EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: BEIJING

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN BEIJING

Peking duck (shāo yāzi) has been eaten in Beijing since the Imperial Era and is the city’s most famous dish to date. The meat is characterized by its juicy, tender texture and thin, crispy skin and served in thick slices with a side of steamed pancakes, cucumber sticks, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce. Traditionally, meat is piled onto a warm pancake and eaten like a wrap. The cucumber sticks can be rolled into the pancake or used to cleanse your palette between wraps.

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Beijing

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Beijing:

• Peking Duck: This is a classic Chinese dish that you may already be familiar with, but nothing beats the authentic taste you'll find in Beijing. Peking Duck features super crispy, roasted duck skin served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce. It's also a signature dish with a long imperial history and an important culinary tradition in the city!
• Zhajiangmian: For a taste of local comfort food, you have to try Zhajiangmian, which is a savory noodle dish topped with a rich, dark sauce made from fermented soybean paste and ground pork. It's a hearty favorite among locals, and a popular homemade meal!
• Tanghulu: Try this declicious, sweet and popular street food in Beijing! Tanghulu involves covering tart fruit in a crunchy sugar coating that is served on a skewer. You’ll find vendors selling them all over the city, especially in the winter. 

BEST DRINK IN BEIJING

Originating in northeastern China, soybeans are commonly used to produce doujiang (soy milk). Considered a staple in traditional oriental breakfasts, doujiang is made by soaking dry soybeans in water overnight. The swollen beans are then blended into a liquid and strained into a cloth-lined colander until all of the “milk” drains out. The Chinese drink doujiang sweet, by adding sugar or simple syrup, or savory by mixing it with chopped spring onions, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, shallots, vinegar, soy sauce, and/or chili oil. When it comes to doujiang order it as you prefer - hot, cold, sweet, or savory!

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Beijing

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Beijing:

• Douzhi: Douzhi is a traditional drink made from fermented mung beans, and it has a very distinct sour flavor. Trying this beverage is a great way to experience a piece of Beijing's traditional culture.
• Suanmeitang: Try the perfect drink for a hot day in Beijing. Suanmeitang is a sweet and sour plum juice that is a traditional Chinese beverage. It features a smoky yet fruity flavor that is refreshing and tasty, which is perfect for hot and sunny days when you’ll be exploring the city!
• Baijiu: This is a drink you have to know about for any formal occasion. Baijiu is a strong, clear, distilled liquor that you’ll likely find at any formal occasion as it’s a traditional part of Chinese social events and banquets. Fun fact: it’s also the most consumed spirit in the world!  

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN BEIJING

China is home to one of the seven wonders of the modern world: The Great Wall of China - a series of fortifications built to protect the country’s border. Construction began in the 7th century and lasted more than 2,500 years. Exploring all 13,171 miles of it would be a feat but you can easily tour a chunk of it while in Beijing. Nine sections, spanning 356 miles, can be viewed including: Badaling, Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng, Jiankou, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai, and Huangyaguan. Depending on which section you choose, it will take up to 3 hours to reach by car. Well worth the investment considering The Great Wall of China is the longest structure ever built by humans.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Beijing

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Beijing:

• Tiananmen Square: This is one of the largest public squares in the world and a central landmark in modern Chinese history. It's surrounded by significant Beijing monuments like the Forbidden City and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, which makes it the perfect location to begin your exploration of the city and its unique cultural landmarks!
• Temple of Heaven: This beautiful complex of religious buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see place to visit. Once used by Chinese emperors to perform rituals to pray for good harvests, today you can visit the template and surrounding park where locals practice tai chi or perform other daily activities.
• Great Wall of China: You can't visit Beijing without visiting the Great Wall! This massive ancient fortification is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks of China, and one of the famous wonders of the world! Walking on the wall is unforgettable and an extremely popular experience amongst our study abroad students. 

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