Beijing Adventures: Fast Train, Great Food, and Iconic Sights

Intro

After an incredible start to the Round the World Trip 2024 (RTW24) in Shanghai, filled with adventures like exploring Disneyland Shanghai, marveling at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, and savoring the vibrant city life, it was time for a change of scenery. Leaving behind the futuristic skyline and bustling streets of Shanghai, I set my sights on Beijing, China’s historic capital.

For this leg of the journey, I opted for the fast train—a sleek and efficient mode of travel that promised to whisk me from Shanghai to Beijing in just 4.5 hours. My last trip to China had involved a flight between these two cities, but this time, I was eager to experience the convenience and speed of China’s renowned high-speed rail.

From navigating the sprawling Hongqiao Railway Station to settling into my cozy hotel in Beijing, this post takes you along for the ride as I transition from one vibrant Chinese metropolis to another. Get ready for stunning imperial gardens, delicious local cuisine, and modern cityscapes as the RTW24 adventure continues!

Leaving Shanghai for Beijing

So far the Round the World Trip 2024 had been only in Shanghai, and you can read more of those adventures here:

Kickoff to My RTW24 Adventure: From Newark to Shanghai

Disneyland Shanghai: First Time, Zootopia and Pirates of the Caribbean

Shanghai Disneyland Highlights: Toy Story, Tron, and More

Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Shanghai: Top Attractions and Tips

Top Attractions in Shanghai: From Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to Yuyuan Garden

But now, it was time to leave and go to Beijing. In my last trip to China, years ago, I decided to fly between these two cities, but now, I was going to take the fast train, which in 4 hours and 30 minutes would take me from Shanghai to Beijing.

The Hongqiao Railway Station is conveniently connected to the airport, so after checking out from the hotel, I went there.

At this huge station I got lost for a bit, actually having to ask around where the train gate was. But first, I had to go pick up my train tickets I had bought online on Rail Ninja. I had use them before to buy my tickets in Japan as well.

I finally found the gate I was supposed to be on, with only a few minutes to spare. Now I had to run because this train is very long.

I had to keep checking the boards. They really need to improve the English directions for tourists from abroad.

Finally inside and in my assigned seat, the train looked really nice. Since I was travelling with my carry on I just had to put it up.

Fast train to Beijing

The train started moving, and on the city part of the departure it was not as fast. As soon as it reach the countryside, the train went super fast. As it got closer to noon, I started feeling hungry. The train had the option, with a QR Code, to order food and drinks to your seat, and many people were taking advantage of this. Unfortunately, for me, this did not seem to work out. The internet kept breaking up in the countryside, so I could not pay with Alipay, therefore get my food. I went to the concessions car and this is how it looked like.

They had a bunch of options, but again, I was not able to pay because my internet was not working. The train reach 346 km/h (214 mph) but I am sure it reach ever higher speeds.

After getting back to my seat, and almost be ok with starving for 4 hours, I noticed we were passing an urban area, and my internet came back. I went back to the concession stand, and got myself the lunch.

And a Starbucks coffee because why not. Also, it tasted really good, too much sugar though, lol.

Arriving in Beijing

The arrival to Beijing was smooth, getting to the Beijing South Rail Station. From there, using MetroMan, I bought myself a ticket to the area I was staying in: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen. It was raining, so after getting off the train, I arrived to the supposed hotel. And oh surprise, it happened again.

I did not learn from my experience in Shanghai, and once again my hotel was not located on the spot it said on Google Maps. I was so mad because it was raining and I had to walk for like 17 min. I went to the Booking app and noticed the hotel was actually more to the south.

I took a Didi (the Uber you can take using the Alipay app) and went to the hotel. The area was nice, but I realized quickly that I made a mistake picking the hotel. It was like 20 min from the closest train station. I figured I would have to Uber everywhere.

At least, the room was nice, and the hotel too.

The view was cute too. Also, I do not know if it was because I was more north, but the weather was also less hot, which I loved. But was hoping that tomorrow would be nicer (Universal day!).

Youtang Shenghuo Square mall

I had been in Beijing for a few hours now, and it was time to explore a little. I think that besides the more traditional aspects of the capital, like the Great Wall or the Forbidden City, the modern part also offers a lot, especially the malls. Like you could get a lot from them. Since I had done the traditional things on my last trip, this time I was not only going to focused on Universal, but also on the other Beijing offerings.

