Beijing Travel Forum

On my last trip to Beijing, I visited the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Silk Market, Summer Palace, Peking University. This time, we will visit Forbidden city (again), the Great Wall (again), the hutongs, and another market. I have time left for one or two extra spots in Bejing to visit and need some suggestions. Here's a little hint: I am interested in taking photos of old architecture, not so well-visited by throngs of tourists. I like long empty corridors or interesting statues etc, sense of serenity. I won't be doing the Ming Tombs or the Old Summer Palace ruins, or any gardens or zoos. Something like the White Cloud Temple or Lama Temple would be ideal (although I'd like something truly unique to explore in terms of ancient architecture). Has anyone found a spot in Beijing where it feels like you are transported back in time?

Did you get a chance to visit Behai park? While not necessarily feeling like you're transported back in time in all sections of the park, it is such a nice way to mingle with the locals! I took this video while I was there - does not show sights, just a few locals getting together having a good time.

ps. I loved the guy with the baby!

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/vv/14f4/

Zhoukoudian or maybe Niu Jie ( Moslem mosque )

Yonghe is on my tentative list, as is a spot called Tianning Si (Heavenly Peace Temple). The architecture in these 2 places is interesting. Also, I like to photograph gargoyles & statues. When I was at the Forbidden Palace, I photographed some brass knockers on the vats and this photo is quite popular amongst my peers in my town. This is what I like to photograph.

I don't suppose you'd consider going out of Beijing? Shenyang is only about 4 hours away from Beijing by D train, and you'll have another (older) Imperial Palace as well as the tombs of the 1st 2 Qing dynasty emperors at your disposal. These sights aren't very much visited.

I would consider it, however it's going to have to be added to my list for my next trip to China. I can only see so much this time! What an amazing country to explore! I have organized a mainly eastern route this time, central last time, and next time will be western, including Xi'an, Lijiang, etc etc. But I've noted the tip and thank you very much, ellyse!

Try Beihai park, especially on Sundays when all the locals are out. Also walk around the outside of the Forbidden City complex. There are a lot of good photo ops there, too. Check out Houhai lake too.