Today is an ideal day to explore Gulou and its vicinity, possibly before making your way to Xicheng and later attending the city's largest annual beer festival.
**"Wo Zai Gulou" 2025 Life Festival**
The Wo Zai Gulou Festival celebrates Chinese snacks, culture, crafts, music, and history around the Bell and Drum Towers, extending into the nearby hutongs. From May 1 to 3, the Bell and Drum Towers will have extended hours, featuring musical performances, VR experiences, and a unique market with booths from 30 museums across China along with other vendors. The “Wo Zai Gulou” 2025 Life Festival takes place from Thursday, May 1, to Monday, May 5, with various hours for activities and tours. Tickets range from RMB 38 to 228 per person. Click here for more details and to buy tickets.
**Coffee and Lunch in Xicheng**
Traveling west from Gulou leads you to Xicheng District, known for its coffee shops and dining options. Notable spots include 1901 Café, Slowboat Baitasi, and postpost (as shown), where you can enjoy coffee alongside zines and art books. The coffee shops in the Baita area also offer stunning views of Baita Temple, making it a perfect place to unwind.
**Miaoying Temple**
If you're interested in adding some historical and cultural insights to your day, consider visiting Miaoying Temple, a Lama temple established in 1279 during the Yuan dynasty. This temple is also known as Baita Temple, owing to the large stupa located at the back of the complex, recognized as the oldest Tibetan stupa in Beijing. Tickets cost RMB 20 and are available at the main entrance.
**Miaoying/Baita Temple**
Address: 131 Fuchengmen Neidajie, Xicheng District
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
Contact: 010 6616 6099
**Beijing Craft Beer Festival**
Proceeding further west, you'll reach the impressive Shougang Park, which is hosting the largest beer festival of the year during the holiday period. The Beijing Craft Beer Festival features over 200 breweries and bars from Beijing, across China, and beyond, along with numerous food options to complement the drinks. The 2025 Beijing Craft Beer Festival runs until Sunday, May 4, from noon to 10pm each day at Shougang Park. Tickets are priced at RMB 79 to 139 if purchased in advance, or RMB 99 to 198 at the door. Click here for further information and to obtain advance tickets.
**Beijing Shougang Convention and Exhibition Center Halls 11 & 12**
Address: 68 Shijingshan Lu, Shijingshan District
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Images: Uni You, courtesy of the venues/organizers
Here is all the information you require before the festival, including how to reach the venue.
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An overview of the special tacos that can only be found at Taco Fest.
A couple of tasks for today, Friday, May 2, also known as Day 2 of the Labor Day holiday.