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If you haven't considered China as a travel option, you're missing out on one of the most interesting, fast-paced countries in the world! My first time in Asia (and a non-western country) was definitely an experience I'll never forget. I traveled through Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai for two weeks while working abroad at an international leadership conference.
When one wonders of the top things to do in Beijing, trying fried scorpions on Wangfujing Street or seeing the giant pandas at the Beijing Zoo come to mind. And don't forget the nearby Great Wall of China! But what about some more unique things to try during your trip to Beijing? Here are 3 cool Beijing activities to do in between the highlights.
Foot massage
When in Asia, you MUST try a foot massage. These massages are different than your typical massage as the style is very different. It's not just for relaxation and sore muscles, it's for your circulatory system and health.
The chairs are extremely comfortable and you keep your clothes on. Sometimes the massage will come with a glass of hot water and watermelon.
The pressure is usually much harder than an average massage and your limbs are lightly tugged in many directions. I often found that the pressure would be too much, though saying "ow" communicated to the masseuse to tone it down a bit. Also, while they're labeled as a foot massage, it typically includes other parts of your body, such as shoulders, arms, calves, and sometimes the head.
A couple of massages we went to also kept Chinese reality TV on in the background, which made for a humorous and entertaining note.
Forbidden City
For unrivaled, panoramic views of the Beijing, head to the top of the hill at Jingshan Park. You'll see the city buildings, though the best view is perhaps of the Forbidden City behind Tienanmen Square - from above, you can truly see its enormity.
The park is quite large, though, so you'll be able to find beautiful scenery around the area as well. Perfect for photo ops or to simply get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
English Corner Remnin
Remnin University of China is located in northwest Beijing. Every Friday night there is the English Corner, a place where anyone can gather to converse with others to practice English. There are no rules, just an open space for anyone to participate.
Our (all American) staff went to the English Corner and everyone literally flocked to us in under five seconds. We each had our own circle of Chinese people firing off questions, curious about our culture. I asked if they could teach me some Mandarin phrases, which they taught me a few, but they were like, "No! This is for speaking English! We speak Chinese every day!"
It was fun to converse and joke around with local Chinese people about everyday life, Netflix, dating, food, and culture. Definitely recommend this.
The Great Wall of China
While I only spent a couple of weeks in China, I'd love to return to spend more time in this fascinating country. From the culture to everyday life, China has so much to offer any visitor.
It's definitely the most "different" place I've been to, but that's why I enjoyed it so much.
Experiencing new places with a completely different way of life allows you to look back at your own way of living, as well as ensure you don't take your "luxuries" at home for granted.
In China, Pizza Hut is definitely not the fast food joint you'd see at your local strip mall in the US. No joke.
There are real plates, bowls, silverware, and candles on the tables. The servers wear bow ties and come to the table to take your order. The furniture and decor are of nice quality. The music is classical, what I'd expect to be hearing at a steakhouse in New York City. Dessert options include tiramasu.
Don't get too excited about western fast food in China, though...KFC is still your typical KFC.
Beijing Meal
I already expected the food to be good, but didn't realize how much I'd truly enjoy it. Dining in a circle and sharing every dish with the whole table makes for fun, social, and communal experience.
Also Read: 10 Foods You Must Try In China
It's still good quality, though for a meal at a restaurant you'll be able to save plenty of cash, at least compared to the US and Western Europe. Many of my restaurant meals were between 15-20 yuan - about $3-4 USD - and typically included a main dish, side order, and a Coca Cola.
The Great Wall of China
Where I come from, a compliment would be "that's nice," or "that's cool," or "very interesting." In China, however, calling something "big" (even if it's not truly "big") comes from bigger being more expensive and of higher quality.
The exception to this is women...never call a woman big! Instead, one would compliment a woman by saying she is "white," since pale skin is the beauty standard for Chinese women.
Beijing Face Mask
Supposedly the air pollution in Beijing isn't as bad this year as it was last year, though I saw less people on the streets wearing face masks than originally expected. I never felt the need to wear one, though I definitely got the infamous sore throat a couple times that comes with spending all day outside in the air.
I also heard that one of the main reasons people wear face masks is if they're sick - they do it to prevent germs from spreading to others. Very considerate!
