'''Xicheng District''' (______ ''X?cheng Q?'') is in Beijing.

Get in

See

Parks

  • Beijing Zoo and Aquarium. k__?__? B?ij?ng Dongwu Yuan. km west of Xizhimen subway station. The Zoo is also an important traffic center, which means the terminal station for Bus No. 103, 105, 107 and 111. The new subway line 4 should be ready in 2009. ttp://www.beijingzoo.com/. oo 1 Apr-31 Oct: 7.30am - 6pm; Zoo 1 Nov-31 Mar: 7.30 am-5pm; Aquarium 1 Apr-31 Oct: 9am-5.30pm; Aquarium 1 Nov-31 Mar: 9am-5pm. oo \10-15; Pandas \5; Aquarium \100. (They do have pandas, but displays are not great, your best bet is to go to the Panda Breeding Centre in
  • Prince Gong's Mansion and Garden. ____{__?; G?ngwangf? Hu?yuan. 4A Liuyin Street (__?_X14__; Li?yinji?. 86 10 6616 814. AM-4PM. ntrance \20; Performances \60. The mansion displays the life of princes during the Qing dynasty. The garden is packed with Chinese tourists. The mansion stages Peking Opera and magic shows now and then.

  • Song Qingling's Former Residence. v??____; Songqingling Guj?. 6 Houhai North Riverside (_@_C_k__46__; Houh?ib?iyan). 86 10 6404 4205. ttp://www.sql.org.cn/. AM-5PM, closed for renovation until 30 May 2009. 20. Museum and garden showing the life of Song Qingling (1893-1981). Song was a politician in the early days of communist China, vice president 1959?1975. She was married to Sun Yat-sen and also related to Chaing Kai-shek.

  • Mei Lanfang's Residence. ~?_F?_O?; Meilanf?ng Jiniangu?n. Huguosi Road (?_____H9__; Huguosilu). 86 10 6618 0351. nfo@meilanfang.com.cn. ttp://www.meilanfang.com.cn/. pr-Nov 9AM-4PM. 10. Museum showing the lift of Mei Lanfang (1894-1961). Mei was the greatest star of Peking Opera, acting for more than 50 years, primarily playing female roles. Furniture as well as costumes and other opera stuff are exhibited here.

  • Guo Moruo's Former Residence. s________; Gu?mo Ruoguj?. 8 Qianhai West Street (_O_C___X18__; Qianh?ix?ji?). 86 10 6612 5392. u-Su 9AM-4:30PM. 20. Museum showing the life of Guo Moruo (1892-1978). Guo was an author, poet, historian and government official. His works seems quite dated now, but his former residens is still worth a visit.

  • China Science and Technology Museum. ______Z?; Zh?ngguo K?ji Gu?n. North Third Ring Road Middle Road (_O_k?___H1__; S?nb?ihuanzh?nglu). t Anhua Bridge (__??; ?nhuaqia). 86 10 6237 1177 ext 3216. ttp://www.cstm.org.cn/. u-Su 9 AM - 5:30 PM. all A and B: \30 for each or \50 combined, children free; Hall C: \10 adults, \20 children. Educuational museum with the possibility of experimenting yourself. Hall A has short films, Hall B has exhibitions, whereas Hall C is an experimental area primarily for children.

  • Xu Beihong Museum. ___??_O?; Xub?ihong Jiniangu?n. 3 Xinjiekou Beidajie (_V_X___k___X53__; X?nji?k?ub?idaji?). 00m south of Jishuitan Metro Station (line 2). 86 10 6225 2042. 86 10 6225 2187. ttp://www.xubeihong.org/home.htm. u-Su 9AM-noon, 1PM-5PM. 5. Xu Beihong (1895-1953) was one of the first and most influential modern Chinese painters. He used both Chinese and Western techniques and is most famous for traditional painting of running horses. The museum exhibits a large number of his own works as well as his large collection of other artists' works.

  • Beijing Lu Xun Museum. k__?_v____?; B?ij?ng L?xun Bowugu?n. 9 Gongmenkou Ertiao, Fuchengmennei (____?__??______19__; Fuchengmennei G?ngmenk?uertiao). 00m northeast of Fuchengmen Metro Station (line 2). 86 10 6616 5651. bjluxunmuseum@163.com. ttp://www.luxunmuseum.com.cn/default.aspx. AM-4PM. 5. Lu Xun (1881-1936) was one of the first and most influential modern Chinese writers. He is most famous for "The True Story of Ah Q". The museum consist of Lu Xun's former residence as well as an exhibition hall with exhibits of Lu Xun's personal effects, originals and copies of his works and also exhibits not dirictly related to Lu Xun.

