What's better than a late night table like this to share with gals. Not only the dishes are exactly the comfort food like from mom's kitchen, the staffs also speak like your neighbors. So very homy and cozy. Will come back next time in Beijing:-) Highly recommend to those who look for real taste of Beijing house kitchen. 

A hutong is a type of narrow street or alley most commonly associated with Beijing. Since the mid-20th century, the number of Beijing hutongs has dramatically decreased as they are facing demolition to make way for new roads and buildings. More recently, some hutongs have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history. I love walking around the hutongs when I need a break from the office (my current office is located in a particularly interesting hutong neighbourhood); they are a great exemplar of ancient urban planning and architecture, and breathe "the old way of life".

My go-to place when I need a break from Beijing. CAFA is, surprisingly, not known by many, which makes it even more perfect. It is the only art institution of higher learning operated by the Ministry of Education and was founded in April 1950 when the National Beijing Art College and the Fine Arts Department of Huabei University were transformed into a single institution. The School of Design holds graduate exhibitions every year, which are well worth a visit, and also houses AIGA China. Equipped with an art museum (designed by Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki) as well as art supplies and book stores.

One of our favorite meet-up places in old town Beijing close to Ditan Park. Renovated on a garage by a design veteran, the place has its unique and soulful character. A thoughtful blend of old town style and contemporary design that produces a solid and edgy vibes, true to Beijing. Their seasonal coffee menu and house desserts never fails to amaze us. 

A good surprise down the lane - used to hang out with childhood friends here a lot before the commercial development made the area touristy. So happy to spot this independent coffee during a brief stay in Beijing. Cozy space, and impressively diversified line-up of single origin coffee beans, quite neat!