Discover Beijing: A Vibrant Tapestry of History, Culture, and Modernity
Beijing, more than just the capital of China, stands as a living testament to a rich past, a dynamic culture, and a forward-looking present. It's a city that truly captures the essence of China's evolution.
A Breath of Fresh Air and Culinary Delights
Don't let outdated perceptions fool you; my visits to Beijing have consistently revealed crystal-clear skies and invigoratingly fresh air. The streets are impeccably clean, rivaling the pristine appeal of Singapore. Beyond its clean ambiance, Beijing is a paradise for food lovers. The imperial cuisine, in particular, is an absolute must-try – simply exquisite! What's even more delightful is the affordability of food and fresh fruits. Even in the most popular central areas, you won't encounter inflated prices or aggressive haggling; everything is clearly priced.
Experience Beijing's Flourishing Grandeur
Exploring Beijing offers a profound insight into just how prosperous, beautiful, and sophisticated its capital city is. The primary attractions are its meticulously preserved cultural landmarks. For breathtaking natural landscapes, it's best to venture to other provinces.
Seamless Travel Adventures: Beijing and Beyond
For an enriching travel experience, I highly recommend combining your Beijing visit with excursions to Xi'an, Chongqing, and Chengdu. These cities offer a stunning blend of modernity, captivating culture, and picturesque scenery, coupled with fantastic culinary experiences and shopping opportunities. The travel routes connecting these four destinations are remarkably convenient. Finishing your explorations in Chengdu and flying back to Vietnam makes for a perfect itinerary.
High-Speed Rail: Your Gateway to Exploration
When traveling between cities within China, opting for the high-speed train is an excellent choice. Journeys are swift and comfortable, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride. Take the opportunity to explore their train stations – they are grand, architecturally impressive, and offer a diverse array of delicious food options. A typical station meal, featuring dishes like braised beef, chicken, or pork over rice, costs between 18-35 yuan and is incredibly tasty. You'll also find freshly made noodle dishes galore!
The stations are equipped with convenience stores where you can purchase drinks, instant noodles (complete with hot water dispensers), bread, and packaged snacks, offering a convenient alternative to restaurant dining. They even sell fresh fruit. Everything you need is readily available. I'm particularly fond of their fruit juices, priced at 4-8 yuan per bottle, which are both delicious and come in a wide variety of flavors. Honestly, each journey excites me because I look forward to arriving at the station a bit early, just to wander around, savoring the food and the atmosphere. It's an absolute joy!
Here are some snapshots I captured while wandering the streets of Beijing. Often, the allure of delicious food would lead me to forget about taking pictures, only to remember after indulging and then heading off for some shopping!
Cre: Nguyễn Ngọc Trà My
