Although it is worth your while visiting popular Chinese tourist spots, there are still a lot of places that see fewer tourists, and, as a result, have a different kind of vibe about them. Still worth visiting.
When you go on escorted tours to China, there are some attractions that are high on everyone’s list to see. Typically these landmarks will attract a lot of tourists and include destinations such as The Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square, or The Summer Palace. The 798 Art District
The 798 Art District is a reformed 1950’s factory zone which is in east Dashanzi district of Beijing. In this area, you will find a bohemian area which is jam packed full of Cafes, Bistro’s, and also plenty of Art Galleries. As you explore the area, you will notice plenty of sculptures located outdoors, as well as a variety of graffiti adorning the factory walls. The 798 Art District of Beijing that has a unique atmosphere, and as well as meeting some great people, you can eat some great tasting food and enjoy some quality pieces of art.
Image by See-ming Lee – Longevity Hill + Kunming Lake
Let your Hair Down and Sing!
Throughout all of Asia, you will find that Karaoke is a very popular pastime, and China is no exception. Having a good old sing song can be a great way to have fun and relax. If you are very self conscious you do not have to worry about getting up on the stage and singing in front of strangers. Most karaoke clubs you will find that they have private rooms with full karaoke systems. In the privacy of a booth, you can belt out your favourites songs till your heart is content. The bonus about visiting these types of a karaoke bar is that you can also enjoy some great food and drink.
Beijing Botanical Gardens
The Beijing Botanical Garden is in the Haidian district and is an attraction that is commonly overlooked by a lot of travellers. The gardens were first opened in 1955, and they cover an area of over 564,000 square metres. You will find that the gardens are very popular with the locals. They allow you to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city, whilst being not too far away on the north-western outskirts of Beijing. These beautifully majestic gardens offer over 6000 different types of plants, flowers, and trees. One of the highlights of the gardens is the Hothouse Exhibition, and the three rooms which comprise the exhibit host a wide variety of different tropical plants, flowers, and trees. The gardens are the perfect place to have a walk and take in the scenery, and there are plenty of excellent photo opportunities available.
Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance against Japanese Aggression
Do not let the long winded name put you off visiting as this museum gives you a different cultural flavour of China. The museum is dedicated to the Chinese people’s struggle against the invading Japanese. They also record for prosperity the atrocities committed by the Japanese soldiers against the Chinese people during the Second World War. A little-remembered fact from this war is that there were over 3 million Chinese military personnel who lost their lives during this conflict and estimates of between 7 – 16 million civilians. A visit to this museum can be a very solemn experience, but it is worthwhile visiting this commemoration to those people that lost their lives. A sombre tribute to the tragedies of war, and the tragic loss of life.
