With the arrival of July and summer vacation, many people are planning to visit scenic spots. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds and aren't fixated on famous landmarks, here are four hidden gems in Beijing worth visiting in July. These spots are less crowded, beautiful, and definitely worth the trip.

Drum Tower Neighborhood

When exploring Beijing, you can't miss the hutongs around the Drum Tower. From Beihai to Shichahai to Nanluoguxiang, the sweet and sour candied haws and the bustling alleyways at sunset capture the true spirit of Beijing.

To avoid the crowded tourist hotspot of Nanluoguxiang, head to the lesser-known Drum Tower Neighborhood. Located on the south side of the road east to the Drum Tower, this hidden gem is close to Shichahai and other popular sites. Look for the archway marked "Drum Tower Neighborhood," where the combination of a red drum and gray hutong tiles creates a unique scene. At night, the area is beautifully illuminated, giving it the feel of stepping into a Chinese-style metaverse.

In fact, this newly popular neighborhood is a true "food street." It offers a wide range of dining options, from Chinese hotpot to Western snacks, as well as coffee by day and cocktails by night, barbecue, and traditional braised dishes. You can even enjoy your favorite sweet and sour pork while sipping a refreshing drink branded with the "Drum Tower" name.

Address: Gulou East Street, Dongcheng District

DoBe Temple of Heaven WE

Located within the Second Ring Road, just across the street from the East Gate of the Temple of Heaven, there's the DoBe Temple of Heaven WE cultural and creative park, a new cultural landmark that many people are unaware of. If you've just finished exploring the Temple of Heaven, you can conveniently stop by this place for a rest. It offers a unique and surprising experience.

DoBe Temple of Heaven WE is a treasure trove of history, housed in a century-old former factory. It used to be the Beijing Electric Trolleybus Repair Factory, where Beijing's first tram was produced. If you've experienced the old tram cars, this place will have a special resonance for you.

Like many old factory districts in Beijing, it has been transformed into a creative park that combines tradition with modernity. It features a variety of unique shops, all brimming with trendy vibes.

Address: No. 91 Fahua Temple Street, Dongcheng Districting

Xihai Wetland Park

While the famous Houhai has become overcrowded with countless tourist groups taking over the Lotus Market, Shichahai in Beijing also includes Xihai, which is part of the same area and just a short walk across the Xiaobai Bridge from Houhai. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 2 to Jishuitan Station and exit at C.

Xihai, also known as Jishuitan, offers wetland scenery that is equally stunning but far more tranquil and serene compared to Houhai. The best part is the lack of tourists, making it ideal for admiring lotus flowers, taking beautiful photos, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll. Once you visit Xihai, you'll forget the hustle and bustle of Houhai.

Waterbirds swim gracefully among the lush aquatic plants, with various water plants thriving around the lake. Newly bloomed lotuses sway gently, and the waterfront boardwalk meanders along the lake's edge. This area is also a haven for wild ducks, with a small island on the east side of the lake housing ducks year-round. Groups of ducklings play among the lotus leaves, creating a picturesque ecological scene that's too beautiful to miss.

Address: No. 60 Jia, Deshengmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Sanlihe Park

Looking for something to do around Qianmen besides strolling down the main street? Just across from Xianyukou Street on the east side of Qianmen East Street, there's a quiet haven known as the "Little Jiangnan of Beijing." Despite its proximity to the bustling city, this park exudes a rustic charm with its small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, walkways, lotus flowers, and swimming fish, presenting a pastoral summer scene that's quite different from the typical image of Beijing.

Called Sanlihe Park, it may be a small street park, but its outstanding scenery rivals that of the city's larger parks, making it a favorite among Beijing residents.

Address: 50 meters east of the intersection of Nanlucao Garden Hutong and Qunzhi Hutong, Dongcheng District

Translator: DING Hongwei

Reviewer: BAI Jing