Beijing was my first stop on my journey through China, and it couldn't have been a better introduction to the country. As China's capital, it combines centuries of imperial history with the energy of a modern global city. What made the visit even more special was being shown around by my colleague, Cassie. Having a local guide transformed the experience, taking me beyond the typical tourist attractions and helping me experience the city through the eyes of someone who calls it home.
Apps you need:
- WeChat & Weixin Pay (chat app & payment)
- AliPay (Payment, MiniPrograms for tickets, Public transport cards)
- Amap (like Google Maps but working in China)
- DiDi (like Uber)
- Railway 12306
- Trip.com
- VPN app
- Translate (Apple works great)
In the afternoon, we started with a walk through South Luogu Lane (Nanluoguxiang), one of Beijing’s most atmospheric hutong districts. The narrow alleyways were already lively, lined with traditional courtyard houses now filled with cafés, small shops and local boutiques. The main road felt quite crowded and touristy, but somewhere in the middle we found a side street with a nice café with a view on the Hutong roofs. There, it was easy to imagine how life here might have looked in older Beijing.
After wandering through the hutongs, we went for my first proper meal in the city: a traditional Peking duck dinner. Watching the chef carve the duck into different pieces, and then wrapping the crispy skin with pancakes, cucumber and sweet bean sauce, was an experience in itself—and an excellent introduction to Beijing cuisine.
The following day was dedicated to imperial history. We started at Zhongshan Park, a peaceful green space just beside Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. While there big crowds lining for the security check at Tiananmen Square, the park offered a calmer rhythm—locals wandering around, singing, and enjoying the shade of ancient trees.
From there we entered the Forbidden City, a place that had long been on my list. No matter how many photos or maps you see, nothing quite prepares you for its scale. Courtyard after courtyard opened up into vast ceremonial spaces and intricately decorated halls.
Rather than staying solely on the main central axis, we also explored the quieter Western Palaces, where many of the emperor's consorts and members of the imperial householc once lived. Away from the largest crowds, these elegant courtyards and residential buildings provided a more intimae glimpse into life within the palace walls, making it easier to imagine the routines and intrigues of the imperial court.
you cross one of the five bridges and slowly get an impression how vast the Forbidden City is.
Dessert menu of the Palace Café -
I liked the ones with litchi, matcha and chocolate
View across the roofs to Jingshan Park
One of the most striking modern contrasts was seeing visitors dressed in elaborate traditional clothing for photographs.
Many were wearing beautifully styled hanfu, and Cassie was able to identify the historical influences behind the outfits—explaining whether they were inspired by the Han, Tang, Song or Ming dynasties based on subtle differences in cut, embroidery and silhouette. It added an unexpected cultural layer to the experience.
View on the Forbidden City
roofs from Jingshan Park
Building in Jingshan Park
Later, Cassie introduced me to a local hotpot restaurant near Gulou Dongdajie, where we cooked meat, vegetables and noodles in a bubbling shared broth. Each of us created our own sauces, mine based on soy sauce, oil, garlic and spring onions. It was relaxed, social and one of the most enjoyable meals of the trip.
Beautiful scenery
Filling up the hotpot with hot water, reaping what we sow (cooked)
One of the absolute highlights was visiting the Great Wall of China at Badaling. We travelled by high-speed train, which made the journey surprisingly smooth, and then took a cable car up to the wall. We explored Sections 7 and 8, a higher and more scenic stretch of the restored wall. The climb between watchtowers was steep in places, but each section rewarded us with sweeping mountain views as the wall disappeared across the ridgelines. Even with visitors around, there were quiet moments where it was possible to stop and appreciate the sheer scale and ambition of the structure.
Arriving by train and cable car was cutting the trip shorter as we spent already waiting quite some time for the train. Also the day was very hot despite the greyish sky.
My visit also included time at the S&P Global Beijing office, where it was wonderful to finally meet colleagues in person after so many virtual meetings. Cassie continued to be an incredible host, and I also met Jia, as well as reconnecting with my former mentee. We had great conversations and Jia, Cassie and I had lunch downstairs in the mall. Besides another round of Peking duck, this time with fizzy powder, we had ordered a couple of other dishes: shrimps with potato decoration, lotus root & pear dessert, chocolate donkey rolls (dessert), ... I especially liked this version of Peking duck, the shrimps and donkey roll.
Before leaving for Xi’an, I visited the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most iconic cultural sites. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is as impressive in person as it appears in photographs, but what stood out just as much was the surrounding park. The sheer size was impressive and made us walk a lot between the different sites.
Looking back, Beijing was the ideal introduction to China. It offered imperial grandeur, incredible food, vibrant neighbourhoods and, just as importantly, the warmth and generosity of the people I met. Having Cassie as my guide made it possible to navigate not only the city’s landmarks, but also its everyday realities.
As I boarded the high-speed train for Xi’an, Ithe adventure started for real. If Beijing was a window into China’s imperial power and modern pace, Xi’an would take me even deeper into its ancient origins.
