[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for National Library of China (Updated Jul)

Location: Gaotiankeng Village, Kaihua, Quzhou​​ ​​Topics: 🌌 ​​Why is it worth a special trip?​​ ​​Best Stargazing Spot in East China​​ A high mountain basin at 700 meters above sea level with almost zero light pollution. On summer nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye. The village has a​​ professional observatory​​ open to the public for free, equipped with a 25cm aperture telescope, easily capturing Saturn’s rings. It has been repeatedly recommended by CCTV’s "Astronomy Enthusiast" magazine and is a secret spot cherished by star photography lovers. ​​Living Ancient Village + Sea of Rapeseed Flowers​​ The village preserves over 80 yellow clay rammed earth houses. In spring, thousands of acres of terraced rapeseed flowers bloom like golden waves. During autumn harvest, villagers dry chili peppers, corn, and pumpkins, with colorful crops hanging from rooftops forming a "land palette." Under the village entrance’s​​ thousand-year-old yew tree​​, elders often sell wild kiwifruit (5 yuan/bag), which is sweet and juicy. ​​Artistic Rural Construction Surprises​​ An abandoned granary has been transformed into a​​ starry sky library​​ housing over 2,000 astronomy books; the old ancestral hall has become a café, featuring the signature "Nebula Latte" with latte art of the Orion constellation, and the window overlooks terraced fields and a sea of clouds. 🚶‍♂️ ​​Immersive Itinerary​​ ​​Day 1: Chasing Stars and Moon​​ ✅ 15:00 Arrive and check in at "Star Viewing Cottage" guesthouse (terrace view of terraced fields, 180 yuan/night including breakfast) ✅ 17:00 Hike the​​ Ancient Tree Secret Loop​​ (3km/1.5h), encounter a 300-year-old group of sweetgum trees ✅ 20:00 Attend the​​ Starry Sky Class​​ (free! Observatory staff explain summer constellations) ✅ 23:00 Lie down on the terraced meadow, waiting for the Perseid meteor shower (peak in August up to 110 meteors/hour) ​​Day 2: Wild Fun Handcraft​​ ✅ 6:00 Climb​​ Sunrise Rock​​ to watch the sea of clouds sunrise ✅ 9:00 Experience​​ Traditional Oil Mill​​ wooden hammer pressing mountain tea oil (10 yuan participation) ✅ 13:00 Make your own​​ Starry Sky Pottery​​ (village studio 50 yuan/session, fired pieces mailed home) 💡 ​​Tested Tips to Avoid Pitfalls​​ ​​Transportation​​: 🔸 Self-drive navigation to "Gaotiankeng Village, Kaihua," 3 hours from Hangzhou, the last 8 km is winding mountain road with sharp turns, beginners should be cautious 🔸 No direct bus, car hire recommended (Kaihua High-Speed Rail Station → village about 150 yuan/car) ​​Accommodation​​: ✅ First choice "Star Viewing Cottage" (telescope in room, host can help photograph star trails) ❌ Avoid newly renovated guesthouses at the village entrance (poor soundproofing and obstructed stargazing views) ​​Essentials​​: ▶️ Strong flashlight (red light source is more eye-friendly), mosquito repellent, thick jacket (only 18°C at night) ▶️ Star Walk 2 APP (real-time constellation recognition) ​​Real Experience​​: Wrapped in the guesthouse blanket at 2 a.m. watching meteors streak across the sky, suddenly cheers erupted from the neighboring observatory—it turned out someone captured a rare red sprite lightning!🌠

