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Beijing, China offers centuries of fascinating history and culture that make the city an intriguing stop on anyone’s vacation itinerary. Known for its historical attractions, such as the Forbidden City and The Great Wall of China, there are also hidden gems to explore. Set aside some time to spend in these interesting areas, which will add an extra dash of spirit and an element of surprise to your trip. 

1. 798 Art Zone (Dashanzi Area)

For art enthusiasts who enjoy creativity off the beaten path, a visit to the 798 Art Zone is a cultural experience, where established and upcoming new artists display their work.

The site was the former 50-year-old compound for military factories. Once decommissioned in the 1990s, the zone became a primary gathering place for local artists and other creatives.

Today, the district is a visually exciting place to visit to absorb the many artistic styles, from photos and street art to expressive murals and outdoor sculptures.

Go on your own or take a tour. Either way, you’ll have access to trendy shops and boutiques to explore, and cafes for relaxing while absorbing the Chinese culture that permeates the zone. 

2. Beijing Botanical Garden

From creative art in the zone to the colorful palette of natural art in the garden, the Beijing Botanical Garden is an oasis to explore when you’re looking for a quiet and serene setting to get away from the crowds. Choose the cherry garden, bamboo garden, Chinese rose garden, magnolia garden, and many more to snap a photo or two. 

3. Ancient Observatory (Guguanxiangtai)

Step back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when visiting this ancient observatory. As one of the oldest in the world, the observatory is home to eight expansive astronomical instruments. Take a moment to ponder what it was the ancients who used these instruments were searching for and what they discovered along the way. A mystery, to be sure. The observatory is currently open to the public Sunday through Saturday. 

4. Beijing Underground City

Under Beijing’s city center lies a network of tunnels covering about 33 square miles. The tunnels were ordered by Chairman Mao in 1969 and completed in the 1970s and were designed as a place of refuge in case of an attack by foreign enemies.

There is an underground complex with shops, schools, doctor’s offices, hospitals, movie theaters, factories, amusement areas, and much more. A true “city” only underground. Only a portion of the tunnels is open to the public. 

5. Ritan Park

Ritan is one of Beijing’s oldest parks. Established in 1530 during the Ming dynasty, the park served as home for the Temple of the Sun. The park offers a scenic ornamental landscape filled with a variety of trees, bushes, plants, assorted flowers, and peach blossoms to enjoy a leisurely walk. Within the park are pavilions, altars, murals, and ornate red and green walls. The park is like a picture postcard that has come to life, displaying a cacophony of color, culture, and creativity. 

Tokyo, Japan – the city of culture, history, and intrigue. While it maintains a national presence on the world map, there are plenty of hidden gems within the hustle, bustle, and bright lights that permeate the city landscape. As the main city of The Land of the Rising Sun, a visit to some of its unique attractions is sure to spark your imagination. 

1. Shibuya Sky Observatory

If heights don’t bother you, then Shibuya Sky Observatory is the place to go for panoramic views. The 47-story building resides atop the largest skyscraper, so you can be sure the views are uninterrupted and spectacular. The rooftop platform is the largest for viewing that you’ll find in Japan, and to make it extra special, it is fitted with hammocks for visitors who want to relax at night and gaze at the stars. 

The 46th floor features the Sky Gallery for visitors who might get a little off-balance and experience vertigo on the 47th floor. Either way, the views are unforgettable, as Tokyo’s landmarks are visible on clear days, which includes Mt. Fuji.

2. Gotoku-ji Temple

This unusual temple is dedicated to felines. Legend has it a cat beckoned to a feudal lord with his right paw to come to his shelter during a rainstorm. As the lord approached the shelter, lightning struck the exact spot where the man had sat beneath a tree. This is the reason felines are referred to as “fortune” or “beckoning” cats and why you’ll see cat statues, paintings, jewelry, and trinkets displayed in stores and restaurants. 

