| When you visit Beijing as a tourist, the capital city of | | | | wonderful place to just enjoy a leisurely paced |
| China, you will inevitably be taken sightseeing by your | | | | sightseeing. A sight to behold when you are in the |
| tour guides to view monumental and historical | | | | 800 year old Baiyun Guan are regular traditional |
| attractions like The Great Wall of China, The | | | | ceremonies and rites being performed by Taoist |
| Forbidden City and The Ming Tombs amongst many | | | | monks. This ancient temple is also the headquarters |
| others. However, more and more of the residents of | | | | of the Chinese Taoist Association. Li Jing, who is a |
| Beijing are saying that there are many less well | | | | designer by profession, prefers to take his walks in |
| known tourist attractions that you must visit and | | | | the Nanluoguxiang area. This area has well preserved |
| these lesser known places, on their own accord also | | | | stretch of backstreets although situated in |
| have many charms and delights for tourists. For | | | | downtown Beijing, is almost unknown to many |
| example, Cui Jian, a famous Chinese rock star who | | | | tourists. These backstreets are home to many local |
| performed on a Rolling Stones act in Shanghai in 2006 | | | | bars, hostels and boutiques. The area exudes the |
| was known to have said, "I am not at all interested | | | | ambience of old Beijing when contrasted against the |
| in all that historical kingdom culture, stuff that shows | | | | city's modern superstructures. For tourists who like |
| this was once the greatest kingdom or something like | | | | to bring home unconventional souvenirs should visit |
| that". Cui recommends that tourists when visiting | | | | Jindian Consignment Shop. Here, you will not find the |
| Beijing should also soak up the atmosphere in the | | | | usual replica dragons or jade chopsticks which you |
| 798 art district in Beijing's eastern Dashanzi instead. | | | | can find in souvenir shops all over Beijing. Instead, |
| This1950s period factory zone has been transformed | | | | you will discover unusual and remarkably quaint |
| into a bohemian community of art galleries, cafes and | | | | souvenirs to bring home, such as old bus passes, |
| bistros, outdoor sculptures, colorful graffiti painted on | | | | Chinese antique clocks and flying pigeon bicycles |
| factory walls among many other interesting features. | | | | (whatever that is). Having visited Beijing on a number |
| Another Beijing resident, Wu Jianxin, who is an owner | | | | of occasions myself, I have to disagree with the |
| of a private wine club, grew up near Houhai, which | | | | locals who only recommend the less well known |
| was once a quiet lakeside village, which is now being | | | | tourist attractions. My recommendation is to see |
| overrun by noisy bars and boat rentals for tourists. | | | | everything Beijing has to offer including the major |
| Wu likes to take leisurely strolls in Baiyun Guan or | | | | tourist attractions many of which will leave you |
| White Cloud Temple. This Taoist temple ground has a | | | | awestricken. |
| certain mystical charm about it and without the | | | | Chris Chew loves to travel. |
| tourist crush like those in the major attractions,is a | | | | |