🌿 Weekend warrior exploring Haidian District! This cultural heart of Beijing is absolutely amazing to wander through, with its prestigious universities, historic sites, and endless food options🍜 🔥Must-visit attractions: 📍Old Summer Palace: Ruins of royal gardens blending Chinese and Western styles. Recommended to rent an audio guide (Address: 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District) 📍Summer Palace: China's largest existing imperial garden. Boating on Kunming Lake is super relaxing (Address: 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District) 📍Tsinghua University: Must visit Tsinghua Garden. The lotus pond described by Zhu Ziqing is here (Most convenient to enter from West Gate) 📍Peking University: The stunning Weiming Lake and Boya Pagoda. Remember to book campus visit in advance 📍National Library of China: Asia's largest library, a must for architecture lovers (Address: 33 Zhongguancun South Street) 📍Fragrant Hills Park: Best place for autumn foliage, great for hiking in spring/summer 🍜Food guide: ☑️Xiaodiao Li Tang (Zhongguancun branch): Must-try pear ball shrimp with nuts, ~¥80/person ☑️Siji Minfu Roast Duck (Renmin University branch): Better value than Quanjude, crispy skin & tender meat ☑️Wei Family Cold Noodles (multiple branches): Perfect combo of secret recipe cold noodles with roujiamo ☑️Wudaokou Jujube Cake King: Viral jujube cake worth queuing for, ¥13/jin 🏨Hotel recommendations: ✔️Holiday Inn Express Zhongguancun: Prime location, walkable to Subway Line 4 ✔️Peking University Boya International Hotel: Right at PKU East Gate, strong academic atmosphere ⚠️Tips: Recommended to stay along Subway Line 4 for easy access to attractions 🚗Transport guide: Subway Line 4 runs through Haidian, with direct access to Old Summer Palace, PKU East Gate, National Library, etc. Shared bikes recommended between universities and parks to experience campus vibes~

