🚄 From Shanghai to Beijing — the Smoothest Ride

I hopped on the high-speed train — just 4.5 hours from Shanghai to Beijing. Ordered fresh coffee via the 12306 app, and 15 minutes later, it was delivered right to my seat. Convenience level: 100/100.

🦆 Peking Duck Like Never Before

First stop: a local duck restaurant in Haidian District.

✔ Crispy skin

✔ Soft duck meat

✔ Unique green garlic sauce

✔ Loads of dumpling wraps

Never seen that many before — even after visiting Beijing over 10 times! Highly recommended.

🔥 Real Local Beijing BBQ

Next? A very, very local BBQ spot — no English, no fancy menu, just pure flavor.

It was stove BBQ, the kind you’d see in Xinjiang. Every dish was 🔥.

🥬 Day1 - The Market That Changed Everything

We wandered into a fruit, veggie & cooked food market — and it turned into my favorite Beijing moment.

I had:

The crispiest Shandong Jianbing
Fresh beef noodles made right in front of me
Locals shouting prices, steam rising, so much color and life

Unmissable. Period.

🚴‍♀️ Biking Through Non-Touristy Hutongs

We biked through quiet, untouched hutongs, some even right next to Beijing’s CBD.

You see laundry lines, old doorways, real life — not staged for tourists.

And from time to time: hidden cafes on rooftops that felt like secrets.

☕ Beijing Cafes vs. Shanghai Cafes

I love both cities, but Beijing’s cafes are a different vibe.

Rooftops in hutongs
Bohemian corners
A little rough, a little magical

🏯 White Pagoda + Ice Cream Joy

Next to White Pagoda Tower, we discovered a Yunnan restaurant full of flavor — and right next door, an ice cream shop that was unforgettable.

🍸 Hidden Bars Like a Movie Set

Beijing nightlife = surprise after surprise.

Chimney Bar
The Church Bar
The Home Bar (yes, in a residential building!)
One in an abandoned mall showing Tom & Jerry cartoons 🤣

Wild and wonderful.

🏭 Day 2 – Industrial Chic & Rooftop Thrills

We drove to Shougang Park, an old industrial zone turned creative space.

Climbed to the top of the highest viewpoint (the café was closed but the view made up for it!). Adrenaline? Yes. Worth it? YES.

🥣 Henan Breakfast = Carby Heaven

So many noodles. So cheap. So good.

It’s available in Shanghai too, but my first time actually dining in. Loved it.

☕ + 🍺 = The Perfect Combo

More cafe scouting, more beer scouting, and even a Peking Duck Jianbing paired with craft beer. Genius.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a trip.

This was living Beijing — if only for 48 hours.

So much food. So much fun. So many local gems.

I saw a version of Beijing I’d never seen before — raw, real, and ridiculously tasty.

❤️Big thanks to Corny for showing us the real Beijing — not the touristy side, but the version where you truly feel like you’re living here.

We’ll be waiting for you in Shanghai — and can’t wait to show you my favorite corners of this city!

Also, a huge shout-out to my Beijing friend of 10 years —

THE BBQ, THE Peking Duck… 🔥🥢

Yes, I’m still a tourist in Beijing and yes, I unapologetically love Peking Duck and Peking-style Hotpot. 😂😂

Stay Tuned!!

📍Live Like a Local: My Best Experience in Beijing