Beijing/Xicheng

Xicheng means West City. It is the political centre of Beijing. It houses several political institutions including ministries and residential areas for the top officers of the communist party.
Xicheng is covering the northwestern part of the central city area west of the Forbidden City until just beyond ring road two. You will most likely come here for the Houhai area to join the bar and restaurant cluster by the lake or to explore the remains of the wealthier part of historical Beijing nearby. Or you will come here for shopping in the large shopping area in Xidan. The district also includes Bejiing Zoo, Beihai Park and the impressive National Centre for the Performing Arts.
Xicheng covers an area of 32 square kilometers, bordering Dongcheng to the east, Chaoyang to the north, Haidian to the north and west, and Xuanwu to the south. The area has a population of around 0.7 million.
Xuanwu (宣武区 Xuānwǔ Qū) is a district that has been merged into Xicheng, covering the southern part of Xicheng. It is home to above half a million people. The district is located outside the Imperial Inner City and was predominantly reserved for the lower class. The District has been undergoing rapid changes with many ancient Hutong being wiped away.

From the airport you can get into the district by the Airport Express Subway to Dongzhimen, and then change to line 2 in either direction.
From Beijing Railway Station you can get into the district by a short subway ride on line 2. From Beijing West Station you take subway 9 to the 1 or 6.
Xicheng is well served by subway lines 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 13.

Parks

• Beihai ParkBeihai is a former imperial garden centred on a lake with interesting religious and garden architecture. There's a big island and white pagoda which was built in the 17th century. The giant buildings westward outside are PRC's Ministry of Defence and General Staff, which, to be honest, ruin the scene of the west bank. On the north bank, you can visit some small but beautiful gardens. Beihai is a good place to take a glance at Zhongnanhai (中南海 Zhōngnánhǎi), heart of Communist China (see separate listing below).

• Beijing Zoo and Aquarium(They do have pandas but displays aren't as good as other places in China, such as the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu, Sichuan Province). The animals are kept in very small cages in which they pace to and fro in sheer restlessness and desperation. The lion and tiger building is particularly disappointing, housing a collection of large felines in concrete cages without any natural habitation. The pandas are relatively well looked after in comparison, but kept in pretty bleak conditions. Some are concerned with the way animals are treated in the zoo, but the aquarium is one of the biggest in the world, and very impressive. Entrance to the aquarium is not included in the standard Zoo ticket, and costs an extra ¥100. The zoo was built on the sites of some ancient gardens, and has lakes, ponds, pavilions and other beautiful old buildings.

• Jingshan Park

  address: Jingshan Front Street
  Jingshan is another former imperial garden with some imperial garden architecture. A popular next stop after leaving the Forbidden City from the north gate, this 23-hectare (57-acre) park is built around Jingshan, the artificial hill created with the soil dug to build the Forbidden City's moat. Literally meaning "Prospect Hill", it is also variously known as Coal Hill or Feng Shui Hill. Those who make the climb from the park entrance to the pagoda on top of the 88-meter (289-foot) peak will be rewarded with a great view over the Forbidden City they just walked through.

• Grand View Garden

  phone: +86 10 6354 4994
  address: South Caiyuan Street (南菜园街12号; Náncàiyuánjiē)
  Garden established in the 1980s based on the novel 'The Dream of the Red Mansions'. 125,000 m2 with temples, pavilions and other buildings as well as miniature gardens. Traditional ceremonies performed now and then. The park also has a restaurant.

• Taoranting Park

  phone: +86 10 6353 2385
  address: 19 Taiping Jie (太平街19号; Tàipíngjiē)
  A former hangout for literati, while most other Beijing parks were for imperial families only. The park has a total area of 240,000 m2 with water area accounting for 69,000 m2. The park is a mixture of ancient construction styles and modern park design. It was built in 1952. Taoran Pavilion (one of the four most important in Beijing) build in 1695 and some tombs are located in the park. The park has a lake with pavilions on the bank. The park also has a Mini Golf Center, a Water Wonder Land as well as Peacock, China Rose, and Deer Gardens.

Temples

• White Cloud Temple

  phone: +86 10 6346 3531
  address: 6 Baiyunguan Street (白云观街6号; Báiyúnguànjiē)
  Taoist temple established in 793. Houses the Chinese Taoist Association and a Taoist Health Clinic.

• Guanghua Temple

  phone: +86 10 6403 5032
  address: 31 Ya'er Hutong (后海鸦儿胡同31号; Hòuhǎiyāérhútòng)
  Buddhist temple used to pray for success in business life.

