Top snacks of old Beijing – A culinary tour of Xihai, Houhai and Gulou

Snacks in Beijing have a long and colorful history. Some originated from the streets; others were created in the imperial palace. Many have a story to tell about life in old Beijing.

Hutong superlatives – Jaunting little-known hutong and exploring traces of Old Beijing

Visitors to Beijing frequently explore popular hutong like Nanluoguxiang, which are actually just renovated commercial areas. It is a pity that most miss out on the more authentic hutong scattered throughout town, which more accurately frame the lives of old Beijingers.

In advance of grand gathering, a new Guangzhou

A couple of decades ago, Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, was criticized for not living up to its reputation as the “south gate of China.”

Rediscovery of ancient commercial roads in western Beijing

Located in western Beijing, the West Mountains have long been known to provide stunning sights for visitors. But what’s less well known isthat these mountains used to contain coal, and because of that were once part of an ancient trade route.

Up to Bashang for a northern-frontier excursion

Only 200-some kilometers from Beijing, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province is an accessible city and the nearest urban center to the Bashang Plateau, a natural grassland where one can camp, view sunrises and sunsets and go horseback riding.

Blossoming to the sun – A guide to Beijing’s suburban sunflower fields

Beijing has many suburban sunflower fields, such as Qianjiadian Town of Yanqing County and Changgou in Fangshan District. Beijing Today spoke with local travelers about their favorite spots and got tips on how to make the most of a sunflower-viewing expedition.

Feel the past in Liancheng

Liancheng, a small western county in Fujian Province dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), has many preserved ancient and historical gems, including a picturesque village called Peitian – where everyone has the family name Wu – that might be China’s Xanadu.

Trekking through hills and water in Shuiquan Canyon

Beijing isn’t situated next to the coast or any big rivers or lakes, but Shuiquan Canyon is a rare place here where one finds water coursing in harmony with the surrounding hills and valleys.

Cooling down high up in Baihua Mountain

Beaches are crowded nowadays with people who want to escape the tortuous heat, but mountains remain a good choice for those seeking a bit of cool. Baihua Mountain, where the temperature dips to 10 C at night, is worth a visit.

Last glimpse of a vanishing Beijing – A walk through soon-to-be-demolished hutong

Modern man’s voracious appetite for high-rise offices, residential buildings and avenues are devouring the alleys and courtyard homes of ancient times.