In early summer, Chengxian Street feels like a quiet corner of old Beijing. Hutongs and courtyards create a timeless atmosphere, perfect for a slow walk near Confucius Temple and Guozijian.
Nanhaizi Park in Daxing District offers a quieter side of Beijing, with greenways running through wetlands and tree-lined paths. Over the May Day holiday, it’s an easy spot to walk, cycle, or unwind by the water.
Wudaoying Hutong blends old Beijing courtyard charm with modern cafés and creative shops. A relaxed place to explore during the May Day holiday and experience the city’s everyday rhythm.
Anna Pernice came to Beijing solo — and the city met her exactly where she was. Lazy mornings by the lakes of Shichahai. Getting lost (deliberately) in the Forbidden City. A quiet hour at the Temple of Heaven that she probably didn't plan but definitely needed.
Then the city turned up the volume — local flavors that actually delivered, an evening at Jixiang Theatre that she's still talking about, the buzz of Wangfujing after dark, and a morning at Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall with almost no one else around.
Solo, female, foreign — and not once did Beijing make that feel complicated. This is what it looks like when a city is just... ready for you.
Beijing — explore it your way.