Busy Holiday: A Few Things To Do Today, Oct 4
It’s the National Holiday, folks! While we know a great many of you have most likely joined the masses to leave Beijing for travel, for those who have remained, there are still some great things to do every day of this Golden Week holiday.
Ponder the Stars at the Beijing Observatory
Constructed during the Ming dynasty in 1442, the Ancient Observatory occupies a stout brick tower near Jianguomen, with countless models of instruments used for keeping track of the sun, moon, and stars atop and a small exhibition in a number of converted rooms below. Entry is RMB 20 for adults.
Beijing Ancient Observatory 北京古观象台
2 Dongbaichu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区东裱褚胡同2号
Hours: Wed-Sun, 9am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Contact: 010 6526 5010
Explore Hongxing Hutong
After getting an idea of how ancient Beijing saw the stars, keep star searching your way to Hongxing Hutong, where you’ll find plenty of options for coffee, lunch, dinner, and after-dinner drinks to choose from depending on the time of day you go. Read more about some select Hongxing Hutong spots via this post.
Grab a Burger, Fries, and Free Beer at Side Street
Another option – particularly for a heartier lunch or dinner – is Side Street Jianguomen, where the winners of the Beijinger’s 2024 Juicy Burger Cup have a special holiday offer: Buy any RMB 88 or RMB 78 burger, add fries, and get a complimentary glass of lager or wheat beer on the side.
This deal is available at both of Side Street’s locations (Jianguomen and Jiaodaokou), and is one combo any burger lover best not miss.
Side Street (Jianguomen branch)
2/101-102, Bldg N28, 17 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街17号28号楼2/101-102室
Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun, 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am
Contact: 135 2195 8643
Side Street (Jiaodaokou branch)
113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区交道口东大街113号-02
Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun, 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am
Contact: 176 0088 1832
2024 Beijing International Canal Arts Festival
If you’re still looking to stay out for the evening, then look no further than the Canal Arts Fest. This exciting event marks the tenth anniversary of China's Grand Canal being awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and it's all about honoring the cultural, artistic, and historic magic of canals around the world.
From Oct 2 to Oct 4, FunsTown will transform into a global hotspot for creativity, where artists from every corner of the globe will showcase their talent. Expect a whirlwind of art, culture, amazing performances and plenty of food as we dive into the rich history of the Grand Canal – an ancient link that has connected regions, cultures, and people for centuries.
The 2024 Beijing International Canal Arts Fest will be taking place at FunsTown, Oct 2-4, from 11am until 9pm each day. The fest is free to attend; you just need to register in advance by scanning the QR code in the poster above. Read more about the fest here.
XIDIANJIYI FunsTown 西店记忆FunsTown
18a Fangjiacun, Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District
朝阳区高碑店乡方家村甲18号
READ: Busy Holiday: A Few Things to Do Today, Oct 3
Images: The Beijingers, Uni You, courtesy of the venues
