Experience a typical day out for a Beijing resident

Get a first-hand look at traditional customs and ways of life

Rub shoulders with local commuters riding the subway

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INTRO

Spend a day in the life of a Beijing resident. Travel by public transportation, sip tea at a popular shop and ride a bike through winding hutongs. Explore local parks and neighbourhoods to get a closer look at age-old traditions such as calligraphy, Kung Fu and, of course, mahjong.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Note: The entire day will be by public transportation. A surcharge will apply for taxi hire.

See Beijing like a local. Start the day with a typical breakfast of tea, hot soymilk, steamed buns and fried dumplings. Then hop on the subway for a ride across town. Beijing’s rail network is extensive and cheap, making it the best and fastest way to get around the congested city. Join adults commuting to work and kids on their way to school for a glimpse of life in the big city.

Disembark and take a short walk to the Temple of Heaven. Every morning local residents gather here for their daily exercise, an essential part of traditional daily life. See people of all ages practicing Tai Qi, Kung Fu, mediation or gymnastics among other activities. There are also people practicing calligraphy, using giant brushes to gracefully spread water on the stones. Catch glimpses of the beautiful designs and learn their meaning before they evaporate.

Take a break for a cup of tea at one of the city’s most popular teahouses. Drinking tea is an integral part of Chinese culture and the locals are very particular about the quality of tea. Learn about the tea culture while sipping a piping hot cup.

For lunch, sample one of the city’s signature dishes, yang xiezi. This stew, made of mutton bones and marrow, is beloved by the Beijing people.

Next up is a biking trip through Beijing’s hutongs. Bikes are still the preferred mode of transport for the locals and are an iconic symbol of Beijing. Pedal along the atmospheric laneways outside of Houhai Lake and Shichahai Lake. Pass by scenes daily life and give a wave to the locals as they cycle by. Make a stop at a bike repair workshop and chat with the friendly owner who will explain the city’s biking obsession. Then head to the lakeshores to watch a game of mah jong or Chinese chess. Learn the basic rules while watching the players.

Having spent most of the day steeped in the traditions of Beijing life, it is time at a look at the modern side of the capital. Visit Wangfujing neighbourhood and walk through the commercial district. See how China has grown into a contemporary city and embraced modern consumerism.