This Lunar New Year, enjoy the lanterns without the crowds! A hidden gem on the Second Ring Road

🕯️If you're tired of the crowded lantern festivals in Beijing during the Lunar New Year, consider this hidden gem on the Second Ring Road. It's a quiet place to enjoy the lanterns, with hardly any people around. You can take photos and enjoy the view at your leisure! 🏠️Beijing Jiaotong University has a long-standing tradition of hanging lanterns during the Lunar New Year. I discovered this place by chance this year. The strong campus vibe combined with the lantern decorations offers a peaceful experience in the bustling city. There are many photo spots, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts. 🎈During the coldest days, after sunset, the campus is incredibly quiet. Riding a bike around gives a nostalgic feeling. Although the lights are a bit scattered, the moment they light up, the atmosphere is filled with the essence of the New Year. The lanterns here may not have the same style as the fish lanterns, but they are mostly in a traditional Chinese style. The colors and density of the decorations are, in my opinion, comparable to the more popular places like Liulichang. It's a great place for photography. 🥣Of course, there are other places on campus with lanterns, but they have a more modern feel. The retro style is more pleasing to the eye. 📆When is the best time to visit? It's unclear how long the lights will be on, but I think they'll be on until the Lantern Festival. ⏰What time is best to visit? I recommend going around 5 pm, during the blue hour. The lights usually turn on around 5:30 pm. 🌈How long does it take? If you're just taking photos, 30-40 minutes should be enough. 👣Suggested route and photo spots? There are 2-3 spots on campus, and some scattered around the nearby residential area. You can start at the teaching area and then head to the residential area. Enter through the South Gate and exit through the East Gate for convenience. ⭐More about the surrounding scenery? It's not a tourist attraction, so there's not much scenery. 📷How to take great photos: Both wide-angle and telephoto lenses work. The former looks more impressive with higher density. 👍How to get tickets: Free 🚗How to get there: Public transportation is recommended. You can enter by scanning your ID card at the entrance. 🔥Tips before visiting: 1. It's very cold at night, so dress warmly. 2. The lighting time may change, so this is just a reference. 3. Don't visit just for this. Combine it with nearby attractions like the aquarium. 📍Location: No. 3 Shangyuancun, Xizhimenwai, Haidian District, Beijing Jiaotong University ⏰Opening hours: From January 28, expected to last until the Lantern Festival 🏞Type of activity: City walk, popular photo spot