• Guangji Temple

  phone: +86 10 6616 0907
  address: Fuchengmennei Street (阜成门内大街; Fùchéngménnèidàjiē)
  Buddhist temple built around 1460. Burned down in 1934 and was rebuilt in 1952 and further renovated in 1972. It is supposed to look as it did originally, but it does not really look old. The temple is functioning as a center for Buddhist thinking and learning and it is also the headquarter of the Chinese Buddhist Association.

• Lidai Diwang Miao

  phone: +86 10 6616 1141
  address: 131 Fuchengmennei Street (阜成门内大街131号; Fùchéngménnèidàjiē)
  Large temple built in 1530 used to sacrifice to past emperors. Opened to the public in 2004 after a decade of renovation. Here can be seen memorial tablets for a large number of past emperors.

• Fayuan Temple

  phone: +86 10 6353 3966
  address: Fayuansihou Street (法源寺后街; Fǎyuánsìhòujiē)
  This Buddhist temple was built in 645 and rebuilt in 1436-1449, which makes it the oldest existing in Beijing. Now, it is the site of the Chinese Buddhist Academy and the exhibition center for Buddhist cultural relics, and is also an important institution training young monks and Buddhism research. The temple covers 6,700 square meters. The main buildings are Gate of Temple, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Hall of Great Compassion, Sutra Hall, and Bell and Drum Towers.

• Baoguo Temple

  phone: +86 10 6317 3169
  address: Baoguosi Qianjie, Guang'anmennei Dajie (广安门内大街报国寺前街; Guǎngānménnèidàjiēbàoguósìqiánjiē)
  Founded in 1103, various uses during the next centuries, almost forgotten after 1949, but now renovated and open to public. There is also an antique market specialised in picture books and calligraphies, including writing tools and paper.

Museums

• Capital Museum

  phone: +86 10 63393339
  address: 16 Fuxingmenwai St (复兴门外大街16号; Fùxīngménwài Dàjiē)
  New high profile history and art museum located in an impressive building. Exhibits include the history of Beijing and artifacts from throughout China's history.

• Prince Gong's Mansion and Garden

  phone: +86 10 6616 814
  address: 14A Liuyin St (柳荫街14号; Liǔyìnjiē
  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.

• Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence

  phone: +86 10 6404 4205
  address: 46 Houhai North Riverside (后海北沿46号; Hòuhǎiběiyàn)
  Museum and garden showing the life of Soong Ching Ling (1893-1981). Soong 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 Chiang Kai-shek.

• Mei Lanfang's Residence

  phone: +86 10 6618 0351
  address: 9 Huguosi Rd (护国寺路9号; Hùguósìlù)
  Museum showing the life 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

  phone: +86 10 6612 5392
  address: 18 Qianhai W St (前海西街18号; Qiánhǎixījiē)
  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 residence is still worth a visit.

• China Science and Technology Museum

  phone: +86 10 6237 1177 ext 3216
  address: 1 North Third Ring Road Middle Rd (三北环中路1号; Sānběihuánzhōnglù)
  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

  phone: +86 10 6225 2042
  address: 53 Xinjiekou Beidajie (新街口北大街53号; Xīnjiēkǒuběidàjiē)
  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

  phone: +86 10 6616 5651
  address: 19 Gongmenkou Ertiao, Fuchengmennei (阜成门内宫门口二条19号; Fùchèngménnèi Gōngménkǒuèrtiáo)
  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.

• Museum of Ancient Architecture

  phone: +86 10 6301 7620
  address: 21 Dongjing Road (东经路21号; Dōngjīnglù)
  Museum with a model of Beijing ancient city as well as exhibits of Beijing's ancient architecture.

• Song Tang Zhai Museum of Traditional Chinese Folk Carving

  phone: +86 10 8316 4662
  address: 14 Liulichang East Street (琉离厂东街14号; Liúlíchǎngdōngjiē)
  This is a small privately owned museum showing carvings in doors, furniture, other wood and stone.

• Museum of Ancient Pottery Civilization

  phone: +86 10 6353 8884
  address: 12 South Caiyuan West Street (南菜园西街12号; Náncàiyuánxījiē)
  Shows the Chinese history of pottery from Neolithic Age to now.

• Paleozoological Museum of China

  phone: +86 10 88369280, +86 10 88369210, +86 10 88369315
  address: 142 Xizhimenwai Street (西直门外大街142号)

Other

• Deshengmen

  phone: +86 10 6201 8073
  address: North Ring Rd Two (北二环路; Běièrhuánlù)
  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.

• Cathedral of the Immaculate ConceptionEstablished by Jesuit missionaries in 1605, it is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Beijing. Sunday masses in Chinese are held early in the morning (6:00, 7:00, and 8:30), offering the experience to hear the local faithful chanting Christian prayers in Chinese, as they have been for centuries. English masses (10:30 and 15:00) and an Italian mass (12:30) are popular with foreigners.

