Hidden Hutongs & Local Bites: Beijing Beyond the Great Wall

📍Location: Beijing, China While many rush to the Great Wall, our summer adventure in Beijing took a quieter, more local route. We wandered through the ancient hutongs of Dongcheng, where grey brick alleyways opened up to charming courtyards, boutique cafés, and family-run noodle stalls. Renting a bicycle turned out to be the best way to explore, giving us access to serene parks like Beihai and lesser-known temples such as Fayuan Si. We ended each day with dumplings from a hidden spot near Gulou. Beijing is full of historical layers—and discovering them slowly in the heat of summer made it unforgettable. Bring sunblock and curiosity! #beijingshopping