First, I went to Youtang Shenghuo Square mall, which was not too far from me. There, I explored a bit, and then I got a really nice pork from one of its restaurants.

From a rainy day, came a rainy night, so I decided to head to the hotel and rest for a long day at Universal Beijing, but that will be presented in the next entry.

Breakfast at the hotel

It was the day at Universal Beijing, and after waking up early and getting ready, I went to get the complimentary breakfast at the hotel, which was not bad.

I actually liked this. Reminded me of other Asian hotels I have stayed in.

The day after Universal, there was more variety of foods, and of course I had to get the dumplings.

On the TV, the Paris Olympics had started, and yes, spoiler alert, they were in the future of this Round the World Trip. Could not wait to be in France already.

Deadpool and Wolverine

I had been trying for weeks to get tickets for this movie that was coming out while in China. Using Alipay or WeChat was supposed to be easy to get these movie tickets, but whenever I was about to pay, they declined my transaction because my credit card was not from China. Having checked the times, I went back to the mall I had been a couples of days before, and see if I could buy the tickets in person.

After basically having to bring the manager of the whole theater, I was able to get a ticket for the next showing, yay! I got myself some popcorn as well. The staff was very cordial, they were just a bit confused on what I wanted.

Finally sit, I felt weird being on a theater in China, I was wondering what the experience was going to be like.

The movie ended, and my conclusion is that in an opening night, the vibes were there but a little bit off. Like people laughed at the jokes but not necessarily the ones more related to Disney or Hollywood. I was glad I was able to see the movie regardless.

I wanted to take the metro for the next destination, so I checked MetroMan and this is what it recommended.

Beihai Park

Since I was going to skip the Forbidden City on this trip, I decided to go to this park close to it: Beihai Park.

Beihai Park is a historic imperial garden in Beijing, China, blending natural beauty with cultural landmarks. Dating back over 1,000 years, it features a large central lake, the iconic White Dagoba (a Tibetan-style stupa) on Jade Flower Island, and lush gardens. The park showcases traditional Chinese architecture, pavilions, and temples, making it a popular spot for sightseeing, boating, and experiencing Beijing’s rich history and serene landscapes.

It was very serene walking around. Although, the heat had reached this part of the country as well, so I got myself some ice cream at the stores located inside of the park.

From the Pagoda you could see part of the city, and a nice view of the park as well.

Temple of Heaven

I had visited the Temple of Heaven in my last visit to Beijing, but I was willing to go back. I took the metro there, and oh surprise, since it was about to close in the next hour, the would not let me in at all. Only the exterior park, which was fine, but I was very upset I could not go closer. I guess I will see the replica at Epcot lol.

CCTV Headquarters

One of the attractions of Beijing is definitely the view of the CCTV Headquarters, an imposing building with a rare architecture. It is recommended to go to China World Mall to get the best view of this building and that is what I did.

The terrace on the Level 7 is definitely the way to go, the problem is that it is located on a restaurant, so you might want to order some stuff while in there. This skyline tho is just so amazing.

I got myself some shrimp from Migas Mercado, a Spanish, kind of expensive, restaurant located at this level, and with this impressive view.

Now, if you do not want to spend money to view this tower, go to the lower level at the food court, and there is a long terrace with a more obstructed and crowded view of the building. People really love it here. To be honest, I wish I came here first, I probably would not have bought those shrimps lol.

Beijing Parkview Green

Continuing with my visits of the more modern Beijing, I went to the Beijing Parkview Green mall. I was in awe on the number of exhibitions and art and sculptures in this mall.

Everywhere you look there was something nice to see.

Should you get off your way to go there though? Probably not, but if you are in the area, maybe check out this mall.

Jingzun Peking Duck Restaurant

And to finish my last evening in Beijing, I went to this restaurant kind of close to my hotel: Jingzun Peking Duck Restaurant. It had a lot of good reviews, specially from foreigners, so I had to check it out.

If I was in a duck restaurant of course I had to get the duck. They would bring it to you and cut it in front of you.

And it looked like this at the end. You create some kind of taco with everything they give you. I was not able to eat not even 1/3 of this duck, so I had to take it to go. It was very good tho. I met some people from New Zealand.

The next morning it was time to go to the airport, but before leaving Beijing, do not miss the next entries to learn everything about Universal Beijing.