    Other

  • Deshengmen. _??___O; Deshengmenjianlou. orth Ring Road Two (_k__?_H; B?ierhuanlu). 86 10 6201 8073. u-Su 9AM-4PM. yen;10. City gate built in 1437 as part of the city wall, which was torn down in 1969. Now only an archery tower and a barbican is left. The gate houses an ancient coin exhibition and a snack bar.

    Do

    Theaters

  • Beijing Exhibition Theater. k___W????; B?ij?ngzh?nl?ngu?njuch?ng. 35 Xizhimenwai Street (____?_O___X135__; X?zhimenwaidaji?). uses 105, 111, 15, 334, 347. 86 10 6835 4455. 80-1,280. Theater from 1954 with a theater hall with 1,000 seats. The theater is part of a multifunctional building with exhibition, hotel, restaurant and entertainment. Wide range of shows including Chinese plays, Western and Chinese operas and ballets, musicals and rock concerts.

  • Beijing Youth Palace. k_____N?; B?ij?ngq?ngniang?ng. 8 Xizhimen Nanxiao Street (____?_____X68__; X?zhimennanxi?oji?). 86 10 6615 2211. ttp://bjqng.com.cn:8080/bjqng/. Cinemas with Chinese and foreign movies. Also music and dance classes available.

  • Ethnic Cultural Palace Theatre. _______?__?_@; Minzuwenhuag?ngdajuyuan. 9 Fuxingmennei Street (???_____X49__; Fux?ngmenneidaji?). 86 10 6605 2404. Peformanses classical music, ballet, musical, opera, drama plays and movies.

  • People's Theater. l__??; Renminjuch?ng. 4 Huguosi Street (?_______X74__; Huguosidaji?). 86 10 6618 1634.

  • PLA Song and Dance Theater. ___?____?_@; Ji?fangj?ng?w?juyuan. 0 Deshengmennei Street (__??_____X60__; Deshengmenneidaji?).

    Concert Halls

  • Beijing Concert Hall. k____??; B?ij?ngy?nyuet?ng. Beixinhua Street (_k_V?_X1__; B?ix?nhuaji?). 86 10 6605 7006. ttp://www.beijingyinyueting.com/. rices range between CNY30-380 and CNY100-698.

  • Central Conservatory of Music. _____?_w_@; Zh?ngy?ngy?nyuexueyuan. 3 Baojia Street (?___X43__; Baoji?ji?). 86 10 6642 5702. ttp://en.ccom.edu.cn/. The main purpose of the conservatory is to educate musicians. Concerts now and then.

  • Forbidden City Concert Hall. ttp://www.zsyyt.com/. rices range between CNY60-380 and CNY80-880.

  • National Centre for the Performing Arts. _____?_@; Guoji?dajuyuan. West Changan Street (__?___X2__; X?chang?nji?). est of the northern end of Tian'anmen Square. 86 10 6606 4707. ebmaster@national grand theater.com. ttp://www.chncpa.org/n33879/n33958/index.html. Great theater complex with three halls (opera, music and theater) covering almost 12,000m2 and seating a total of 5,452 people. The teater was finalised in 2007 after six years of construction work.

    Other

  • Houhai. @_C; Houh?i. Take a walk in the Houhai area.

  • Beijing Planetarium. k___V__?_V?; B?ij?ngti?nwengu?nx?ngu?n. 38 Xizhimenwai Street (____?_O___X138__; X?zhimenwaidaji?). 86 10 6835 2453. ttp://www.bjp.org.cn/en/index.htm. e-Fr 10 AM - 4 PM; Sa-Su 9 AM - 4:30 PM; Mo closed. \30-45. Here you can watch movement of stars and planets, creation of the solar system, evolution of life, space shuttle simulation and the history of the sun.

  • Philippe Active Space Station. ______F____?__; F?ilip?y?zhouk?ngji?nzhan. 3 Pinganli Xidajie (___________X43__; Ping?nl?x?daji?). nside Guanyuan Park. 86 10 6611 9421. u-Su 9 AM - 5:30 PM. dults \20; children \30. Play center for children including ball pool, maze and arts and crafts area.

