Busy Holiday: Stuff To Do Around Beijing Today, May 3
May 3 marks the beginning of our annual Taco Fest, so along with this spec-taco-ular occasion, we've tied in some things to do afterwards. These include exploring pre-Beijing history and tooling around the hutongs for a blend of the ancient and modern, perhaps with more tacos thrown in.
The Beijinger 2025 Taco Fest
Taco lovers of Beijing unite! The Beijinger’s annual Taco Fest is back for two days only, kicking off today at the National Tennis Center near Olympic Forest Park. This year we've got 25+ vendors, including special guest from Shanghai La Coyota, great entertainment, market stalls and more fun.
The Beijinger’s 2025 Taco Fest is happening from Sat, May 3, to Sun, May 4, from 11am to 8pm each day at the National Tennis Center West Square. Tickets at the door are RMB 30. Click here for more info.
National Tennis Center 国家网球中心
2 Lincui Lu, Chaoyang District (near the west gate of Olympic Forest Park)
朝阳区林萃路2号(奥林匹克森林公园西门附近)
Yuan Dadu Ruins Park
You’re probably gonna need to walk off all those tacos, and what better way to do it than at a particularly long park? The Yuan Dadu Ruins Park traces a portion of the old Khanbaliq city wall, home to the Yuan dynasty well before Beijing was even an idea. While the original wall is long gone save for some mounds, there are some reconstructions and statues honoring the history of this long-gone precursor to the Beijing of today.
Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park 元大都城垣遗址公园
38 An'wai Xiaoguanjie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区安外小关街38号
Hours: Open 24/7
Contact: 010 8464 7381; 010 8464 8252
Wudaoying Hutong or Beiluoguxiang
From Yuan Dadu Ruins Park, head south to Wudaoying Hutong. This mostly commercial lane between Andingmen and Yonghegong boasts a number of great cafés, restaurants, and bars – all three of which can be found at Pebbles Courtyard if you’re in the mood for more tacos. Alternatively, Beiluoguxiang, the slightly quieter cousin of Nanluoguxiang, also has some nice drinking and dining spots to choose from.
Catch Some Tunes at Soul Jamz
If you're still up for more, then XIU in Jianguomen is the place to go to catch Soul Jamz. This rooftop party will bring together a string of DJs who are set to get the dancefloor moving with hip hop, R&B, funk, and house.
Soul Jamz is happening on Sat, May 3, from 8pm to 2am at XIU. Tickets are RMB 88-110 and include a complimentary drink. Scan the QR code in the poster for more info and to purchase tickets.
秀XIU
6/F, Tower A, Yintai Centre, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街2号银泰中心A座6层
Jam to the Beats at Timekeepers' Nibble DJ Night
Alternatively, if you'd like to stick to the hutongs for your late-night shenanegans, then head to Gulou and Timekeepers for their Nibble DJ Night. DJs JW Clover and inaudible will be on hand to deliver a mix of house, hip-hop, and swing beats to guests.
Nibble DJ Night is happening on Sat, May 3, from 9pm onwards at Timekeepers x Ball House. Entry is free.
Timekeepers x Ball House
40 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区钟楼湾胡同40号
Hours: Sun-Thu, 5.30pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 5.30pm-3am
Contact: WeChat ID gh_c2c16f3987a0
READ: Taco Fest 2025 FAQs & How To Get to the National Tennis Center
Images: Uni You, theBeijingers, Wikipedia: ping lin (used under CC BY-SA 3.0)