• Niu Street Mosque

  phone: +86 10 6353 2564
  address: 88 Niu Street (牛街88号; Niújiē)
  Famous Mosque build in 996 and the oldest and largest of the mosques in Beijing. Structured as a traditional Chinese palace, but also uses typical Arabic decoration with a lot of red colour. A must see if staying for more than a few days. The Muslim presence in the area is obvious with many Muslim shops and Arabic signs around.

• Great Hall of the PeopleSeat of China's parliament and venue for important political meetings. While the hall is normally used for meetings for the National People's Congress, there are occasionally classical-music concerts held there.

• Zhongnanhai

  address: 174 West Chang'an Avenue
  This former imperial garden centered on two lakes is now the headquarters of China's government and ruling party. The compound is no longer open to the public, but you can take a photo in front of the distinctive south gate and revolutionary slogans fronting West Chang'an Avenue. You can also see the back of the compound from the south side of Beihai Park, from which it is separated by a bridge.

Theaters

Xicheng District is home to some of the best Beijing Opera theaters, especially the first three mentioned below.

• Huguang Huiguan Theatre

  phone: +86 10 6351 8284
  address: 3 Hufang Street (虎坊路3号; Hǔfānglù)
  Theatre primarily performing excerpts of traditional Chinese opera. The theatre has been working since the 1830s. The theatre building from 1830 is the oldest and best preserved indoor theatre in Beijing. It is in area with other traditional buildings. Next to the theatre is an opera museum.

• Lao She TeahouseSee listing in Drink Section.

• Li Yuan Theatre

  phone: +86 10 5166 4621
  address: 175 Yong'anlu (永安路175号; Yǒng'ānlù)
  Plays from the Beijing Opera repertoire. Also exhibitions of opera costumes and other. Tea and snacks available.

• Tianqiao Theatre

  phone: +86 10 8315 6300, +86 10 5166 1145
  address: Beiwei Road (北纬路30号; Běiwěilù)
  Theater with a seating capacity of 1,200 with performance of local folk music and dance, talk shows, and international ballet and musicals.

• Tsinghua Chi

  phone: +86 10 63546663
  A spa experience from the famous Qinghua Chi, established in 1905. Great service. Affordable TCM treatments. Try the Ba Guan (Cupping) or acupuncture or opt for simpler manicure and pedicure and Massage.

• Zhengyici Theatre

• Beijing Exhibition Center

  phone: +86 10 6835 4455
  address: 135 Xizhimenwai St (西直门外大街135号; Xīzhíménwàidàjiē)
  The 1,000 seat Beijing Exhibition Theater (北京展览馆剧场; Běijīng Zhǎnlǎnguǎn Jùchǎng) is one of the main elements of the Beijing Exhibition Center, a multi-functional building including an exhibition hall, hotel, restaurants and entertainment. The theater hosts a wide range of shows including Chinese plays, Western and Chinese operas and ballets, musicals and rock concerts. Built in 1954 during the height of Sino-Soviet cooperation, the building design is inspired by Soviet revival architecture. Within the building is the opulent Russian restaurant, "Moscow Restaurant".

• Ethnic Cultural Palace Theatre

  phone: +86 10 6605 2404
  address: 49 Fuxingmennei St (复兴门内大街49号; Fùxīngménnèidàjiē)
  Performances of classical music, ballet, musical, opera, drama plays and movies.

• People's Theater

  phone: +86 10 6618 1634
  address: 74 Huguosi St (护国寺大街74号; Hùguósìdàjiē)

• PLA Song and Dance Theater

  address: 60 Deshengmennei St (德胜门内大街60号; Déshèngménnèi Dàjiē)

Concert Halls

• Beijing Concert Hall

  phone: +86 10 6605 7006
  address: 1 Beixinhua St (北新华街1号; Běixīnhuá Jiē)

• Central Conservatory of Music

  phone: +86 10 6642 5702
  address: 43 Baojia St (鲍家街43号; Bàojiā Jiē)
  The main purpose of the conservatory is to educate musicians. Concerts now and then.

• Forbidden City Concert Hall

  phone: +86 10 6559 8285
  Various events are held here.

• National Centre for the Performing Arts

  phone: +86 10 6606 4707, +86 10 6655 0987
  address: 2 West Chang'an St (西长安街2号; Xīchángānjiē)
  Theater complex with three halls (opera, music and theater) covering almost 12,000m2 and seating a total of 5,452 people. One of the most stunning buildings in Beijing and a must see even if not attending an opera or concert.

Other

• Lakes of ShichahaiA large area north of Beihai Park that encompasses 3 adjacent lakes (Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai) enjoyed by locals for a long stroll along the lakes. The quiet lake area turns into a busy nightlife hub around the crossing point of the eastern end of Houhai and Qianhai.

