Five Free Ways exploring Beijing

Beijing, the national capital, is arguably the most vibrant city in China and has caused the Westerners infinite reverie for the blend of the ancient and the iron-and-cement-made metropolis. As a world-famous destination, Beijing offers much to explore… but it will cost you! While thousands of people are murmuring about the huge expense on touring Beijing, those in the know are enjoying exploring this unique Eastern ancient civilization for free! 

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, is considered as a should-not-miss stop on your Beijing itinerary, partly because it is free! It is home to a handful of majestic architectures including the monument to the heroes of the revolution, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall (displaying Mao's embalmed body). You can fly kite on the Tiananmen Square, provided that the weather is good with a soft breeze.

(Tiananmen Square)

Ritan Park

The used-to-be temple’s altar for ritual sacrifice to the sun god by the ancient emperors is now a busy public park featured charming sceneries. Here, you will see crowds of local residents dancing, practicing tai-chi, performing Peking Opera, and flying kites. Children will also find Ritan Park an interesting place for those rides it has such as trampolines, inflatables and a merry-go-round. 

 (Ritan Park)

The Hutong 

There’s no place in Beijing where you’ll feel more hunted by the old lifestyle of the city than in those zigzag hutongs. Hutongs are narrow valleys and lanes flanked with ancient courtyard residences, named Siheyuan, only existing in Beijing. As it is fast disappearing in recent years for the urban construction, your Beijing tour should have it! Renown Beijing Hutongs include Qianshi Hutong, Nanluoguxiang Hutong, Hutong… Have a leisure Hutong tour by bike or rickshaw or just on foot. Walk around, observing and experiencing the local life (people are playing cards, chess, cooking food…) stop by, and chat with the Beijingers. 

(Beijing Hutong)

798 Art District

798 Art District is known as Beijing’s fashion and art center, converted from an abandoned electronics factory of 1950s. Now it is a land dedicated to lush art galleries, artists’ studios , boutique shops, cafes, and bars. There is something new and something old. Strolling through the 798 Art District, you are most likely to be caught up in the ubiquitous art atmosphere, maybe taking foot in the faded Maoist propaganda slogans on the brickwork or triggered through the Bauhaus-style buildings. 

(798 Art District)

Beijing Modern Buildings 

Wanna save time and cost? Pause and glaze at some famous modern buildings of Beijing in a distance is one great choice. Below we recommend are finest examples of Beijing modern architectures very popular among design buffs and travelers.

Bird’s Nest or National Stadium, completed in 2008 for the Beijing Olympic Games has long reminded one of the original wonders of the world.

National Aquatics Center, or Water Cub was built as the main venue for the swimming competition of the 2008 Olympic Games, now becomes a landmark of Beiijng.

National Grand Theatre, surrounded by a man-made lake, is resembling a huge egg floating on the water. It is home to an opera hall, music hall, and theater for top professional performances.

Central Chinese Television Headquarters, short for CCTV Headquarters, is a top world architectural wonder formed by two leaning towers, each bent 90 degrees at the top and bottom to form a continuous loop. The special SHAPE gains it the nickname of “Big Pants Crutch (大裤衩)”.

Terminal 3 of Beijing International Airport was completed in 2008 in conjunction with 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and claims to be the world's largest of its kind which can handle a huge volume of passengers and features an environmental-control system.

(Terminal 3 of Beijing International Airport)

Walking on the Air Corridor of Bird’s Nest to Overlook Beijing City

Bird’s Nest, or Beijing National Stadium, usually evokes the glorious past of Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2008. Yet it isn’t all about Olympics or sports facility. Bird’s Nest itself is a masterpiece of architecture design that have attracted many people to come and check it out in person. Recently, a 150-meter-long air corridor was built and has undoubtedly increased its charisma. This time, people can walk on the top of the “steel forest” and overlook the beautiful sceneries of Beijing. How exciting!

Walk down the corridor from north to south, visitors will be led to the 20m by 4.5m Olympic torch platform, about 50m from the ground. Standing at such a high altitude, people will somewhat have the sensations of vertigo, despite the 1.5-meter-high stainless steel enclosure.

To save the cost and time, many choose to stop by Bird’s Nest and simply have a look at the magnificent exterior façade. However, we highly suggest you make time to get into it for the even greater interior structure just like a crisscross steel forest. Especially now with the help of the air corridor on the top, you can not only take a closer look at the original and wonderful design of Bird’s Nest at your eye, but also have the panoramic view of the Water Cube, Linglong Tower, Olympic Forest Park and drink in the beauty of Beijing city.

As a reminder, the air corridor holds up to 100 visitors per round. Ladies in high-heeled shoes will be asked to put on flats (prepared by the stadium staff) for your safety. The elders over 70 and people who have fear of height or cardiovascular disease please be escorted by family members or friends. In case of inclement weather like high wind, snow and thunderstorm, the air corridor would be suspended for visiting. Looking for China tour? See here.

Ticket Price:

As with the Bird’s Nest, the air corridor will open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and prices at 80 RMB, including ticket for Bird’s Nest (50 RMB).