Capturing Beijing: A Four-Day Photographic Adventure
When I set my sights on Beijing, my mission was clear: hit all the iconic spots, immerse myself in the vibrant culture, and, of course, conquer the Great Wall of China—twice! A four-day whirlwind adventure awaited me, and while I knew December would be chilly, I didn’t quite anticipate the bone-chilling -8 degrees. But hey, what’s an adventure without a little frostbite?
Day 1: A Journey Through Time
Tiananmen Square
Kicking off the journey, I found myself standing in the heart of Beijing—Tiananmen Square. It’s a sprawling, open space that echoes with history, but honestly, there wasn’t much to do there. The real gem lay just across the road: the Forbidden Palace.
Forbidden Palace
Now, this is where the adventure truly began. The Forbidden Palace is not just a palace; it’s a colossal labyrinth of ancient history and architectural beauty. Every corner is a photo opportunity waiting to happen. I spent hours exploring its vast courtyards and intricate halls, getting lost in time and snapping away.
A little tip: buying tickets can be tricky. I ended up with the wrong ones at first, but a friendly (and entrepreneurial) local offered to buy them off me at half price. Win-win! Just a heads-up—if you’re a drone enthusiast, leave it at home. The place is crawling with soldiers, and your drone might become a permanent resident of Beijing.
I couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs, including an antique fan. And in a charming little shop, I watched an artisan carve bespoke engravings into marble stones—right before my eyes! It was a mesmerizing process, and I couldn’t leave without taking two home.
On my way out, I noticed a hill topped with a temple. A short hike and a small entry fee later, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the entire palace and access to beautiful gardens. Worth every step.
The Hidden Hutongs
Feeling adventurous, I decided to wander off the beaten path and explore Beijing’s backstreets and hutongs. These narrow alleys are peaceful and brimming with character, perfect for candid street photography. The streets felt safe, dotted with CCTV cameras, and there were plenty of public restrooms and free Wi-Fi spots to keep you connected.
Being a pescatarian in a meat-heavy city like Beijing was a challenge, but I picked up a few essential phrases and managed to find some tasty tofu, fish, and noodle dishes. Adventure isn’t just about where you go; it’s also about what you eat!
Day 2: Pandas and Temples
Beijing Zoo
Day two kicked off with a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home to China’s beloved pandas. I was excited to photograph these gentle giants, but they were a bit elusive, lounging at a distance in the low winter light. Still, I managed to capture a few decent shots.
With most animals staying warm indoors, the zoo was pretty quiet. But the entry fee was so cheap, it was worth it just for the pandas.
Temple of Heaven
A short walk from the zoo brought me to the Temple of Heaven. This massive park is not just about the temple itself, but also the fascinating scenes of local life. Elderly residents gather to play cards and chess, creating perfect opportunities for close-up photography. My favorite shot of the day? An elderly man napping on a wooden ledge with the temple’s grandeur in the background—a magical moment frozen in time.
Day 3: The Great Wall and Nighttime Streets
Mutianyu Great Wall of China
The highlight of my trip, hands down, was visiting the Great Wall. Words can’t describe the sheer scale and majesty of it. I spent the day hiking, photographing, and just soaking in the epic views. It was so awe-inspiring that it deserves its own dedicated page in my travel journal. The experience didn’t end there—I hit the streets at night, capturing the urban vibe of Beijing after dark. The city transforms under the neon lights, offering a completely different but equally captivating atmosphere.
Day 4: Wrapping Up the Adventure
By the fourth day, my legs were feeling the burn from the Great Wall hike, so I took it easy. I spent the day wandering the city, capturing candid shots of everyday life, and mentally preparing for my next destination—Japan.
Beijing is vast, with roads that seem to stretch on forever, but despite the language barrier, it felt safe. One thing to note, though—locals can come across as rude, often ignoring you or walking away when asked for directions. And the spitting… well, let’s just say it’s a cultural quirk I won’t miss.
All in all, Beijing was an experience. The food and travel costs were incredibly low, but I’d only recommend a brief visit. If I were to return, I’d follow the lead of some savvy traveler’s I met at the Great Wall: fly in, see the Wall, and fly out. A short and sweet adventure, just like a good photo—sometimes, less is more.