Your Guide to Plum Blossom Viewing at Zizhuyuan Park Beijing in spring is a city of hidden romance, and Zizhuyuan Park is a must-see treasure. From late March to mid-April each year, the park transforms into a sea of flowers, with the apricot plums at Youxian Villa being particularly stunning. If you're looking for a touch of spring romance, follow this guide! I. Highlights 1. Youxian Villa Apricot Plums: This is the perfect spot for plum blossom viewing in Zizhuyuan Park. The apricot plum, a hybrid of apricot and plum blossoms, blooms in abundance here. The flowers are large and vibrant, ranging from snow-white to rosy pink. The branches are laden with blossoms, emitting a delicate fragrance. This spot is incredibly photogenic, and wearing traditional clothing can enhance the charm of your photos. 2. Jiangnan-style Gardens: Zizhuyuan Park boasts a unique Jiangnan garden style, featuring extensive waterways and three lakes, two islands, and one embankment. Five arched bridges connect the lakes, islands, and shores, dotted with pavilions, bridges, and corridors. The white walls, gray tiles, and overhanging eaves are reminiscent of Huizhou architecture, transporting you to a picturesque Jiangnan water town. Every corner is a photo opportunity. 3. Diverse Plant Life: In addition to apricot plums, the park is home to various bamboo species, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, crabapple blossoms, and many other flowers and plants. In spring, the lush bamboo contrasts beautifully with the vibrant flowers, creating a lively scene. It's an ideal place to connect with nature and embrace the spirit of spring. II. Itinerary - Morning: Enter through the north gate and head to Youxian Villa to admire the apricot plums. The soft morning light is perfect for photography. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside path, enjoying the spring scenery and the gentle breeze. - Lunch: Dine at one of the park's restaurants. We recommend the affordable cafeteria, where the signature pork knuckle is only 38 yuan and offers generous portions. There are also various vegetable dumplings and other delicacies, all for less than 30 yuan per person. - Afternoon: Explore other areas of the park, such as the bamboo groves and the historical Fuyin Zizhuyuan from the Qing Dynasty. You can also take a boat tour on the lake for a different perspective of the park's beauty. If you're interested in plants, visit the botanical garden. III. Photography Tips 1. Best Time to Shoot: 8–10 am and 3–5 pm, when the light is soft and the colors are more vibrant. 2. Outfit Recommendations: Light-colored clothing, such as white dresses or light blue shirts, works well. A simple hat can complement your outfit. Avoid overly bright colors that might clash with the flowers. If you're unsure how to pose, interact with the surroundings—lean against a railing, rest against a tree trunk, or smell the flowers—for a natural and beautiful look. 3. Photography Techniques: Use the blooming apricot plums as a backdrop. Shooting from a low angle can create a sense of abundance, while close-ups of petals and stamens can showcase the beauty of the flowers. Shooting upwards can help avoid crowds and highlight both the subject and the flowers. IV. Transportation 1. Subway: Take Subway Line 4 or Line 9 to National Library Station. Exit from Exit E or F and walk about 10 minutes to the north gate of the park. 2. Bus: Several bus routes stop at National Library Station and Zizhuqiao Station. Use a bus navigation app for specific routes. 3. Car: There are parking lots around the park, but parking may be limited during holidays. Public transportation is recommended. V. Nearby Attractions 1. National Library of China: Adjacent to Zizhuyuan Park, this is one of the largest and most advanced national libraries in the world, with a rich collection of ancient books and rare editions. The architecture is impressive, offering a journey into a vast ocean of knowledge. 2. Beijing Zoo: Not far from the park, the zoo houses a wide variety of animals, including giant pandas and golden monkeys. It's a great place for a family outing. 3. Five-Pagoda Temple: This historic temple features the unique Diamond Throne Pagoda and exquisite architecture and stone carvings. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture. VI. Dining Recommendations 1. Sishitongtang: This restaurant features a Republican-era decor and preserves traditional culinary techniques. The "Three Non-Stick" dish and the "Da Chibao Catches Wu Kui" dessert are visually appealing. The pea flour cake with sesame and peanut filling is a must-try. 2. Jingweizhai: Specializing in Peking duck and traditional Beijing cuisine, this restaurant offers a unique presentation of the State Banquet Peony Roast Duck. Other recommended dishes include Qianlong Cabbage, mung bean milk with fried dough rings, and stewed offal. 3. Dayali Roast Duck Restaurant: This restaurant offers authentic hanging oven roast duck at affordable prices. The duck is crispy and tender, served with a variety of side dishes, catering to a wide range of tastes. 4. Xiaodioli Tang: This restaurant serves traditional Beijing cuisine, with the signature Xiaodioli pear soup being a warm and comforting choice. The pear soup is thick and sweet, and other Beijing specialties are also available. VII. Things to Note 1. The park is free to enter, but some attractions inside may require separate fees, such as exhibitions at Fuyin Zizhuyuan. 2. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so dress comfortably and bring rain gear or sunscreen as needed. 3. The park can get crowded during peak flower season. Please be mindful of the environment, refrain from picking flowers, and practice responsible flower viewing. 4. Boat services are available in the park. Please follow the instructions of the staff and prioritize safety.

Wandering through Beihai Park, the White Pagoda stands tall, reflecting on the shimmering lake as paddle boats glide by. A short stroll leads to the National Library of China (NLC), where history and knowledge come alive within its grand halls. The contrast of serene nature and rich culture makes this spot a must-visit for a perfect Beijing day! #travelinginchina

