Snowy highlights: Lianhuachi Park, Maliandao Jie(St), National Theatre of China, Tianning No.1 Cultural and Technological Innovation Park
"First came Lianhuachi, then Beijing City" — Lianhuachi is a vital mark of life in Beijing. In summer, Lianhuachi Park is the best spot to admire lotus flowers, but in winter, under the warm sun, the scenery is uniquely enchanting. White snow blankets the branches, pathways, and pavilions, creating a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere. In the distance, the reflections of Yuyuantan and the CCTV Tower complement each other, while the ice surface in the park invites visitors to skate and enjoy the joys of winter.
Not far away, on Guangwai Jiedao(St) in Xicheng District, tea lovers have a must-visit destination—Maliandao, known as China's first tea street. Stretching from north to south, Maliandao showcases themes of lotus flowers, tea blossoms, tea trees, and tea leaves, reflecting the historical and cultural essence of the street, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in tea culture. Today, Maliandao has evolved from a street of tea shops into a large platform showcasing Chinese tea brands, embodying a beautiful community of "tea life" in China and serving as a high-end center for tea trade. I can easily imagine the delightful experience of sipping tea while watching the snow fall in a heavy flurry.
Not far from here is the National Theatre of China, one of Beijing's established theatres, with roots tracing back to the Yan'an Youth Art Theatre founded in 1941. The theatre is spacious with many seats, creating a comfortable environment for enjoying performances. It has hosted a wide array of outstanding productions, including The Field of Death and Life, Four Generations Under One Roof, The Grand Mansion Gate, Beijing Fayuan Temple, and Gu Wenchang.
Nearby trendy spot:
The "Tianning No.1" Cultural and Technological Innovation Park is adjacent to the nationally protected cultural site, Tianning Temple, one of the oldest brick pagodas in Beijing, located just a street away from the Daoist sacred site, Baiyun Temple. Originally the site of the Beijing Second Thermal Power Plant, it was decommissioned in 2009 and transformed into a vibrant park. The park features strong industrial elements, integrating relics of the power industry with culture, technology, and finance. Walking through the park, you can spot the prominent company motto on the main building's exterior: "Politically engaged, serving the capital, contributing to society; seeking survival, expanding markets, benefiting employees." The towering 180-meter smokestack is also a landmark of the Xi 2 Huan Lu (West 2 Ring Road). The park is open 24 hours, allowing nearby residents free access. With a focus on art, design, cultural innovation, music, and children's workshops, this new ecological hub breathes new life into the old factory. In November 2020, it was selected as one of Beijing's first trendy check-in spots.
