Day 5: Old Beijing Citywalk – Hutongs, Lakes & Our Final Sunset

Our last day in Beijing wasn’t about ticking off landmarks—it was about soaking in the city’s soul.No plans, no pressure—just a citywalk through the old heart of Beijing, following where our feet (and curiosity) led us.

Before our Old Beijing Citywalk: Tiananmen Square

First, we returned to Tiananmen Square, which we didn’t get to explore properly earlier in the trip. Standing in this massive space, you can feel the weight of history—it’s symbolic, monumental, and always busy with both locals and tourists.

Temple of Heaven Park – Calm in the Chaos

Next, we visited Tiantan Park (Temple of Heaven). Compared to the grandeur of the Forbidden City, this place felt more meditative. Locals danced, practiced tai chi, and played music in the open spaces. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its vibrant blue roof, stood tall at the center. It was a reminder of how spiritual and seasonal Chinese imperial life once was.

Hutongs, Coffee Stops & Street Life

From there, we headed into the Hutong alleys—narrow, winding lanes filled with old courtyard homes, red doors, bicycles, and stories.This part of Beijing felt human, raw, and quietly beautiful.

We wandered into Shichahai, a lakeside area surrounded by bars, cafés, and street food vendors. It was the perfect blend of old and modern life. We grabbed a coffee, people-watched, and just enjoyed the moment.

Drum Tower (Gulou) – Our Final Sunset in Beijing

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Gulou (The Drum Tower). From the top, we watched the last light spill over Beijing’s rooftops. It was quiet. Golden. The kind of ending you hope for but don’t plan.

We even hired a local street photographer to help us take a picture! He quoted us 20RMB for each photo. He'll take a few pictures, and if anything we like, we'd just pay him 20RMB for each piece, if we see nothing we like, then it'll be free of charge.

A Goodbye Without Rushing

No airport stress, no rush—we had left our bags at the hotel and planned to head to the airport later that night. It gave us time to actually say goodbye to the city, not just leave it.

Thanks for being apart of our Beijing journey! We hope you enjoyed this series.

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