many tourists.
These backstreets are home to many local bars, hostels and boutiques. The area
exudes the ambience of old Beijing when contrasted against the city's
modernity.
For tourists who like to bring home unusual souvenirs should visit
Jindian Consignment Shop. Here, you will not find the usual cloisonné dragons
or jade chopsticks which you can find in souvenir shops all over Beijing.
Instead, you will discover unusual and remarkably quaint souvenirs to bring
home, such as old bus passes, Chinese antique clocks and flying pigeon
bicycles (whatever is that?)
Personally, having visited Beijing on a number of occasions, I have to
disagree with the locals who only recommend the lesser known tourist
attractions. My take is to see everything Beijing has to offer including the
major tourist attractions many of which will pleasantly amaze you.
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