The belief is that Gotoku-ji is where the lucky kitties originated from. The “cat temple” is open to the public. 

3. Asakusa-jinja

There are many temples and shrines to visit and learn about while visiting Tokyo. The oldest is the five-story Senjo-ji Buddhist temple. Right next door to the temple is the often-overlooked Asakusa-jinja shrine that has been part of the landscape since the 17th century. 

The shrine was constructed in honor of those who founded Senso-ji. The shrine features a large traditional Japanese torii gated entrance and two unusual dog-lion statues standing beneath a red parasol. The couple supposedly represents those couples in happy marriages. 

4. Hamarikyu Gardens

If you’ve been out and about sightseeing and want to take a break and sit amid a wondrous landscape of greenery, ponds, and serene water moving to its own beat beneath bridges, head to Hamarikyu Gardens, where a 300-year-old pine tree stands as a sentinel. 

While experiencing the beauty of the gardens, take a relaxing break at the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse. The location of the thatched-roof teahouse is unusual, as it resides on a floating platform. 

5. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

By far, one of the most unique vistas to set your eyes upon is Mount Fuji, standing tall at 12,389 feet. The park offers numerous walking trails that provide views of the mountain. When visiting the park, this is the main attraction. A close second is visiting during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Enjoy the view

Are you looking forward to your upcoming vacation from work? Do you want to make plans for a special trip? Well, you don’t need to overpay for your next vacation. Keep reading if you want a few tips to avoid overpaying for a vacation this summer!

Avoid Weekend Air Travel

There is no way around the price hike on the weekend when it comes to air travel. Since many travelers book weekend flights, you may find that you are paying a premium to fly on Saturday or Sunday. If you have the option to book your flight on a weekday, then opt for a weekday flight. While the best day of the week may depend on many factors, you want to focus on weekdays to find better prices and deals.

Plan a Month or Three Ahead

It is common knowledge that you want to plan ahead to get the best rates on your vacation, but you may not realize that you also need to avoid planning too far in advance. As a general rule, plan your vacation between one and three months before the event.

Planning three months in advance allows you to keep an eye on flights, hotel rates, and other factors that may impact your costs. You can then book a flight, hotel room, and other travel-related plans when you see a special deal or price. Expect the prices to increase as you get closer to your vacation dates. In most cases, you can expect rates to increase roughly two to three weeks before the date of your trip.

Consider a Non-traditional Vacation Spot

Do you want to avoid overpaying for your vacation without giving up on quality? Consider a non-traditional vacation location. Avoid common vacation hot-spots like Orlando, Florida and opt for a vacation that is a bit off the beaten path, such as Hollywood, Florida. You may find that you are getting much better deals without giving up on your vacation plans. While you may have limitations if you are planning a trip to a theme park or similar place, you have a variety of unexpected gems available if you are looking for a relaxed beach vacation or hiking trip.

Compare Prices on Everything

Comparing prices may seem obvious, but you can easily overlook it when you are excited about your vacation. You can also overlook comparison shopping for some of the smaller expenses. Unfortunately, those small expenses can add up quickly when you do not pay attention.

Take the time to compare the prices on flights, hotels, rental cars, and even restaurants. You may find some unexpected hidden gems with a few minutes of comparison shopping.

Take Advantage of Your Reward Points on Credit Cards

If you have a credit card, then you likely have some type of reward points system or cash-back system. Look into the details of any credit cards you currently carry to see if you qualify for any travel-related points or cash-back. For example, you may have airline miles that cut back on the cost of your plane tickets through certain companies. Alternatively, you may get cash-back on your card for using it at restaurants, certain types of stores, or gasoline. Take advantage of your reward points or cash-back to cut back on the cost of your vacation.

Taking a bit of time to cut back on unnecessary costs while going on a vacation can help you save more than you realize. From comparing the prices of everything to strategically using your credit cards, you can find ways to avoid overspending and still enjoy a break from the daily grind.