This one is random, though I found it interesting that the term for people selling last-minute tickets outside of event venues is an animal. Supposedly it doesn't have anything to do with oxen being bad, as the ox is one of the Chinese zodiac animals. It's just the term for them.
Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.
It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!
Even though Hangzhou has a population of 9 million, chances are you haven't yet heard of it. Which is a shame, because being in this city is like walking through a fairy tale. Though a modern city, Hangzhou still contains its traditional Chinese roots. It is the "capital of green tea," has the naturally beautiful West Lake, and famous Buddhist temples.
If a picture's worth a thousand words, here are a few thousand reasons why you need to add Hangzhou to your China itinerary:
Hangzhou Boat Lanterns
Hangzhou Boat
Hangzhou Buddha Rock Carving
Hangzhou Flower
Hangzhou Lanterns
Hangzhou Lillies
Hangzhou Monks
Hangzhou Pond
Hangzhou Tree Scenery
Hangzhou Trees
Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.
It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!
Chinese Street Meat
One of the most exciting aspects of traveling is trying new food, typically different from what you're used to back home.
Whether it's completely new or the authentic version of the replicas in your home country, eating in China is definitely an experience.
Here are 10 foods you must try while in China:
Fried Hot Soup Dumplings
The most famous are in Shanghai, though you'll find them at many restaurants. I especially enjoyed a lightly fried version I had (pictured above) in Hangzhou!
To eat the dumplings without having the soup explode everywhere, simply take a small bite of the dumpling to make a hole, suck out the soup, and then eat the rest.
Black Rice Cake Crackers
These light, airy black rice cakes (this kind is actually purple) are some of the best snacks I've had! Both sweet and salty, they satisfy any snack craving.
Hot pot is great any time of year, but this would be especially good in the cold winter months. The pot is full of boiling broth, to which you add meat, noodles, and vegetables and let them cook. Then you take out what you'd like from the pot and dip it into some sauce.
Chinese Popsicle
You'll find these all over the streets and see a ton of people eating them on a hot, summer day.
If you're a foreigner, the street seller will most likely try to charge you a higher price - our Chinese co-worker told us that the seller literally told him that if he weren't with us, she would've charged us many times what we paid!
We got these for 1 yuan each (super cheap, that's about $0.16 USD).
Peking Duck Carving
Beijing is known for Peking duck and you are bound to stumble upon restaurants specializing in it. Take freshly carved duck slices and wrap them up in a small, thin rice "tortilla" with a small selection of vegetables or even rice.
This is not your average dessert. Originally from Taiwan, the shaved ice is not like a snow cone, rather it is much lighter and sweeter.
The shaved ice tops ice cream and fruit - we tried the most popular mango version, which came with mango shaved ice, mango sorbet, and actual slices of mango.
Here's a photo of what it looks like. It's huge, so make sure to share with a friend or two (or get a container to have leftovers).
The Chinese eat more pork than every other country in the world combined, so you'll find no shortage of it in this country.
Sweet and sour pork is a safe option for those less adventurous, though very delicious all the same.
Green Tea
Green tea originates from China so you are bound to find the best, freshest green tea here. Visit a tea plantation (they're incredibly beautiful!) to learn more about the process of green tea.
Chances are you've already tried watermelon in life and it's not a surprising food to see in many places. However, you're bound to find watermelon served at many, if not all, meals of the day, and even served sliced fresh in bowls on the street.
It makes for a sweet break from spicy, sauce-heavy options during a meal.
Froyo Popsicle
Okay, so this froyo shop is originally from Australia (Melbourne) but if you find yourself at the Jiuxianquao Indigo mall in Beijing you HAVE to try it. Seriously such a great invention.
Fried scorpions, frog legs, and chicken feet are a few other food options you may come across. If that's new to you and you're willing to try it, then go for it! Who knows, you just might find your new favorite food.
Also, some restaurants serve smelly tofu. This is literally labeled "smelly tofu" on menus because of its supposedly strong, unbearable stench. Order only if you dare!
These are just a few of many foods to try in China. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below!
10 Foods You Must Try in China
Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.
It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!
READ NEXT:
10 Foods You Must Try in China
