Haidian Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, hiking routes, where to stay, and what to buy in Haidian. Learn about local culture and customs and get useful travel tips.


Introduction to Haidian

Haidian is a district in Beijing that is home to many prestigious universities, high-tech industries, and government agencies. It covers an area of 430.7 square kilometers and has a population of around 3.2 million people. Haidian is located in the northwest part of Beijing, and it is considered one of the greenest and most livable areas of the city.

List of Places to Visit in Haidian

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Summer Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that was constructed during the Qing Dynasty as a royal garden. It covers an area of 290 hectares, including numerous classical gardens, pavilions, bridges, and lakes.

  2. Old Summer Palace: A historical imperial garden that was destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860. It covers an area of 350 hectares and features a combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

  3. China National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: The largest art museum in Asia that showcases contemporary Chinese art and international art. It has a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos.

  4. Tsinghua University Art Museum: A leading academic museum in China that is affiliated with Tsinghua University. It houses many rare treasures, including pottery, porcelain, jade, bronze, and calligraphy.

  5. Peking University: One of the top universities in China that has a long history dating back to 1898. It has a beautiful campus that features a mixture of modern and traditional buildings, gardens, and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Haidian: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Fragrant Hill Park: A famous park that is covered with red leaves in autumn. It has a cable car that takes you to the peak of the mountain where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

  2. Yuyuantan Park: A large park that features a lake and many cherry blossom trees. It is a popular spot for boating, picnicking, and enjoying nature.

  3. Beijing Botanical Garden: The largest botanical garden in China that encompasses an area of 400 hectares. It has over 10,000 species of plants, including many rare and endangered species.

  4. Ming Tombs Reservoir: A scenic reservoir that is surrounded by mountains and forests. It is a great place for fishing, boating, and bird-watching.

  5. Xiangshan Park: A park that features a hill with many stone steps. It offers breathtaking views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking and photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Haidian

  1. Xiangshan Park to Fragrant Hill Park: This route takes you through a scenic trail that offers stunning views of the surroundings.

  2. Peking University to Summer Palace: This route takes you through the beautiful campus of Peking University and the picturesque gardens of Summer Palace.

  3. Jade Spring Hill to Ming Tombs Reservoir: This route takes you through a mountainous terrain and ends at the serene reservoir.

Best Things to Do in Haidian: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit the Old Summer Palace at night: The palace is illuminated at night, offering a unique and magical experience.

  2. Try the local food: Haidian is renowned for its traditional Beijing cuisine, including Peking duck, hotpot, and dumplings.

  3. Attend an acrobatic show: Beijing is famous for its acrobatic performances, and Haidian has many theaters that offer high-energy shows.

  4. Take a bike tour: Biking is a popular way to explore Haidian, and many tour operators offer guided tours that take you through the district’s top attractions.

  5. Visit the Bird’s Nest: The National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and is a popular tourist destination.

Week-Long Itinerary for Haidian

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Summer Palace and Tsinghua University
Day 2 Hike from Xiangshan Park to Fragrant Hill Park
Day 3 Visit the China National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Day 4 Explore Peking University and the Old Summer Palace
Day 5 Take a bike tour through Haidian
Day 6 Visit Ming Tombs Reservoir and Jade Spring Hill
Day 7 Explore the food and drink scene of Haidian

Food and Drink Scene of Haidian

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Peking Duck: A famous Beijing dish that consists of roasted duck served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.

  2. Hotpot: A popular Chinese dish that involves cooking meats and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth.

  3. Zhajiangmian: A Beijing-style noodle dish that consists of thick wheat noodles topped with a salty and savory sauce made with fermented soybeans and ground pork.

  4. Jianbing: A popular street food that is similar to a crepe, made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour and filled with egg, scallions, and crispy fried wonton skin.

  5. Baijiu: A strong distilled liquor that is popular in China and often served during banquets and celebrations.

Local Beverages

  1. Yiyaowei: A traditional Chinese herbal tea made with various roots, flowers, and leaves. It is believed to have many health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity.

  2. Jasmine tea: A fragrant tea made with jasmine flowers that is served in many restaurants and teahouses in Haidian.

  3. Craft beer: Haidian has a thriving craft beer scene with many microbreweries that offer unique and flavorful beers.

Where to Stay in Haidian: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Shangri-La Hotel Beijing: A luxurious hotel located near the Summer Palace that offers premium amenities and services.

  2. Beijing Friendship Hotel: A large complex that offers comfortable rooms and many facilities, including a spa, fitness center, and restaurants.

  3. Leo Hostel: A charming hostel that is located in a traditional courtyard and offers budget-friendly accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere.

  4. Courtyard by Marriott Beijing Northeast: A modern hotel that is located near many attractions in Haidian and offers spacious rooms and a stylish design.

  5. Haidian Hotel: A historic hotel that dates back to 1915, located in the heart of Haidian. It offers beautiful traditional decor and a convenient location.

