Beijing in 5 Days: Day 2

Beijing Day 2

Breakfast

Another favorite breakfast means in China is called congee.  It’s just porridge but made from rice.  It comes with different ingredients the most commonly found are plain, as in no ingredients, with different vegetables, and salted pork with preserved egg.  I’ll let you make your own decision on the preserved egg.  I’ve had it but it was so long ago that I don’t remember what it tastes like. 

You can find congee just about anywhere, including KFC, McDonald's, and 711.  It’s very popular.  It should only cost a 3-5 RMB for a bowl.  If you go to one of the fast-food restaurants it will cost you more but you will also get some soy milk and deep-fried bread as a combo.

Morning

In the early morning, I am recommending that you visit the Temple of Earth in northern Beijing.  You can find the temple located outside of Angdinmen station on the MTR.  The temple is located in Ditan Park which great for a stroll and you might see older Chinese doing tai chi or qigong in the park. 


The actual temple is relatively small when compared to some other sites in Beijing.  That being said it is still worth seeing.  For the most part, the temple is only used by tourists other than during Chinese New Year’s when they have an important festival at the temple.


The temple is comprised of five buildings, the main building being the Worship platform, which houses the square water alter, the Chinese believed that the Earth was square, also there is no water now.  The other buildings are the divine respecting house, the sacrifice pavilion, the fast palace, and the divine warehouse.  All of which you can go and see.

Midmorning

Not far from Ditan Park is the Lama Temple or Yonghegong.  It’s the largest Buddhist temple in Beijing.  It is located near Yonghegong MTR station but you can walk there from Ditan Park.  Just walk south on the Second Ring road, Beijing has several ring roads in it.  You only need to go about 3-4 minutes and you will find the Lama Temple.


The Lama Temple or Yonghegong as it is known in Chinese is the largest Buddhist temple in Beijing.  It is still an active temple and worshippers go there every day, so please remember to be respectful of other people’s religions.  I feel like this is sort of a no brainer, but surprisingly some people just don’t seem to get it. I know that’s not you. 


The temple isn’t huge, but if you have never been to a Buddhist temple before then this is a great opportunity as Buddhists like to build their temples on top of mountains.  There is however some peaceful spots in the temple, areas great for pictures or just enjoying the scenery.  The temple does have a lot of Buddhist iconographies that are worth taking a look at.  

Lunch

Across the street from the Lama Temple you will see an upscale restaurant that is completely vegetarian, you know Buddhists and all.  However, if you walk back towards the subway station then you will see a Costa Coffee and a KFC.  Between them is a walking street.  If you walk down that street you will find several restaurants and shops.   There are a couple of bars, even a vampire one, as well as a Panda Brewery.  Fairly close to the entrance is a vegetarian restaurant that is cheaper than the one outside with good food.  About halfway down is a Greek restaurant which to be honest was hit or miss.  On the other side are a hot dog place and a Mexican restaurant.  Since you are in China I recommend a vegetarian place or one of the other Chinese restaurants you can find on the street.  There are also shops and galleries as well.

Afternoon

In the afternoon one of the best areas in the northern part of Beijing is 798.  It’s what the locals call an art zone.  It’s an old factory that was converted into a bunch of art galleries showcasing modern art.  There are cafes and shops as well in the area.  It’s a nice relaxing place to walk around looking at the art.  Most of the artists are Chinese, and art does tend to be more modern in style.  You can purchase art there or just have a look. 


To get to 798 you need to go to Wangjing South on line 14.  It’s a little of a journey but not too bad.  Just go north on line 5 for five stops to Datun Liu East then head three stops to Wangjing on line 15.  After that head two stops south to Wangjing South.  Get out of the station head west on Wanghong street till you get to Jiuxianqiao Road then head north till you see 798 roads.  At which point you will walk west down the road and you have arrived.  You will know you have arrived in the right spot when you start seeing the art.

Dinner

Since you are already in the area, there are some great restaurants in the area.  For example, there is Timezone 8 Bar and Restaurant which has four out of five stars on TripAdvisor.  Or you just walk around find something that interests you.


Timezone 8 offers Japanese food and even advertises sushi in its window.  If you are not feeling like raw fish, Timezone 8 also offers Chinese food as well as western food like soup, salads, sandwiches and even pizza.  So you should be able to find something to match your appetite.

Evening

If you are not too tired from all the walking then I would like to recommend that you attempt Beijing Opera.  Liyuan Theatre offers an experience that caters to foreigners and tourists.  Not only will you see the opera but you will also see some of the preparation that goes into art.  Prices range based on where you sit.  Standing if around 12 dollars, while normal seating with tea and a snack can be between 18 to 34 dollars.  VIP is at 54 dollars.  So it depends on how much you are willing to dole out.  Booking for the opera can be found here.


That is day 2 in Beijing, keep reading for the rest of the trip.  Also if you have enjoyed this, found it useful or like content similar to this, please support this blog.

Five days in Beijing: Day 1 8 Tips on Travel to China 10 Travel Tips for China