• Hutongs of Xuanwu

• Beijing Planetarium

  phone: +86 10 6835 2453
  address: 138 Xizhimenwai St (西直门外大街138号; Xīzhíménwàidàjiē)
  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

  phone: +86 10 6611 9421
  address: 43 Pinganli Xidajie (平安里西大街43号; Píngānlǐxīdàjiē)
  Play center for children including ball pool, maze and arts and crafts area.

Xidan

This area has several large malls as well as streets lined with shops. Get off at Xidan subway. You can find all kind of goods here, but clothing shops are dominating. In many of the places you will have to bargaining, and will also be able to find some quite cheap stuff. It is more popular with locals than Wangfujing as it is cheaper and less focused on international brands. Very busy on weekends.

• 77th Street Plaza

• Beijing Capital Times Square

  phone: +86 10 8391 3311
  address: 88 Xi Chang'an St (西长安街88号; Xī​cháng​'ān​jiē​)
  Shopping center focusing on international brands.

• Grand Pacific

  phone: +86 10 6612 6888
  address: 133 Xidan North St (西单北大街133号; Xī​dān​běi​dà​jiē​)
  Has a good selection of less expensive brands and attracts primarily younger shoppers. The shopping mall appears bright and clean and it is usually not too crowded. Here you can find makeup, clothes and sports. Restaurants include Bread Talk, DQ, Pizza Hut and Sizzler.

• Joy City

  phone: +86 10 6651 7777
  address: 130 Xidan North St (西单北大街130号; Xī​dān​běi​dà​jiē)
  This mall opened in 2008 is the largest in Xidan and you can find almost everything here including an enormous cosmetic shop. The building has an impressive glass facade, and inside the feel is spacious despite the hordes of locals browsing here.

• Xidan Department Store

  phone: +86 10 6605 6531
  address: 120 Xidan North St (西单北大街120号; Xī​dān​běi​dà​jiē​)
  Government owned mall with a history of more than 70 years. It has been redecorated several times over the years but still appears a bit old fashioned. The prices are good though.

• Xidan Mingzhu Market

• Xidan Shopping Center

• Xin Hua Bookstore

• Zhong You Department Store

  address: 176 Xidan North St
  Has a lot of fake brands (mostly clothes). Very affordable if you bargain hard.

Other places

The district has a number of interesting shopping areas, especially on and just west of Qianmen Dajie. If you are into historical shops and shopping areas, it is worthwhile devoting half a day to shopping here.

• Qianmen Dajie Pedestrian StreetOne of Beijing's oldest commercial streets with a 500 year old history. Now, this street is under reconstruction to bring it back as it was in the 1920s. Furthermore, trolley cars will re-appear in the street, after being absent for 40 years. The status in March 2009 is that the street is open to the public, but only very few shops are established so far.

• DashilanDashilan (and surrounding streets) is a shopping area dating back to the Ming dynasty. The name means big fences, which in earlier times were in place in both ends of the street. Everything burned down during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, but the area has since been reestablished as a shopping area.

• Daoxiangcun

  phone: +86 10 8404 3305
  address: Zhubaoshi Street (珠宝市街; Zhūbǎoshìjiē)
  Famous shop established in 1895. Best known for its wide selection of southern style cakes. More than 20 branches around the city.

• Liubiju

  address: Zhubaoshi Street (珠宝市街; Zhūbǎoshìjiē)
  Famous shop established in 1530. Sells pickled vegetables.

• LiulichangThere is no production here any more, but rather antique stores, selling Chinese painting, handicrafts, and used books. The area was popular back to the Tang dynasty, but the small shops were amalgamated into state-operated units during the 1950s. It was redeveloped as a tourist area after 1979, but has failed to regain its former popularity. Nevertheless, it is picturesque and you can still find interesting things here. In the Chinese New Year, there's a 15-day folk fair here. Not far from the Hepingmen Subway Station.

• Beijing Qianxiangyi Silk Store

  phone: +86 10 6301 6658
  address: 50 Dazhalan West Street (大栅栏西街50号; Dàzhàlánxījiē)
  Very large silk store established in 1840. Claims to be the biggest silk professional store in China.

• Tea Street

  address: Maliandao Chayecheng (马连道茶叶城; Mǎliándàocháyèchéng)
  The street has 8 wholesale tea markets and more than 600 tea shops. Tea sets also for sale here.

• Sogo

  phone: +86 10 6310 3388
  address: 8 Xuanwumenwai Street (宣武门外大街8号; Xuānwǔménwàidàjiē)
  Shopping mall with Japanese and European shops.

• Carrefour

  phone: +86 10 6332 2155
  address: 11 Malian Dao (马连道11号; Mǎliándào)
  French supermarket.

