Cebuano Cravings - Beijing, China

Exploring China in Four Unforgettable Days

By: Cebuano Cravings

Published November 17, 2024

China has always been at the top of our travel bucket list, and for one big reason—to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. As a bonus, we managed to time our trip perfectly during the autumn season, with temperatures ranging from a cool 6 to 13 degrees Celsius. Coming from the tropical heat of the Philippines, experiencing China's crisp autumn air was a refreshing change. This whirlwind 4-day adventure turned out to be one for the books!

Day 1: A Grand Welcome in Beijing

We landed in Beijing in the late afternoon, filled with excitement and anticipation. Our first stop? The legendary Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex that was home to Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Spanning over 180 acres, it boasts nearly 1,000 buildings filled with intricate details and rich history. Fun fact: Did you know the Forbidden City has exactly 9,999 rooms? Ancient Chinese beliefs considered 10,000 to be a divine number reserved for heaven, so they left one room short.

Despite our excitement, we quickly realized we had underestimated the chilly weather. Slightly underdressed, we snapped a few pictures and scurried back to our tour bus, shivering but laughing at our rookie mistake.

After a delicious dinner, we took a nighttime stroll along Wangfujing Street, Beijing's buzzing shopping hub often compared to New York City's Times Square—at least based on what we've seen online (since we've never been to NYC ourselves). This pedestrian street is lined with neon lights, luxury shops, and food stalls offering everything from candied hawthorn to exotic scorpions on a stick. It's a paradise for shopaholics and foodies alike.

Day 2: Hanfu Experience and the Great Wall

This was the day we had been waiting for! But before heading to the Great Wall, we made a delightful stop at the Changping District, where we had a chance to experience the traditional Hanfu clothing. Hanfu, with its flowing robes and intricate embroidery, made us feel like we had stepped back in time. The stunning autumn foliage in the background only added to the magical experience, making it a perfect Instagram moment.

Finally, we arrived at the majestic Great Wall of China, a colossal structure that stretches over 13,000 miles. Built primarily during the Ming Dynasty, it was designed to protect against invasions and facilitate border control. The sheer scale of it left us in awe. However, with temperatures dropping to 6 degrees Celsius, climbing the wall became more challenging than we expected. Despite wearing thick clothes, the chilly wind cut right through us, forcing us to admire much of it from a distance.

Next, we visited the largest jade shop in Beijing, located in Nankou. This stop was more than just a shopping experience; we learned how authentic jade is crafted and the various techniques used to differentiate real jade from fakes. The rich green hues of the jade pieces were mesmerizing, and we couldn't resist taking a few souvenirs home.

Day 3: The Foodie’s

With no scheduled tours, we designated this day as our food adventure! Staying close to our hotel in Shunyi District, we explored the nearby streets and indulged in local delicacies like Peking duck, dumplings, and spicy hotpot. From bustling street vendors to cozy little eateries, every bite was a burst of flavor, and we took our sweet time savoring it all. The warmth of the food was a welcome contrast to the chilly weather outside.

Day 4: Finale at the Temple of Heaven

Before heading to the airport, we squeezed in a visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, this architectural masterpiece was where emperors performed annual rituals to pray for good harvests. The iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its striking blue-tiled roof and intricate wooden structure, is an absolute must-see.

We took our final snaps, soaking in the grandeur of ancient China one last time before boarding our flight home.

Final Thoughts

China, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sights, truly lived up to our dreams. From the awe-inspiring Great Wall to the bustling streets of Beijing, every moment was an adventure. And while we may have been underdressed and freezing at times, it only added to the unforgettable memories we made along the way.

Would we visit again? In a heartbeat. And next time, we'll come better prepared for the weather!

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