    Buy

  • Xidan. _? X?d?n. Several large malls near a subway station. Look for the clothing market, it's quite good - bargaining is a must (sellers even enjoy it)! Very busy on weekends.

  • Xizhimen. ___? X?zhimen. One of the most popular markets for locals is located in '''Xizhimen''', next to the zoo. To get there, in front of the Zoo there is a new huge building, which is just another big market, but behind it, there is the wholesale market, with the best prices, and a lot of genuine goods (clothing). This market is much more local than others listed here, and is perhaps not ideal for the less adventurous traveler.
  • Sihuan Mixed Goods Market. l??___s?; Sihuanz?ngheshich?ng. ihuan Hutong, Deshengmenne Street (__??_____X_l?____; Deshengmenneidaji?sihuanhutong). AM - 7 PM. Raw food whole sale market.

    Eat

  • Yuxin Sichuan Restaurant. __M____ Yuxin Chu?ncai. 30-50 per person. -F 10 AM,-10 PM, Sa-Su 11 AM-10 PM. One of the contenders in the ongoing competition for Beijing's best Sichuanese, Yuxin delivers on authenticity, flavor, and service. It's always busy, and always good. :* <eat address="Xidan Saite Building, 7th Floor">(__?____7? ''X?d?n Saite Q? Ceng'').</eat>

    Drink

    Houhai

    Houhai (_@_C; Houh?i) is a man-made lake surrounded by restaurants and bars. Some years ago, this was one of the trendiest places in town, but it seems that it has now been surpassed by other bar clusters. Still a good place for a beer, and also to watch local Beijingers (of all ages) enjoying themselves.

  • 15 Qianhai Beiyan. O_C_k__15__; Qianh?ib?iyanshiw?hao. 5 Qianhai Beiyan (_O_C_k__15__; Qianh?ib?iyan). 86 10 6617 5558. PM-midnight. xpensive. Both indoor and outdoor seatings and good with of the lake.

  • 9 To 5. ___?__; Zh?oji?w?nw?. Qianhai Beiyan (_O_C_k__3__; Qianh?ib?iyan). 86 10 6617 0091. oon-2AM. Includes terrace with a veiw, grand flour bar and a club in the basement.

  • Blue Lotus Club. ?__??__; Lanlianhu?julebu. Shichahai, Xihaidongyan (_Y___C___C?__1__; Shichah?ix?h?id?ngyan). 86 10 6406 4688. oon-midnight. heap. Kitch bar with Chinese live instrumental orchestra in the weekend.

  • Cam Rang. 7 Beiguanfang Hutong, Houhai Nanyan (_@_C_____k___[____37__; Houh?inanyanb?igu?nfanghutong). est of Yindingqiao. 86 10 6613 5689. PM-2AM. Quiet Viet nam inspired lounge with large and soft sofas.

  • East Shore Live Jazz Cafe. __??; D?ngank?f?i.

  • Houhai Paradise. @_C_V__; Houh?iti?ntang. 1 Di'anmen Waidajie (_n__?_O___X31__; Di?nmenwaidaji?). 86 10 8401 5076. :30PM-2AM. Dance club with loud house music and a small dance flour.

  • Huxley's. _____?; Deb?ji?b?. 6 Yandai Xiejie (_|_____X16__; Y?ndaixieji?). 86 10 6402 7825. nfo@shutupjustdrink.com. PM-3AM. heap. Simple bar frequented by both tourists and locals.

  • Jiadingfang. b___V; Ji?d?ngf?ng. Lotus Lane, 51 West Dia'nmen (_n__?_____X51___Y___C_V___V9__; Di?nmenx?daji?51hao, Shichah?iti?nhef?ng9hao). 86 10 6612 9898. 1AM-2AM. xpensive. Large place by the lake with a long list of drink and food. Live music every night, primarily unknown local bands.

  • Lotus Blue. nside Lotus Lane, Ping'an Dajie (_______X_Y___C_____s?__; Ping?ndaji?shichah?ihehu?shich?ngnei. pposite north gate of North sea. 86 10 6617 2599. nfo@lotusbluebar.com. ttp://www.lotusbluebar.com/. o-Fr: 1:30PM-2AM; Sa-Su: 11:30AM-2AM. xpensive. Bar with live music and Thai food. DJ plays house on Fr and Sa, a Chinese band plays blues on Th and and African band plays pop on Su and Mo.