• XizhimenOne 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. There is also a similar market nearby in the pedestrian underpass under the parking lot at the Yushuguan Bridge with good bargaining possibilities.

• Sihuan Mixed Goods Market

  address: Sihuan Hutong, Deshengmenne St (德胜门内大街四环胡同; Déshèngménnèi Dàjiē Sìhuán Hútòng)
  Raw food whole sale market.

• Wukesong Camera Market

• Beijing Commodity Market

  phone: +86 10 6832 0761
  address: 259 Fuwai Rd
  40,000 sqr meter large market offering a wide range of products including fashion, gifts, leather goods and toys.

• Tian Zhao Tian MarketJewelery market.

In the area west of Qianmen Dajie are numerous budget and mid range restaurants. Many of these are primarily catering for tourist implying lower quality than elsewhere but also that many have English menus.

Budget

Houhai

• Jiumen Xiaochi

  phone: +86 10 6402 5858
  address: 1 Xiaoyou Hutong (孝友胡同1号; Xiàoyǒuhútòng)
  This traditional place hidden in the hutongs close to Houhai houses ten or so vendors. Before choosing from the many different simple and traditional dishes here, you will have to go to the cashier and add value to the shared charge card. This is a very popular place with locals and can be packed, especially in weekends around lunch and dinner time. A great place to get a feel of old Beijing.

• Ri Chang

  phone: +86 10 6405 8205
  address: 14 Di'anmen W Ave (地安门西大街14号; Dìānménxī Dàjiē)
  Simple Cantonese restaurant with good food but unimpressive service and decoration.

• Nevertheless Café

  phone: +86 13671064359
  address: No.37 Beiguanfang Hutong 西城区北官房胡同37号
  A cool bar by the side of Houhai Lake.

Xuanwu

• Lanhuahua Restaurant

  address: Tianqiao Hotel, No.11, Xijing Lu
  Serves Shaanxi cuisine.

Other

• Fengyuan Baozipu

  phone: +86 10 6223 1659
  address: Xinjiekou Inner St (西城区新街口外大街; Xīn​jiē​kǒu​wài​dà​jiē​)
  Cantonese cuisine. Serves simple dishes like baozi, congee, doufu soup. Very busy at lunch.

• Shaguoju

  phone: +86 10 6602 1126
  address: Xisi South St (西四南大街60号; Xīsìnán​ St)
  Manchurian cuisine. This restaurant has been around for centuries, but surprisingly the service is still good and the prices low despite the increasing popularity. Specialties include Boiled Pork Casserole (砂锅白肉; shā​guō​bái​ròu​), which is said to have been served for Emperor Qing in the 18th century. Also the Nine Pig Guts (九转肥肠; jiǔ​zhuàn​féi​cháng) is worth a try.

• Koufuju

  phone: +86 10 6606 2251
  address: 93 Taipingqiao St (太平桥大街93号; Tài​píng​qiáo​ Dà​jiē​)
  Restaurant specialising in hot pot with a large selection of meat to choose from.

• Charme

  phone: +86 10 5971 6022
  address: 1 Dayue Building 6, 131 Xidan North St (西单北大街131号大悦城6楼01号; Xī​dān​běi​dà​jiē​, Dàyuè​chéng​lóu​)
  Cantonese restaurant popular with Hong Kong expats and tourists.

• Qingzhen Xiaochi

  phone: +86 10 6617 6299
  address: 68 Mianhua Hutong (棉花胡同68号; Miánhua Hútòng)
  Simple and cheap Beijing cuisine, eg fried noodles. Busy serving elderly locals who appears to come here almost every day.

• Xi'an Restaurant

  phone: +86 10 6681 1476
  address: 20 Xinjiekou South St (新街口南大街20号; Xīnjiēkǒu Nán​dà​jiē​)
  Xi'an cuisine. Serves halal dishes. This restaurant has a long history, and is said to have been a favorite of Chairman Mao. Specialties include mutton soup and steamed mutton.

• Xidan Chiku

  phone: +86 10 6603 2605
  address: 15 Zhongsheng Hutong (钟声胡同15号; Zhōngshēng Hútòng)
  Serves Beijing cuisine specialising in chicken wings.

• Ma Bashi Restaurant

  phone: +86 10 6617 8481
  address: 37 Xubjiekou East St (新街口东街37号; Xīnjiēkǒu Dōngjiē)
  Busy small restaurant specialising in beef noodles and Xinjiang noodles.

• Jinfuyuan

  phone: +86 10 8322 1893
  address: 72 Xinjiekou Dongjie (新街口东街72号; Xīnjiēkǒu dōngdà​jiē​)
  Small restaurant popular with locals. Serves Beijing cuisine, specialising in rice carrerole and rice noodles.

