Autumn in Beijing is one of the most enchanting times to visit this ancient city. The crisp air and colorful foliage provide a stunning backdrop for exploring its rich history and vibrant culture. This guide will take you on a journey through some of Beijing’s most iconic sites while introducing you to the local culinary delights that have been enjoyed by generations. Let’s get started!

Stop 1: The Forbidden City — A Taste of Imperial Elegance

Time: September to October

Cucina: Peking Duck

History & Culture: The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its majestic red walls and golden roofs stand as a testament to China’s imperial past.

Food Story: Peking Duck has a long and storied history dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, but it wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty that it became a royal delicacy. Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong was particularly fond of Peking Duck and frequently ordered the best ducks to be delivered to the palace kitchens.

Where to Try:

• Quanjude— Just a stone’s throw away from the Forbidden City, Quanjude is one of the oldest and most famous places to enjoy Peking Duck.
• Dadong— Another historic restaurant with a modern twist, Dadong offers a lighter, healthier version of the classic dish.

Stop 2: Nanluoguxiang — A Bite of Everyday Life

Time: September to October

Cucina: Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

History & Culture: Nanluoguxiang is a historic alleyway lined with traditional courtyard houses and bustling with trendy shops and eateries. It’s a perfect place to experience the hustle and bustle of Beijing’s daily life.

Food Story: Zhajiangmian is a humble dish that originated from peasant families and eventually became a staple of Beijing cuisine. According to folklore, a poor woman created the dish using whatever ingredients she had on hand, including soybean paste, pork, and vegetables. Her creation soon became popular among her neighbors and spread throughout the city.

Where to Try:

• Haiwanju— Known for its generous portions and affordable prices, Haiwanju is a favorite among locals.
• Dadong— For a more upscale dining experience, Dadong offers a refined version of zhajiangmian in an elegant setting.

Stop 3: Shichahai — Sipping the Past

Time: September to October

Cucina: Douzhi (Soy Milk Soup) & Jianbing (Fried Dough Ring)

History & Culture: Shichahai is a picturesque area with serene lakes and narrow alleys filled with traditional architecture. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll and a taste of Beijing’s morning rituals.

Food Story: Douzhi is a fermented soy drink that has been enjoyed in Beijing since the Yuan Dynasty. It’s often paired with Jianbing, a crispy dough ring, for breakfast. There’s a legend that Marco Polo tasted a similar drink during his travels in China, which he brought back to Europe, though it may have been douzhi instead of what we now know as soy milk.

Where to Try:

• Huguo Temple Snack Bar— Located near Shichahai, this is a great place to try authentic douzhi and jianbing.

Stop 4: Beihai Park — A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Time: September to October

Cucina: Jingjiang Rousi (Shredded Pork in Sweet Bean Sauce)

History & Culture: Beihai Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a tranquil lake and the iconic White Pagoda. It’s a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of autumn.

Food Story: Jingjiang Rousi is a dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of shredded pork and sweet bean sauce. It is said that a court chef created this dish for an imperial banquet during the late Qing Dynasty. The chef combined pork with sweet bean sauce, resulting in a dish that delighted the emperor and became a favorite among the nobility.

Where to Try:

• Donglaishun— Known primarily for its hot pot, Donglaishun also serves up delicious jingjiang rousi.

Stop 5: Tiananmen Square — A Morning Must-Have

Time: September to October

Cucina: Chao Gan (Stewed Liver)

History & Culture: Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world and is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Forbidden City and the Great Hall of the People.

Food Story: Chao Gan is a hearty breakfast dish that consists of stewed liver and intestines. This dish has a long history dating back to the Qing Dynasty, when it was a cheap and filling meal for the working class. The story goes that a poor housewife created chao gan using the leftover organs from a butcher shop and spices she had at home. The dish became so popular that it spread throughout the city.

Where to Try:

• Tianxingju— This century-old restaurant is renowned for its chao gan and other traditional Beijing snacks.

Stop 6: Jingshan Park — A Sweet Treat

Time: September to October

Cucina: Wan Dou Huang (Mung Bean Jelly)

History & Culture: Jingshan Park is located just north of the Forbidden City and offers stunning views of the city. It’s a popular spot for locals to enjoy the changing colors of autumn leaves.

Food Story: Wan Dou Huang is a dessert made from mung beans and has been enjoyed in Beijing since the Qing Dynasty. It’s said that this dessert was originally created for the imperial concubines because of its smooth texture and cooling properties. Over time, it became a beloved treat among the general population.

Where to Try:

• Daoxiangcun— This century-old bakery is well-known for its high-quality desserts, including wan dou huang.

Stop 7: Qianmen Street — A Warm Winter Delight

Time: September to October

Cucina: Yang Scanzi Hot Pot (Lamb Spine Hot Pot)

History & Culture: Qianmen Street is one of Beijing’s oldest and busiest commercial streets, filled with traditional shops and modern boutiques. It’s a great place to explore and shop for souvenirs.

Food Story: Yang Scanzi Hot Pot is a winter specialty that warms the soul. Legend has it that a nomadic herder discovered the deliciousness of lamb spine cooked over a fire, and the tradition eventually made its way into Beijing’s culinary repertoire.

Where to Try:

• Lao Beijing Shuanrou Fang— This restaurant specializes in various types of hot pot, including the hearty yang scanzi.

As you embark on your culinary adventure through Beijing, each dish will tell a story of the city’s rich history and enduring traditions. Whether you’re strolling through the Forbidden City or savoring a bowl of douzhi at a local snack bar, you’ll find yourself immersed in the flavors and cultures that make Beijing truly unique. Enjoy your journey!