Beijing in winter is often overshadowed by its summer and autumn glory, but the cold season unveils a quieter, more intimate side of the city. While tourists flock to the Great Wall or the Forbidden City, there are lesser-known spots that shine brightest when the temperature drops. From cozy hutongs to frost-kissed temples, here’s your guide to Beijing’s hidden winter gems.
While the Lama Temple is a well-known attraction, visiting it in winter offers a serene experience. The crowds thin out, and the incense smoke curls lazily against the crisp air. The golden rooftops glisten under the pale winter sun, and the chanting of monks feels even more profound in the quiet. Don’t miss the Hall of Infinite Happiness, where the 18-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha stands in silent grandeur.
Tucked away in the Xicheng District, Fayuan Temple is Beijing’s oldest Buddhist temple. In winter, its courtyards transform into a dreamscape of frosted trees and ancient stone carvings. The temple’s resident cats—considered lucky—often curl up near warm radiators, adding to the charm. Visit during Laba Festival (early January) to try the temple’s traditional Laba porridge, a hearty mix of grains and dried fruits.
While Sanlitun gets all the hype, Nali Patio—a small alleyway nearby—hides some of Beijing’s coziest cafés. Café Zarah serves spiced mulled wine and rich hot chocolate, perfect for thawing frozen fingers. Nearby, The Bookworm (though now relocated) once hosted winter literary events—check if its successor, Jetlag Books, carries on the tradition.
Guijie, Beijing’s infamous "Ghost Street," comes alive at night with neon lights and steaming street food. Winter is the best time to brave the cold for spicy crayfish (xiaolongxia) or lamb skewers (yangrou chuanr). For something truly local, try malatang—a DIY spicy soup where you pick your ingredients and watch them boil in a numbing broth.
Most visitors climb Jingshan for a sunset view of the Forbidden City, but a sunrise visit in winter is magical. The park opens early, and if you time it right, you’ll see the first light hitting the golden roofs of the palace, with mist rising from the frozen moat. Bring a thermos of hot tea—it’s worth the early wake-up call.
While Houhai is famous for ice skating, Qianhai and Xihai (the other two lakes in Shichahai) offer a quieter experience. Rent a bike sled or just stroll along the banks, where bare willow branches frame traditional courtyard homes. Stop by Kong Yiji, a literary-themed restaurant, for warm huangjiu (yellow wine) paired with salted duck.
This historic lane, once a diplomatic quarter, is eerily beautiful in winter. The European-style buildings, like the Former French Post Office, stand in silent contrast to the gray Beijing sky. Pop into Beijing Postcards, a tiny museum-shop, to hear stories of the city’s past over a cup of hot jujube tea.
798’s industrial-chic galleries are less crowded in winter, and many host seasonal installations. UCCA often features immersive winter-themed art, while smaller studios like Tabula Rasa Gallery showcase avant-garde works. Warm up at At Café, a longtime artist haunt, with their signature ginger-infused lattes.
This sprawling bookstore near Qianmen is a bibliophile’s winter escape. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in weak sunlight as you browse books with a honey lemon tea from their café. The travel section has hidden guides to even more obscure Beijing spots.
Locals gather here in winter for dancing, chess, and card games. Join them or just watch—the Long Corridor’s red pillars and painted beams make a vibrant backdrop against the snow. Nearby, Tiantan Park vendors sell bingtanghulu (candied hawthorns), a sweet winter staple.
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