Beijing Over the Years #2 – Attractions Nearby : Travel Ideas

After visiting the main attractions of Beijing, there are bound to be interests in other less famous attractions and mansions.

One such preserved mansion in Xicheng District of Beijing is Prince Gong’s Mansion. The original mansion is built for He Shen, an official under Emperor Qian Long but ultimately given to Prince Gong, a brother to Emperor Xianfeng – which is the mansion’s namesake currently. Accessible via subway, then a few minutes walk away, the mansion is actually popular amongst local tourists who made a beeline to enter. En-route to the mansion, there are many cafes and restaurants along the alleys to serve hungry tourists.

The buildings are well-preserved within Prince Gong’s mansion

Green lotus thriving in ponds along walkways

Tanzhe Shi (temple) is located a little further away in the western location from the Beijing city centre. Getting there with public transport is also not that easy but it is a tranquil temple for a leisure visit. The temple requires a little uphill walk, but surprisingly there are many local visitors.

Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty is located in a cluster northwest of Beijing capital city. There are many day-trippers who join tours to visit these tombs.

Fengshui of the hills intended for the Ming Tomb

Cuandixia Village is a little less than 100 km northwest of Beijing city, famous for its courtyard houses originating from the Ming Dynasty more than 600 years ago. On a cold winter day, the village can be covered in beautiful white snow. Although this will also make movement within the village more careful. Smaller alleys are not accessible via cars, but strolling around will need a good pair of shoes. During my winter visit near a decade ago, there were hardly any other visitors. Serene & quiet, with little activities on a cold afternoon.

Nothing much to do in village other than eat, leisurely walk & take more pictures

When it comes to Beijing cuisine, I have mixed feelings. In my initial visits, I did not enjoy the various dishes as it was too oily to taste. However, over the years and with experiences of hunting down different taste in the city, I find certain food to my liking.

First and foremost, the hunt for the Peking duck cuisine. I have enjoyed this dish along the years, and never find them not up to par. So quite safe to just pick any of the restaurants in Beijing to have them.