Visit Beijing Hidden Gems Such as Miji Collectors Bar and Zhihua Temple
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you're planning a trip to Beijing, skip the crowded Forbidden City lines for a sec—let’s talk about the city’s best-kept secrets. Beyond the postcard spots lies a Beijing brimming with underground culture, quiet temples, and speakeasy vibes. Two must-visits? Miji Collectors Bar and Zhihua Temple. These hidden gems offer soul, history, and zero tourist traps.
Why You Should Explore Beijing’s Underground Scene
Tourists flock to Wangfujing and the Great Wall (rightfully so), but locals know the real magic hides in hutongs and tucked-away alleys. According to 2023 tourism data, over 65% of Beijing visitors stick to top 5 attractions—meaning you’re missing out if you don’t dig deeper.
Miji Collectors Bar: Where Whiskey Meets Art
Nestled in a quiet alley near Dongsi, Miji isn’t just a bar—it’s a sensory experience. Run by a passionate collector, this intimate space houses rare whiskeys, vintage vinyl, and handpicked art books. Think dim lighting, wooden shelves from floor to ceiling, and bartenders who remember your name after one visit.
- Atmosphere: Speakeasy-meets-library
- Specialty: Japanese and Scottish single malts
- Price Range: ¥80–¥200 per drink
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings (9–11 PM)
No flashy signs—just look for a small lantern-lit doorway. Cash only. And yes, it’s worth every yuan.
Zhihua Temple: The Silent Beauty of Ming Dynasty
Just a 15-minute walk from bustling Panjiayuan Market, Zhihua Temple is a 15th-century Buddhist sanctuary frozen in time. Built in 1444 during the Ming Dynasty, it’s one of Beijing’s most authentic yet overlooked religious sites.
What makes it special? The Guanyin Pavilion, housing a stunning three-sided bronze statue of Guanyin, and its ancient wooden architecture—rarely altered since construction.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1444 |
| Admission Fee | ¥15 |
| Visitor Count (Daily Avg.) | < 300 |
| Highlight | Guanyin Bronze Statue & Wooden Carvings |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning (8–9 AM) |
Pro tip: Visit on a weekday morning when monks chant sutras—the acoustics in the main hall are hauntingly beautiful.
How to Combine Both in One Day
Start at Zhihua Temple around 8:30 AM to catch the morning light and quiet. Spend 1.5 hours exploring. Then grab lunch at a nearby dumpling spot in Liulichang. End your day at Miji Collectors Bar—arrive by 9 PM for that perfect blend of calm and cool.
Both spots are easily reachable via Line 5 (Zhihua Temple is near Puhuangyu Station; Miji is a short taxi ride from Dongsi).
Final Thoughts
Beijing isn’t just about grand palaces and political landmarks. It’s about sipping rare whiskey in a candlelit nook and feeling centuries of silence in a forgotten temple. Miji Collectors Bar and Zhihua Temple aren’t just places—they’re moods. And once you’ve felt them, you’ll see Beijing in a whole new light.