Mid-range

Houhai

• Kong Yi Ji

  phone: +86 10 6618 4917
  address: South bank of Houhai (后海南岸; Hòuǎi Nánàn)
  Traditional Zhejiang cuisine in modern surroundings.

• Cafe Sambal

  phone: +86 10 6400 4875
  address: 43 Doufuchi Hutong, Gulou Ave
  Traditional authentic Malaysian cuisine and flavours.

• Sichuan Restaurant

  phone: +86 10 6615 6924
  address: B14 Liuyin St (柳荫街14号; Liǔ​yìn​jiē​)
  Sichuan cuisine.

• Hutong Pizza

  phone: +86 10 8322 8916
  address: 9 Yindingqiao Hutong (银锭桥胡同9号; Yín​dìng​qiáo​hú​tòng​)
  Small courtyard restaurant serving both typical and more sophisticated pizzas. Quite limited selection of beers.

• Kao Rou Ji

  phone: +86 10 6404 2554
  address: 14 Qianhai Dongyan (前海东沿14号; Qián​hǎi​dōng​yàn​)
  Halal restaurant specialising in Beijing-style roast lamb/mutton and beef, but best known for the lamb/mutton. This restaurant has been around for more than 100 years and has great views of the lake from the second floor. A favourite of the Prince Regent Zaifeng in the 19th century. In the early 20th century it was one of three famed roast meat restaurants in Beijing.

Xuanwu

• Dong Xing Lou

• Little Sheep

  phone: +86 10 6316 6668
  address: 43 Guang'anmennei Dajie (光安门内大街43号; Guāng'ānménnèidàjiē)
  Mongolian hot pot restaurant with branches nationwide and abroad. Richer soup and, therefore, no dipping sauce.

• Huangcheng Laoma

• Jinyang Restaurant

• Tan Yu Tou

  phone: +86 10 6301 8885
  address: 25 Zhushikou West Street (珠市口西大街临25号; Zhūshìkǒu Xīdàjiēlín)
  Primarily serves spicy sichuan hotpot with fish or meat.

• Tulu Fan Canting

Other

• Yuxin Sichuan Restaurant

  address: Xidan Saite Building, 7F (西单塞特7层; Xīdān Sàitè Qīcéng)
  One of the contenders in the ongoing competition for Beijing's best Szechuan cooking, Yuxin delivers on authenticity, flavor, and service. It's always busy, and always good.

• Kao Rou Wan

  phone: +86 10 6802 8180
  address: 58 Nanlishi Rd (南礼士路58号)
  Xinjiang cuisine specialising in roast meats.

• Xiang E Qing

  phone: +86 10 6656 6468
  address: 3 Jiaoyu St (教育街3号)
  Hunan and Hubei cuisine.

• Beijing Ren Grand Restaurant

  phone: +86 10 6802 2636
  address: 6 Erqi Juchang Rd (二七剧场路甲6号)
  Cantonese cuisine.

• Hui Feng Hot Pot

  phone: +86 10 6221 8978
  address: 115 Xinjiekou Beidajie (新街口北大街115号)
  Beijing cuisine specialising in hot pot served in the traditional copper cone pots with coal.

• Hot & Tasty

  phone: +86 10 6629 0268
  address: 西城区金城坊街9－7号
  Sichuan cuisine as hot as you will find it in Sichuan.

• Royal Icehouse

  phone: +86 10 6401 1358
  address: Gongjian Hutong
  Beijing cuisine. The restaurant is in the former royal ice house.

• Tong He Ju

  phone: +86 10 6852 2917
  address: B71 Yueyun South St (月云南街乙71号)
  Shandong cuisine. This restaurant has been around for centuries. It is spacious with large tables.

• Yu Guo Tian Qing

  phone: +86 10 6608 9265
  address: 35 Tonglingge Rd (佟麟阁路35号)
  Beijing cuisine specialising in dumplings.

• The Woods

  phone: +86 10 66220318
  address: Seasons Place - 3rd Floor, Shop L301, Financial Street 北京市西城区金融街购物中心二期3F-301
  Salads and sandwiches with good quality ingredients with a seating area in the open space area of a shopping mall

• Await Café

  phone: +86 10 6616-6607
  address: 59 Xisi South Street 西四南大街59号
  A true travellers café, with three floors, meals, drinks and desserts, filled with souvenirs from the four corners of the globe.

Splurge

Houhai

• The Gourmet Room

  phone: +86 10 6613 9641
  address: 3 Qianhai West St (前海西街3号; Qiánhǎixījiē)
  Hong Kong cuisine served in courtyard restaurant. Offers a classic 10 course menu.

