If you ask for places of interest in Beijing, many people would reply with nothing more than the Palace Museum, the Summer Palace, Nanluoguxiang or Houhai. However, if you get such answers, I can only tell you that they do not understand the essence of Beijing, which often lies in many insignificant attractions that you may probably miss if you’re not informed.

Gaobeidian Village

Many people may not know that there should be such a village in the city near Sihui. If you drop by there, you would completely change your old impression about villages. Gaobeidian Village, south extension of East Chang’an Avenue near the 5th Ring Road, is surrounded by the extremely prosperous China Resources Hotel, China Red Sandalwood Museum, Gaobeidian Xinglong Park and a golf course. Thus, it is reputed as “the most beautiful village in Beijing”.

Since it was near the Grand Canal, the place has been very bustling since ancient times. It was a canal wharf and a collecting and distributing center of imperial grain and goods. The past busy and noisy Gaobeidian has become unhurried and unexcited now. With the street of furniture lined with a variety of shops, the village seems a plain but dignified elderly telling about the glorious past of the place.

Address: Gaobeidian Village, Gaobeidian Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Qianliang Hutong

Located in the northwest of Dongcheng District, Qianliang Hutong goes from east to west, near the Longfo Temple in south, Yuqun Hutong in north and East Gallery Street (Dafosi Hutong) in west. It is named Qiangliang (meaning “money and grain”) since it housed one of the factories for the national mint in the Ming Dynasty. That is to say, if we lived in the ancient times, we would get paid by coins cast here. So you can imagine how important the place was. And due to its unique historical position, the place attracted a lot of high ranking officials and wealthy people to build luxurious mansions and live in.

It is believed in ancient times that people living in east and west sides of Beijing are much richer and nobler than those who staying in south and north parts. However, the rule is broken here. Not only many rich people, but also quite a few famous figures have lived here, making the place luxurious but low-key. There are still some former residences of famous people, which are preserved here.

Address: Qianliang Hutong, Dongcheng District