What comes to mind when you think of Beijing? The Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven? These landmarks have defined a city with more than 3,000 years of history and over eight centuries as the national capital.
Now, Beijing is more than its past. With the Chinese mainland's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in effect, vloggers Ioana and Lucy reveal a side of the city where history, modern life and creative energy converge.
First stop: Shougang Park, where former steel factories stand side by side with Olympic venues. From the Big Air site—where Su Yiming and Eileen Gu once soared—to a 15-meter rappelling wall, this industrial playground delivers adrenaline and epic skyline views.
Then the pace slows along the Tongzhou Grand Canal. Morning exercises, casual chats with locals and a chance to master kongzhu, the traditional Chinese yoyo, offer an authentic glimpse of everyday life.
Beyond the urban core, Gubei Water Town in Miyun District waits beneath the Simatai section of the Great Wall. Opened in 2014, this waterside enclave blends traditional architecture, winding canals and immersive cultural scenes—a favorite weekend escape for Beijing residents.
From industrial relics to quiet waterways, from Olympic moments to local rhythms, this is a Beijing you may not expect. Ready to explore?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