• Lijia Cai Restaurant

  phone: +86 10 6618 0107
  address: 11 Yangfang Hutong, Deshengmennei St (德胜门内大街羊房胡同11号; Déshèngménnèidàjiē Yáng​fáng​hú​tòng​)
  Imperial cuisine. This is a small family run restaurant in a hutong. The set menus consist of ten cold dishes and eight hot. The dishes are small and quite simple, but very tasty. There are only three tables in the restaurant, so book in advance.

• Haiqing Heyan

  phone: +86 10 6613 8318
  address: 2 Banqiao Santiao, Xihai Xiyan (西海西沿板桥3条2号; Xīhǎixīyàn Bǎn​qiáo​tiáo​)
  Small courtyard restaurant serving French Teppanyaki. There is great views of the lake from the four private rooms. Modern and stylish decor. Reservations are needed.

• Ken de Rouge

  phone: +86 10 6402 6665
  address: 22 Houhai West Bank (后海西沿22号; Hòuhǎixīyàn)
  Modern Chinese cuisine. This is a romantic restaurant with views of the lake.

• The Noble Restaurant/Bar

  phone: +86 10 6616 0725
  address: Bajiao Pavilion, Houhai Park (后海公园内八角亭; Hòuhǎigōngyuánnèi Bājiǎotíng)
  Zhejiang-French fusion restaurant with views of the lake.

• Fu Lin

  phone: +86 10 8328 6313
  address: 23 Bajiaoting Hutong (八角亭胡同23号; Bājiǎotínghútòng)
  Zhejiang cuisine served ub courtyard restaurant with trees, pond and views of the lake.

Xuanwu

• Bhodi-Saki

  phone: +86 10 63542889,+86 10 63546155
  address: 10-16 Heiyaochang Street
  Located just north of Taoranting Park in the south west corner of Beijing, this isolated vegetarian restaurant is situated inside a series of old courtyards that house the restaurant and a small temple.

• Jin Yang Restaurant

  phone: +86 10 63031669, +86 10 63037636
  address: No.241, Zhushikou West Street
  Jin Yang Restaurant serves Shaanxi cuisine. Four Star Restaurant.

• Quanjude

  phone: +86-10-63048987
  address: 32 Qianmen Dajie (前门大街32号)
  The oldest and most venerable of the roast duck restaurants. Quanjude is slipping these days, but its fame still brings many customers, mostly tourists eager for the classic experience. Quality varies by location. The most reputable of Quanjude's 14 branches is the listed Qianmen location, which has been rebuilt as part of the changes taking place in Qianmen Dajie. Other branches are at Hepingmen (south of the subway stop), the east side of Tian'anmen Square, and Qinghua Science Park near Wudaokou.

• Zen

Other

• Whampoa Club

  phone: +86 10 8808 8828
  address: 23A Jinrong St (金融大街甲23号; Jīn​róng Dà​jiē​jiǎ​)
  Serves modern Chinese food based on the old tradtions of Beijing cuisine.

• Restaurant at 95

  phone: +86 10 6618 8600
  address: No.95 Fuchengmennei Street 西城区阜成门内大街95号
  A modern palace with exquisite style and traditional imperial service. Suitable for small group dining.

Houhai

Houhai (后海; Hòuhǎi) is a man-made lake surrounded by restaurants and bars. It was one of the trendiest places in town in the 2000s, but has been surpassed by other bar clusters. The busy bar area is centered around a small bridge that serves as the crossing point of Houhai (eastern end) and Qianhai. The neon lights, music, and shoreline create a lively ambience. However, bars here tend to be similar karaoke lounges. There are also a few nearly deserted bars at the western end of Xihai, the lake to the west of Houhai.

• 15 Qianhai Beiyan

  phone: +86 10 6617 5558
  address: 15 Qianhai Beiyan (前海北沿15号; Qiánhǎiběiyàn)
  Both indoor and outdoor seatings and good with of the lake.

• Blue Lotus Club

  phone: +86 10 6406 4688
  address: 1 Shichahai, Xihaidongyan (什刹海西海东沿1号; Shíchàhǎixīhǎidōngyàn)
  Kitch bar with Chinese live instrumental orchestra in the weekend.

• East Shore Live Jazz Café

• Jiadingfang

  phone: +86 10 6612 9898
  address: 9 Lotus Ln, 51 W Dia'nmen (地安门西大街51号什刹海天荷坊9号; Dìānménxīdàjiē51háo, Shíchàhǎitiānhéfāng9háo)
  Large place by the lake with a long list of drink and food. Live music every night, primarily unknown local bands.

• Rive Gauche

  phone: +86 10 6401 2302
  address: 2 South Bank, Qianhai, Shichahai (什刹海前海南沿2号; Shíchàhǎiqiánhǎinányàn)
  Quiet cocktail bar.

