Noodles at Noon: A Beijing Local's Perfect Day
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you want to experience Beijing like a true local, skip the tourist traps and follow this food-first city guide. From steaming bowls of zhajiangmian to hidden courtyard cafés, here’s how to spend a perfect day in China’s capital — with noodles at noon as the golden rule.
Morning: Temple Walk & Tea Therapy
Start your day at Lama Temple (Yonghegong), where incense swirls through crimson halls and monks chant behind golden Buddhas. Open by 9 AM, it’s serene before the crowds hit. Entry? Just ¥25. Afterward, head to Wudaoying Hutong — a quiet alley turned hipster haven. Sip jasmine tea at Tea O'clock, where every cup tells a story.
Noon: Noodle Nirvana
By 12 PM, your stomach should be rumbling. Time for Beijing’s soul food: hand-pulled noodles. Skip chain restaurants and go straight to Old Beijing Noodle House (老北京炸酱面馆) near Dongsi. Locals line up for their signature zhajiangmian — thick wheat noodles topped with savory fermented soybean paste, cucumber ribbons, and minced pork. Pro tip: Add a boiled egg and chili oil.
| Dish | Price (CNY) | Local Rating (⭐/5) |
|---|---|---|
| Zhajiangmian | ¥18 | 4.7 |
| Dan Dan Noodles | ¥20 | 4.3 |
| Cold Sesame Noodles | ¥16 | 4.5 |
Yes, you read that right — under ¥20 for a hearty meal. That’s real Beijing.
Afternoon: Hutong Hopping & Hip Coffee
Walk off lunch through Nanchang Street Hutong, where ancient gates meet street art. Peek into Blanc de Chine, a boutique hotel carved from a Qing-era mansion. Then, refuel at Metropolitan Coffee — a minimalist café serving Yunnan beans with zero pretension. Try their cold brew: smooth, bold, and ¥28 well spent.
Sunset: Drum Tower Views
As the sun dips, climb the Drum Tower. At ¥15, the rooftop view is unbeatable: a sea of gray rooftops stretching to the Forbidden City. Visit around 5:30 PM to catch the hourly drum performance — deep, resonant beats echoing over centuries.
Evening: Night Market Bites
End strong at Shichahai Night Market. Don’t miss jianbing (savory crepes) or candied hawthorn skewers. Budget ¥50 and eat like an emperor.
This isn’t just a day plan — it’s a love letter to Beijing’s rhythm. Fast, flavorful, and full of life. So next time you’re in town, remember: noodles at noon aren’t optional. They’re mandatory.