English
According to a 2012 report of the most expensive countries in the world, of the 425 cities surveyed, Beijing occupies position 22. There are 13 positions less than in 2011, while it still is “only” at position 35. The reasons for this increase in the cost of living in the Chinese capital are many, but we will not go into details. Rather we will tell you how to “survive” with 10 things you can do without spending a single euro .
1. Tiananmen Square
The first thing is to visit the world´s largest square, Tiananmen Square. There are 440,000 square feet of space, it can fit 1 million people. Tiananmen Square became history for it is where Mao Zedong proclaimed, in 1949 the founding of the PRC, and is also where, on June 4, 1989, the famous Tiananmen Square protests ended in slaughter .
2. The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong
While you´re in Tiananmen Square, the second free thing to do is visit the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong , which is located just on the south side of the square. The Mausoleum was built after the death of Mao in 1976, inside the embalmed body of the former leader of the Chinese Communist Party is preserved.
3. Qianmen Street
Now for the third free activity, visit the pedestrian street with over 570 years of history: Qianmen Street. The street measures 840 meters long and 21 meters wide, the buildings that border resemble the style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The street is like an outdoor museum. Qianmen Street is south of Tiananmen Square.
4. Houhai
The artificial lake Houhai is our fourth free proposal. You will find it in the center of Beijing, about 4 bus stops from Tiananmen Square. During the Yuan Dynasty, 700 years ago, these were the waters of ancient Beijing. Today, the banks of Houhai lake are occupied by pubs, restaurants and bars and it is certainly a place to have a (very cheap) beer in total tranquility.
5. Hutong
A visit to the hutong is mandatory (and free). The hutong are the narrow alleys formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard houses. Since the mid-twentieth century, many of the hutongs have been demolished, but a few still survive because they have been declared protected buildings. The Gulou hutong near Shichahai Lake is well preserved.
6. Panjiayuan
If you like old Chinese products, from furniture, decorations, crafts and collectibles, this is the perfect place to find them.
7. The Silk Market
The Silk Market, near the embassy district, is another place of interest (free to visit). Sold mainly are silk products in a 30,000 sqm area
8. The 798 Factory
The Factory 798 is in the eighth position. Is only 20 years old but has already been confirmed as the community´s most famous contemporary art location in Beijing.
9. Anlitun
Anlitun area is our ninth proposal. Here you will find yourself in a lively nightlife area with a wide range of entertainment.
10. Wangfujing
The Wangfujing shopping street closes our list of free activities. In it you will find shops, bars and terraces (during the summer season). Wangfujing is in Dongcheng District.
Although Beijing is one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are 10 things you can do for free. Check out apartments in Beijing prices; find the perfect apartment for you and do not worry if you are not carrying enough money.
