If you’re in two minds about experiencing winter in Beijing, don’t be! Much like New York in the snow, China’s capital has a special appeal unique to the season. To give you some inspiration, we’ve come up with this casual two-day winter itinerary. Enjoy!
Day 1
Wrap up warm for a morning wandering Beijing’s hutong alleyways. You’ll be snapping photos of coal sellers, stacks of cabbages frozen in Qing-era courtyard doorways, and locals bundled up for the season.
Bespoke’s Street Snack & Market Tour is a delicious introduction to Beijing’s seasonal tastes, from tang hulu (candied hawberries on sticks) to the amber-fleshed sweet potatoes hawked from roving bicycle ovens.
Onwards to one of the capital’s most traditional wet markets, piled high with persimmons, pumpkins, hawthorn, kaki, winter bamboo and taro, acres of spices and a hall filled with mutton from the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, destined for the city’s hot pot restaurants (more on those later!)
Next, it’s a short walk to the frozen lakes of Shichahai dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, where, if you’re feeling energetic, you can rent some skates or an ice trike and join the throng. (See if you can spot the hardy locals taking their daily dip in a patch of broken ice)…
Once the cold sets in, we drive to Capital M, one of Beijing’s most beautiful restaurants, for their famous afternoon tea beside the fire. Warm up with ‘M’s Afternoon Blend’ or a fresh lemon and ginger brew, and take time to gaze out from the terrace at the mighty expanse of Tiananmen Square – it’s quite a view.
Coats and scarves back on, as we walk through Tiananmen Square, passing the imposing socialist facades of the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, to catch the sunset flag lowering ceremony in view of the portrait of Mao Zedong hanging in front of the Forbidden City. Chinese state pomp at its best!
For dinner, a Beijing institution: hot pot. The perfect winter warmer, diners cook strips of thinly sliced lamb and beef, plus fresh veggies, ‘shrooms, tofu, noodles and more, by dunling them in a cauldron of spicy (or non-spicy) soup. Our hot pot restaurant of choice is Haidilao, Beijing’s stylishly rowdy dunk ‘n dip mecca, with impeccable service (manicures and free snacks in the queue while you wait) AND the option of tableside dancing noodle makers. Oh yes.
Day 2
After breakfast we depart the city to visit the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu.
In the winter season you’ll have this breathtaking sweep of battlements mostly to yourself, and in the crisp, clear air you’ll be taking brilliant photos of the ‘stone dragon’ snaking over frosty mountains. Count yourself extra lucky if it comes with a dusting of snow!
Back to Beijing for a late lunch of piping hot pork or veggie dumplings at Xian Lao Man, and then on to the Peninsula Hotel and its antique-adorned SPA for a signature ‘Spa Journey’, which begins with a session in the thermal suites (crystal steam room, sauna and private whirlpool bath for two), followed by a two-hour treatment. Ahhh.
In the evening, what could be more nourishing than Peking duck roasted over fruitwood at Duck de Chine, Beijing’s finest kaoyadian? (If you want to really get under the skin of the dish Beijing gave to the world, consider our Peking Duck & Kitchen Tour).
Afterwards, head next door and sink into a comfy chair in dimly lit Janes and Hooch and enjoy one of the capital’s best cocktails, with a host of winter specials like the Dark & Fruity, made with black rum, seasonal berries, cherry marmalade and ginger beer.
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Bespoke Beijing’s Trip Customisation service allows you to craft completely customised itineraries in Beijing according to your personal preferences, budget and timeframe. Click here to find out more or email us at [email protected] to get started!