BEIJING FOR FREE
1. Museums
Many of Beijing’s big national museums – including the Natural History Museum, the National Museum of China, and the National Art Museum of China – offer free entry, although you may be asked to pay a small fee for an optional guide. The Capital Museum is free but requires you to make an online reservation before you visit.
2. Former Residence of Lao She
19 Fengfu Lane, Dengshikou Xije, Dongcheng District • 6514 2612 • Subway: Fuchengmen • Open 9am–4pm Tue–Sun
This well-preserved courtyard home with a memorial honors Beijing personality and Chinese luminary Lao She, author of such literary classics as Teahouse and Rickshaw Boy.
3. Beijing University Campus
5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District • 0506 5075 • Subway: Peking University (East Gate)
Known locally as PKU (Peking University), Beijing University is a sprawling campus, complete with a willow-lined lake. It also features Haidian’s best theater venue.
Leafy grounds at Beijing University Campus
4. Southern Moat and Central Axis
Access to Southern Moat via Yongdingmen Gate • Access to Central Axis via Yonghe Gong Park
Beijing’s once-extensive moat network has been diminished by centuries of war, structural changes, and a drying climate. Still, walking the footpath along the palace’s Southern Moat is a peaceful trip back to the old city.
5. Panjiayuan Antique Market
Once called the “dirt market,” when farmers used to literally unearth treasures and bring them here to sell, today Panjiayuan is where you’ll find all sorts of antiques, from carved furniture to propaganda art and Qing-dynasty pottery.
Statuary at Panjiayuan Antique Market
6. The Chinese Museum of Women and Children
23 Jianguomennei Dajie • 6526 9456 • Subway: Dongdan • Open 9am–5pm Tue–Sun
Housed in a wonderfully sinuous modern building, this museum examines how the role of women has changed through history, as well as their clothing and art. The children’s section isn’t quite as interesting, but has plenty of activities for kids.
7. Hutongs
Although they’re disappearing fast due to redevelopment, Hutongs, or traditional lanes, are where you’ll find Beijing’s old-world charm. Try Nanluoguxiang and Beiluoguxiang hutongs, near Gulou; Fangjia and Wudaoying hutongs, across from the Lama Temple; and Dashilan hutong in the Qian Men area.
Charming Beijing hutong
8. Street Dancing
The so-called “dancing grannies” are senior citizens who meet in public squares for socializing and getting light exercise through activities such as fan and ballroom dancing, drumming, or low-key aerobics. This is one of Beijing’s more charming features.
9. Yishu 8
20 Dong Huangchengen Bei Jie, Dongcheng District • 6581 9058 • Subway: Dongsi, Nanluoguxiang • Open 11am–6:30pm Mon–Sat
Housed in the old Sino-French University, Yishu 8 hosts regular exhibitions featuring cross-cultural collaborations of Chinese and French artists. Each room has its own style, and the leafy courtyard offers welcome respite from the city.
10. Maliandao (Tea Street)
There’s little charm about Maliandao, which is basically a tea mall for wholesalers. However, here you can see, smell, and learn everything you ever wanted to know about tea. There’s an impressive range of flower types, and you can enjoy unlim ited free samples.
TOP 10 BUDGET TIPS
1. Tickets
Research museums and other sights online to decide which to visit. For some sights, you can buy an all-access pass or a single-zone pass.
2. Connections
Every café has free Wi-Fi, and WeChat offers free international texts, voice messages, and phone calls.
3. Airport Transit
Upon disembarking, catch the airport express (¥25), then transfer to a bus or subway at Dong Zhi Men.
4. Street Food
Eating delicious chuan’r (roasted kebabs) or malatang (boiled kebabs) paired with a ¥2 local beer will be a highlight of your stay in Beijing.
5. Museums
On Wednesdays, 13 museums offer free admission to the first 200 visitors.
6. Public Spectacle
Dancing or doing tai chi with the locals costs nothing, and the experience will create a priceless memory.
7. Self-Restraint
Markets are exercises in bargaining, but the best deals come before closing time, so be sure to pace yourself.
8. Dorm Life
Opt for a hostel over a hotel; beds are cheap, and the hostel locations are among the best in the city.
9. Two-Wheelers
Travel like a local and rent a bicycle, or register for public bicycles on the street. Cycle on a quiet side street first.
Rack of public bicycles
10. Public Transport
Forget taxis; the Beijing subway costs only ¥6. Beijing IC offer a 60 per cent discount on buses.
