So, You're Interested in China? | Your Beijing summer eats guide

Forget the guidebooks for a second. If you're spending a summer day in Beijing and want to eat like a local, this one's for you.

We're walking through an entire day of eating, Beijing summer style. Breakfast starts light, with tea and tea snacks instead of the usual heavy morning spread. Lunch means swapping the classic Zhajiangmian for cold sesame noodles, paired with a can of Beijing's beloved Arctic Ocean soda, or, better yet, a refreshing smoothie made with it. Afternoon tea brings watermelon jelly and milk pudding instead of dry pastries, and dessert is a nostalgic old Beijing popsicle for only one yuan! Then as the sun goes down, it's all about Shaokao, China's go-to grilled skewers, eaten outside if the weather cooperates, or delivered straight to your door if it doesn't.

It's a full day of eating built for the heat, some tried-and-true classics, some local secrets, all Beijing. Follow along, and try it for yourself next time you're in town.