What to Buy in Haidian: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Porcelain and ceramics: Haidian is home to many ceramics factories and stores that offer a wide range of pottery and porcelain products, including teapots, vases, and dishes.

  2. Calligraphy and painting supplies: Haidian has many stores that sell calligraphy brushes, ink, and paper, as well as traditional Chinese paintings and artworks.

  3. Tea and tea sets: Haidian has a long history of tea culture, and many tea shops offer a variety of high-quality teas and tea sets.

  4. Electronics and gadgets: Haidian is known as China’s Silicon Valley and is home to many high-tech companies and stores that offer the latest gadgets and electronics.

  5. Books and stationary: Haidian has many bookstores that sell a variety of books and stationary items, including notebooks, journals, and pens.

Local Culture and Customs of Haidian

  1. Respect for elders: Chinese culture places a high value on respect for elders, and it is customary to address older individuals by their formal titles.

  2. Gift-giving: Giving and receiving gifts is an important part of Chinese culture, and it is customary to bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home or business.

  3. Drinking tea: Tea drinking is a ubiquitous part of Chinese culture and is often used as a way to socialize and build relationships.

  4. Local dialect: Haidian, like other districts in Beijing, has its own local dialect called Beijinghua, which has a distinct accent and pronunciation.

Best Time to Visit Haidian

The best time to visit Haidian is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and sunny. The cherry blossom season in late March and early April is particularly beautiful, and the fall foliage in Fragrant Hill Park is a must-see in October. Haidian can get very crowded during major holidays and events, such as Chinese New Year or the National Day holiday in early October, so it is best to avoid these times if possible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Haidian

Do:

  1. Do try local foods and drinks, including Peking duck, hotpot, and baijiu.

  2. Do visit the Summer Palace, Tsinghua University, and other cultural attractions.

  3. Do respect the local customs and traditions, such as gift-giving and tea-drinking.

  4. Do dress appropriately for the weather and the occasion.

  5. Do learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to help with communication.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t be disrespectful to elders or local customs.

  2. Don’t litter or behave in a way that is harmful to the environment.

  3. Don’t try to bargain aggressively with street vendors or shopkeepers.

  4. Don’t take photos of people without their permission.

  5. Don’t discuss sensitive political or social topics with strangers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Haidian

Haidian is generally a safe and low-crime area, but visitors should still take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some tips include:

  1. Keep your valuables out of sight and in a secure place.

  2. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone late at night.

  3. Use reliable transportation services, such as authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps.

  4. Follow traffic rules and regulations when bike-riding or driving.

  5. Be cautious of scams, such as fake tours or ticket sales.

Health in Haidian

Haidian has many modern hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality medical care. Visitors should have up-to-date medical insurance and consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to ensure they have the necessary vaccinations and medications. It is also advisable to drink only bottled water and to avoid eating street food that may not have been prepared in a hygienic manner.

Getting to Haidian: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Haidian

The closest major airport to Haidian is Beijing Capital International Airport, which is located about 30 kilometers east of the district. The airport serves many domestic and international destinations and has convenient transportation options, such as airport shuttles and taxis.

Bus Stations Near Haidian

Haidian has many long-distance bus stations that serve destinations throughout Beijing and other nearby cities. Some of the major bus stations include the Haidian Bus Station, the Zizhuqiao Bus Station, and the Lianhuachi Bus Station.

Other Options

Haidian is easily accessible by many modes of transportation, including the subway, taxi, bike-sharing, and private car rental. The Beijing Subway Line 4 and Line 10 both serve Haidian, with many stations located near popular tourist destinations and transportation hubs.

How to Get Around in Haidian

The best way to get around Haidian is by bike, especially during the Spring and Autumn seasons. Visitors can rent bikes from many bike-sharing companies such as Ofo or Mobike. The district is also well-served by taxis and ride-sharing apps such as Didi and Uber. The Beijing subway also serves Haidian, with many stations located near popular tourist destinations and transportation hubs.

Where to Go Next from Haidian: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Great Wall of China: One of the most iconic landmarks in China, the Great Wall is about an hour’s drive from Haidian and is a must-see destination.

  2. Forbidden City: Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into China’s imperial past.

  3. Temple of Heaven: A beautiful temple complex that was used by emperors for annual prayer ceremonies.

  4. Olympic Park: The site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, Olympic Park is a huge sports and entertainment complex that features many famous landmarks.

  5. Yunnan Province: Yunnan is a beautiful and diverse province in Southern China that offers many unique and memorable attractions, such as the Stone Forest, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, and the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Conclusion

Haidian is a vibrant and diverse district of Beijing that offers many cultural, historical, and natural attractions for visitors. From the beautiful gardens and imperial palaces to the scenic mountains and hiking trails, Haidian has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in local food and drink, traditional arts and crafts, or modern technology and innovation, Haidian is sure to leave a lasting impression on your travels.

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