When you visit Beijing as a tourist, the capital city of China, you will inevitably be taken sightseeing by your tour guides to view monumental and historical attractions like The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City and The Ming Tombs amongst many others.

However, more and more of the residents of Beijing are saying that there are many less well known tourist attractions that you must visit and these lesser known places, on their own accord also have many charms and delights for tourists.

For example, Cui Jian, a famous Chinese rock star who performed on a Rolling Stones act in Shanghai in 2006 was known to have said, “I am not at all interested in all that historical kingdom culture, stuff that shows this was once the greatest kingdom or something like that”.

Cui recommends that tourists when visiting Beijing should also soak up the atmosphere in the 798 art district in Beijing’s eastern Dashanzi instead. This1950s period factory zone has been transformed into a bohemian community of art galleries, cafes and bistros, outdoor sculptures, colorful graffiti painted on factory walls among many other interesting features.

Another Beijing resident, Wu Jianxin, who is an owner of a private wine club, grew up near Houhai, which was once a quiet lakeside village, which is now being overrun by noisy bars and boat rentals for tourists. Wu likes to take leisurely strolls in Baiyun Guan or White Cloud Temple.

This Taoist temple ground has a certain mystical charm about it and without the tourist crush like those in the major attractions,is a wonderful place to just enjoy a leisurely paced sightseeing. A sight to behold when you are in the 800 year old Baiyun Guan are regular traditional ceremonies and rites being performed by Taoist monks. This ancient temple is also the headquarters of the Chinese Taoist Association.

Li Jing, who is a designer by profession, prefers to take his walks in the Nanluoguxiang area. This area has well preserved stretch of backstreets although situated in downtown Beijing, is almost unknown to many tourists. These backstreets are home to many local bars, hostels and boutiques. The area exudes the ambience of old Beijing when contrasted against the city’s modern superstructures.

For tourists who like to bring home unconventional souvenirs should visit Jindian Consignment Shop. Here, you will not find the usual replica dragons or jade chopsticks which you can find in souvenir shops all over Beijing. Instead, you will discover unusual and remarkably quaint souvenirs to bring home, such as old bus passes, Chinese antique clocks and flying pigeon bicycles (whatever that is).

Having visited Beijing on a number of occasions myself, I have to disagree with the locals who only recommend the less well known tourist attractions. My recommendation is to see everything Beijing has to offer including the major tourist attractions many of which will leave you awestricken.

This article is about the China vacations and you can find some useful information in it if you are planning your China vacations now.

Harbin is the capital of Helongjiang province and it is called the “ice city” of China. The famous “Harbin ice holidy” is hold every year and it attracts thousands of travellers here.

Harbin has a long history and its culture is very unique. This city is influenced by both the eastern and western cultures and you can see lots of Russian architectures here. Because of this, it is also called “East Paris” in Asia.

Eat in Harbin:

The Harbiners like to eat the uncooked vegetables and they believe that it is a better way to absorb the vitamins. An interesting thing I find in Harbin is that the people here like the cold dishes very much. Harbin has a long winter and it is very cold here. I don’t understand why they like to eat these cold dishes. 

The food here is a little bit salty. I think this should have some kind of connections with the cold weather here. I recommend the Harbin red sausage (very delicious, I like it. ). Here are some good restaurants I found in Harbin(good food and services, price is reasonable):

(1). Laoduyichu: 25 Daolixishisandaojie, Harbin.

(2). Dongfangjiaoziwang dumpling: 39 Zhongyangdajie, Harbin.

Hotels and Motels in Harbin:

It is a good choice to live in a hotel near the Zhongyangdajie Street. You can do shopping at anytime you want if you live in a place near this famous business street of Harbin.

(1). Tianzhidajiudian Hotel: 160 Zhongyangdajie Street, Harbin.

(2). Songhuajiangkailai Hotel: 257 Zhongyangdajie Street, Harbin.

(3). Xiaoshanshu Hostel: 83 Xuefulu Street, Nangang District, Harbin. ( this is a good option for you if you are looking for some place cheap. )

Airlines to Harbin:

The Harbin Taiping International Airport is the second largest airport in north east China. There are airlines connecting Harbin directly with Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Qindao, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shenyang, Dalian, Xian, Hongkong, ect (more than 30 big cities in China). Flights to U.S. Russia, Korea, Japan and Singapore are also available here. (more info about China vacations, Beijing flights and Lhasa travel at Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM)

Taxi service in Harbin:

The price of the taxi service is not low in Harbin (comparing with other cities in China). For the Xiali(a Chinese auto brand) taxicab, the flag-fall price is 7 rmb(for the first 3 kilometers). You will need to pay 1.6 rmb for one kilometer after these 3 kilometers. For the Volkswagen Jetta taxicab, the flag-fall price is 8 rmb(for the first 3 kilometers). After these 3 kilometers, you will need to pay 1.9 rmb for one kilometer.

Some tips:

It is very cold here in Harbin and you can buy a “Xuedixie” (snow boots) here. It is only 20 rmb.

If you wanna go skiing in Harbin. The Yabuli Skiiing Ground is not a bad choice. The coach will cost you 200 rmb. Usually they will not ask you for the tips and it is ok to skip this part in China. (You can pay 50-100 rmb as tips if you are really satisfied with his/her services, )

Shopping in the Zhongyangdajie Street is interesting. You can get good deals if you are good at bargaining.  (sometimes you can get a better price in the shops which is a little bit far away from the center of the Zhongyangdajie Street.)

A map of Harbin will be very helpful for your Harbin travel.

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