  • Luna Bar. I_P; Louna. 38 Jiugulou Dajie (_____O___X138__; Jiug?loudaji?). 86 10 8402 4417. PM-midnight. Relaxed place with local DJs.

  • Rive Gauche. _____?; Zu?anji?b?. South Bank, Qianhai, Shichahai (_Y___C_O_C____2__; Shichah?iqianh?inanyan). 86 10 6401 2302. PM-2AM. Quiet cocktail bar

  • Shi Yue. Y?; Shiyue. 3 Baimi Beixiang (_____k_J13__; Baim?b?ixiang). 86 10 8403 6253. 1:30AM-3AM. Unusual and small place in a quiet hutong. Chinese decoration and techno music.

  • Story Bar. Yindingqiao Hutong (???____9__; Yindingqiaohutong). 86 10 6657 1513. PM-2AM. Small, intimate and quiet cafe with an ok drink list.

  • Upsetter's Bar. -3 Houhai South Road (_@_C___H1-3__; Houh?inanlu). 86 132 4184 8564. psetterbar@hotmail.com. PM-late. heaper than most places in Houhai. Reggae bar with outdoor seating by the water. One of the few places in Houhai where the theme actually works.

    Other

  • What Bar. Y?__?; Shenmeji?b?. 2 Beichang Jie (_k?_X72__; B?ichangji?). 86 133 4112 2757. amuduoji@yahoo.com.cn. PM-midnight. Small live rock venue staging some of the most interesting local bands.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • Beijing Join Inn. 4 Qinmao Hutong, Zhaodengyu Road. 86 10-66135481 (mobile:+86 13552794897) email="joininn@hotmail.com. 30 for a dormitory bed, \160 for a double room, \180 for a triple room (the price depends on the season). This hostel is located within the popular Xinjiekou district close to the city center. Located in one of Beijing's hutongs, the hostel is close to key bus and subway services, making sightseeing relatively simple. From Jishuitan subway station, take the C exit and turn left, walk about 500 meters along Xinjiekou Bei St. until you reach a McDonald's restaurant, intersecting with Xizhimen Nei St. Walk along Xizhimen street to the first set of traffic lights (about 120m). Turn left here to walk along Zhaodengyu Lu. You should be able to see the hostel's sign in the third alleyway (Qinmao Hutong) on your left. This place has a great family/chilled out vibe.

  • Baitayuan Guest House. ___?___N__?; Bait?yuan Q?ngnianl?gu?n. 0 Dachaye Hutong (__________20__; Dachayehutong). 00m southeast of Chegongzhuang Metro Station (line 2). 86 10 6616 0200. iscounted rates for dorms from \40, doubles from \160, breakfast included. Traditional courtyard hotel located in a hutong. Internet, bicycle hire, safety boxes, fridge, laudry facilities and swimming pool available.

  • Beijing Lotus Hostel. k__?_q; B?ij?nglianshe. 9 Xisi North Seventh Tiao (___l_k____29__; X?sib?iq?tiao). fter opening of the new metro line 4 there will be a metro station quite close, but for now (April 2009) the nearest is 1.5km northwest at Chegongzhuang Metro Station (line 2), or buses 13, 22, 38, 42, 47, 409, 690, 826 to Pinganlilukou South (_______H____). 86 10 6612 8341. otushostel@yahoo.com.cn. 86 10 6612 9341. ttp://www.lotushostel.cn/. iscounted rates for dorms from \40, doubles from \160. Hostel located in traditional courtyard with a nice ancient Beijing feel. Nice common area for meeting other people. Toilets and showers are not good. Internet, bike hire, pool table, safty boxes and laundry facilities available. Restaurant and bar.

  • Beijing Houhai Courtyard Guest House. 4 Sanbulao Hutong. 86 10 6612-8458 (mobile: +86 13439801676). orms from \45, single rooms from \128. uang_wang1980@hotmail.com. One of the most charming old-Beijing style courtyard inns, located in Sanbulao Hutong in Houhai, about 20 minutes walk from the subway. It is only 5 minutes by foot to the Houhai Lake. They provide free services such as tours of the hutongs, tea, wireless internet access, satellite TV & DVD access, usage of kitchen, baggage deposit. The staff speak enough English to get by, and there is parking as well. Internet on their computer is \5 per hour and a map of Beijing in English & Chinese is \8.

