Beijing

Roast duck has been well known throughout the world for years. But for locals, there are more than just ducks. Native Beijingers love soybean paste noodles – hot noodles that turn to room temperature after a "shower" in cold water. Dark brown salty soybean paste and eight or nine "Ma", small side vegetable dishes come with the noodles. These usually include cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts and others that are cut up on top of the noodles. Stir them thoroughly until the tempting smell spreads all over the room. This may be one of the oldest luxuries in Beijing cuisine, because there are tiny meatballs in the soybean paste. Back in the old days, Beijing natives who suffered from poverty and war more couldn’t afford the best cuts of meat and created many dishes using animal organs: pickled tripe, stir-fried liver, and so on.

In winter, sugarcoated haws (little red Chinese fruit that tastes sour and sweet) are a must. Holding a sugarcoated haws stick, “tang hu lu” in a freezing gale will make you a real “Beijinger”.

Beijing belongs to everyone, but no one can have it all. Old native Beijing locals sometimes find themselves lost in this strange modern metropolis. To many, Beijing means opportunity. Therefore the ambitious -- artists, entrepreneurs, and everyone with a dream comes here. Some succeed; some fail, but everyone eventually becomes part of the changing Beijing. Every year during Spring Festival, Beijing experiences the world’s largest population migration. About 200 million people leave the city for their hometowns and return to Beijing three weeks later.

Because of the huge population influx, Beijing offers a unique culture of inclusiveness. Here you can find food from anywhere in the world, and can always find a group of people that share the most unexpected interest.

Beijing is a "one-stop" travelling city. Whether you are a nature lover, or a history buff, Beijing won’t let you down. From the famous Great Wall to locals’ favorite Shi Du, from green mountains to red architecture, Beijing is a place worth exploring for weeks.
Yet, when you are really in Beijing, you will hardly feel like a traveler. This city has such an inclusive atmosphere that people unconsciously get involved in before they know it. Warm breakfasts on the street, night markets along the road, one never feels lonely in this warm-hearted city. Thus sightseeing includes not only the famous travelling spots, but also every detail of the life here.

Not known to many, Beijing is actually a very kid friendly city. The city has a low crime rate, especially within the inner five districts (Dongcheng, Xicheng, Haidian, Chaoyang, Xuanwu). After the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, many arenas turned into entertainment venues for citizens. Families now have the opportunity to have fun inside these splendid arenas.

Beijing is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscape. In the northwest part is the well known Great Wall, and mountains like Xiang Shan and Ba Da Chu, where people can get away from the city and breathe fresh air. To the south of Beijing are places for people to get a glimpse of the country life. Apple farms and strawberry farms are for families to pick their own fruit. Lavender farms are heaven for young romantics to celebrate their youth. All these attractions are reachable by city bus.

Shopping in Beijing is fun, for EVERYONE. People say Paris is a shoppers' heaven. Well, "people" haven't been to Beijing. From Vera Wang's Couture gown, to Granny Wang's handmade tank top, Beijing has them all. The best thing about shopping in Beijing is that besides these shopping centers, you can shop anywhere in the city. Small vintage stores, original brands and maybe a girl's personal collections are hidden gems of the city, waiting for a romantic encounter. Beijing is also the transfer station for all the retail garments to the mid-northern area of China. So if you love bargains, you might try the huge shopping complex outside the Beijing Zoo. Be careful, outside the zoo, not where the pandas live.

"Gong Ti" means workers stadium, but it is actually the heart of Beijing's nightlife. Hundreds of clubs open all night to provide a place for people to get away from the office and let loose. Sanlitun and Houhai are two other places for people to get lost in music and beer. To shop and party, Sanlitun is your top choice with hundreds of high-end brands scattered in its new Village. If you want an easy breezy afternoon, order a beer and sit by the window of a Houhai bar. The quiet park view will make you wonder if you are really in the middle of a noisy city.