The National Library's Museum of Ancient Books is putting on a spectacular show of the Yongle Palace. The number of national treasures on display is considerable, and the most attractive to me is the glazed chiwen and main ridge of the Hall of the Three Purities. It is said that the chiwen on display this time is an original piece from the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), previously housed in the Mural Art Museum of Yongle Palace in Shanxi Province. The Yuan Dynasty chiwen of the Hall of the Three Purities is brightly glazed, uniquely shaped, and magnificent, rarely seen in the world. Two tall peacock blue glazed chiwen, originally located at both ends of the main ridge of the roof, were replaced when the Yongle Palace was relocated and stored in the cultural relics warehouse. The chiwen is 3.02 meters high, made of seven pieces of glazed tiles, with a red clay body and peacock blue glaze. In terms of shape, the chiwen is coiled, with its mouth open to swallow the ridge, its eyes wide open and bright, and its surface decorated with patterns such as Hu people offering treasures, the God of Wind, the God of Rain, and flowing clouds; the back beast has its eyes wide open, its tail claws extending upward and inward, and its tail tip curving outward. The main ridge is the highest ridge of the building's roof. As the junction of the front and rear slopes of the roof, the main ridge occupies an important position both structurally and visually. The main ridge of the Hall of the Three Purities in Yongle Palace is special, with no ridge brake, and both sides are decorated with raised patterns of chrysanthemums, lotuses, double phoenixes, ascending dragons, peony pouches, and two dragons playing with pearls, which correspond to each other on the left and right, with slightly different shapes. The ridge is decorated with bright flowers, mottled glaze, and yellow, green, and blue colors, which are the best of Yuan Dynasty glazed tiles. The glazed flower dragon and phoenix ridge of the Hall of the Three Purities in Yongle Palace, with its magnificent momentum, created a precedent for the flower ridge tube in later generations, representing the highest achievement of Yuan Dynasty glazed art, and is a perfect combination of the beauty of ancient architectural modeling and color. 👍

After waiting for more than a month, Beijing’s top red leaves are finally here! Take a look at the super beautiful real scene pictures! 📍Location: Enter from the east gate of Zizhuyuan, navigate 🧭 to "Daiyuexuan" and you can see it. 🚗Transportation: Get off at National Library Station on Metro Line 4 and walk about 300 meters. 🎫Tickets: Free🆓 ⏰Opening hours: 06:00-21:00 (admission stops at 21:00)

Smells the thousand year old of ancient books & records. The history of China. So much feeling like to stay there for a while. A library quiet environment makes you feels like to be a reader 😄

Fahai Temple Inside the Mahavira Hall, there are extremely rare authentic murals. It operates on a reservation system with a limit of 20 people per session. Fahai Temple itself is also very tranquil. Tianning Temple One of Beijing's ancient temples, with a brick pagoda and temple that date back to the Liao Dynasty, it sees far fewer visitors than the Yonghe Temple. It's very serene. Dongjiaomin Lane The old embassy district's "foreigner's alley," with former sites of banks, post offices, and a beautiful church. It has always been relatively quiet. Gift and Cultural Relics Management Center By reservation only and with controlled entry, it's free to visit. A very impressive and majestic museum, not far from Dongjiaomin Lane, it can be scheduled on the same day. You can also take the opportunity to stroll through Xixinglong Street Hutong. Imperial Ancestral Temple A royal temple from the Ming and Qing dynasties, located near the Miaoying White Pagoda Temple. The ancient architecture is also very beautiful. National Library (Ancient Books Library) The old building with green glazed tiles has a retro style. The exterior is free to visit. It's next to the south gate of Beihai Park. You can stroll from the White Pagoda Temple, passing the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Guangji Temple, and the Geological Museum - all the way to this place.

"National Museum of Classic Books" is located on South Zhongguancun Street (South Branch of the National Library) in Beijing. It is a national-level museum dedicated to displaying Chinese classics and promoting Chinese culture, which opened in 2012. In the museum, you can learn about the culture of Chinese classics, the history of oracle bone inscriptions, and appreciate the historical origins of the Yongle Encyclopedia. The museum's collection includes Dunhuang manuscripts, Western Region documents, rare ancient books, rubbings of inscriptions on metal and stone, ancient maps, ancient books of ethnic minority scripts, manuscripts of famous people, etc., with more than 2.8 million volumes and pieces, and the collection is extremely rich.

A glimpse into the national library in Beijing - the biggest library in the country.

It is one of the largest libraries in the world. It contains over 41 million items as of December 2020. It holds the world's largest collection of Chinese literature and historical documents. The National Library is a public welfare institution sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. #china #beijing #nationallibrary #modern #books