  • Red Lantern House. Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjie Kou. 86 10 66115771/66169477. ttp://www.redlanternhouse.com. orms from \50, singles from \130, doubles from \160. indyguo@hotmail.com. This hostel is spread over three buildings, but all have a good reputation. The "West Yard" is a beautiful courtyard house with indoor and outdoor areas for socialising. It has a great friendly atmosphere. The courtyard at this hostel's center is a great place to hang out, talk to new friends or just sit by yourself and read. Located in a hutong. They offer airport pickup for \160.

  • Garden Inn. ____???___X (_k____?_X); L?ngnanji?yuanliansu?ji?dian (B?ij?ngx?d?ndian). 5 Tonglinge Road (?__?_H95__; Tonglingelu). 00m northeast of Changchunjie Metro Station (line 2). 86 10 6652 8233. 86 10 6652 8231. isted rates for doubles from \219, discounted from \164; no breakfast available.. Rooms with free internet. Ticket office available.

  • Beijing Zhongyou Hotel. k______??; B?ij?ngzhongyoub?ngu?n. ourtyard 1 Lane 2 Liupukang (_Z??___J1___@; Liup?kang erxiang yihaoyuan). pprox 1km northwest of Gulou Street Metro Station (line 2). 86 10 6204 5522. 86 10 6201 0326. ttp://www.bjzyhotel.cn/. isted rates for doubles from \220, discounted from \163 including breakfast. Three star hotel. Rooms (some quite small) with internet against surchage. Business center, beauty salon, ticket office, laundry service, karaoke and table tennis available. Chinese restaurant, coffee shop and room service.

    Mid range

  • Bamboo Garden Hotel. |??? Zhu Yuan B?ngu?n. 86 10 64032229. ttp://www.bbgh.com.cn/en1.htm. A stone's throw from Houhai, this is one of the most interesting hotels in Beijing. It located in a large complex of courtyards, was residence of Sheng Xuanhuai, a Qing Mandarin, and later was home to Kang Sheng, head of the secret police of Communist China.

  • Beijing HWA (Apartment) Hotel. 6-10-66028888. ttp://www.beijinghwahotel.com. ates start at CNY 620.05. This four-star hotel is is along North Xidan Avenue, in Xicheng District. It is located near SOGO Department Store, Oriental Plaza, and Tiananmen Square. It offers air-conditioned rooms, each features a contemporary European design. It also has a Banquet hall that can accommodates 50 persons. You can also check out their rooftop garden, indoor swimming pool, and sauna. 130 North Xidan Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.

    Splurge

  • ACFTU Hotel. k______?_H_V__?_X; B?ij?ngzh?ng Guozhig?ngzh?ji? Fandian. Zhenwumiao Road, Fuxingmenwai Street (???_O___X_^__?_H1__; Fux?ngmenwaidaji? Zh?nw?miaolu). 00m southwest of Nanlishilu Metro Station (line 1). 610-68576699. 86 10 6856 2251. isted rates for doubles ¥988-11,800, discounted rates ¥498-8,960, breakfast ¥55. Four star hotel with rooms with internet access against surcharge. Business center, gift shop, beauty salon, ticket office, disco, karaoke, pool, table tennis and fitness available. Chinese and Western restaurants, as well as coffee shop, bar and room service.

  • The Apartments on Financial Street. Jinchengfang Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China. 861066065588. http://www.hotelstyleapartment.com. This five star hotel is only 4 km from the city center and 8 km to the railway station. It is located near the Xidan Business District, Parkson Department Store, and Golden Tree Street. It has 245 air-conditioned suites, all of which have a living room, private toilet and bath, cable TV, a safe, and hair dryer. Some of their facilities includes an indoor swimming pool with artificial sand beach, outdoor tennis court, a health club, jacuzzi, and sauna.

  • Jing Ding Hang. 500-1000 / day. hetings@hotmail.com. This is a real estate company that renovated several ancient houses in the legendary hutongs around Houhai Lake (just behind the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square), and rented them out during the Olympics.

    Contact