• 4cornersOnly bar in the area that caters to younger expats. Home base for popular local band Tavey Lean & the Solid Gold Dream Machine. Vietnamese restaurant during the day.

Other

• Cigar Legends Bar

  phone: +86 10 6607 9899
  address: 3 Jincheng Fangjie (金城坊街3号; Jīn​chéng​fāng​jiē​)
  Lounges primarily frequented by cigar smokers. First class interior with deep upholstered armchairs.

• Lao She Teahouse

  phone: +86 10 6303 6830
  address: 3 Qianmen West Street (前门西大街3号; Qiánménxīdàjiē)
  Large tea house from 1988 named after the writer, Lao She. Serves tea and traditional snack. Live performance every night with acrobatics, opera and other traditional art.

• Bear Brew

  address: 26 Baitasi East Street
  Coffeeshop with a peerless terrace view of the white stupa rising over the Miaoying Temple. The only coffeeshop or cafe in Beijing matching the breathtaking view is on the top floor of the nearby Pagoda Light Hostel. This small cafe is sleek and a more relaxed hangout. Serves only coffee and pastries.

Budget

• Baitayuan Guest House

  phone: +86 10 6616 0200
  address: 20 Dachaye Hutong (大茶叶胡同20号; Dàcháyèhútòng)
  Traditional courtyard hotel located in a hutong. Internet, bicycle hire, safety boxes, fridge, laundry facilities and swimming pool available.

• Beijing Houhai Courtyard Guest House

  phone: +86 10 6612-8458
  address: 14 Sanbulao Hutong
  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.

• Beijing Join Inn

  phone: +86 10-66135481
  address: 14 Qinmao Hutong, Zhaodengyu Rd
  This hostel is located within the popular Xinjiekou district close to the city center. In one of Beijing's hutongs, the hostel is close to key bus and subway services, making sightseeing relatively simple. This place has a great family/chilled out vibe.

• Beijing Zhongyou Hotel

  phone: +86 10 6204 5522
  address: Courtyard 1 Lane 2 Liupukang (六铺炕二巷1号院; Liùpūkàng èrxiàng yihàoyuàn)
  Three star hotel. Rooms (some quite small) with internet against surcharge. Business center, beauty salon, ticket office, laundry service, karaoke and table tennis available. Chinese restaurant, coffee shop and room service.

• Garden Inn

  phone: +86 10 6652 8233
  address: 95 Tonglinge Rd (佟麟阁路95号; Tónglíngélù)
  Rooms with free internet. Ticket office available.

• Red Lantern House

  phone: +86 10 66115771, +86 10 66169477
  address: 5 Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjie Kou
  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.

• 365 Inn

  phone: +86 10 6308 5956
  address: 55 Dazhalan West Street (大栅栏西街55号; Dàzhàlánxījiē
  Located in the middle of the tourist area west of Qianmen Pedestrian Street. Free internet available but not in the rooms.

• Beijing Far East Youth Hostel

  phone: +86 10 5195 8811
  address: 90 Tieshuxie Street (铁树斜街90号; Tiěshùxiéjiē)
  Hotel in a traditional Chinese courtyard. During summertime you should book one week in advance.

• Changgong Hotel

  phone: +86 10 6301 5088, +86 10 6303 2665
  One of the cheapest places in the Qianmen Hutong. It has traditional architecture and is just next door from Far East and Leo's. May be difficult to find on a map, and best located by asking.

• Emperor Guest House

  phone: +86 10 63176288
  address: 11 Ying Tao Xie Jie, Qianmen, Beijing
  A beautiful 200 year old courtyard. Newly remodeled bathrooms, free wifi, tasty restaurant. Staff is wonderfully friendly and speaks pretty good English. Gets a bit cold later in the year, but beds are very comfy and thick quilts are provided. Lots of good bao shops within walking distance.

• Feilongge Hotel

  phone: +86 10 6351 7766
  address: 10 Baizhifang West Street (白纸坊西街10号; Báizhǐfāngxījiē)
  Rooms with aircon, coffee facilities and satellite TV. Meeting facilities, karaoke and beauty salon available. Restaurant with Sichuan and Lu cuisine.

• Home Inn (Beiwei Road)

  phone: +86 10 8315 2266
  address: 11 Xijing Road (西经路11号; Xījīnglù)
  Small rooms with free internet. Business center and ticket office. Chinese restaurant.

• Jing Yi Shi Hotel

  phone: +86 10 6304 3822
  address: Located between Leo hostel and Far East Y/H
  The hotel is in traditional courtyard. The staff do not speak much English but are very friendly. There are two PCs available.

• Leo's Hostel

  phone: +86 10 6303 1595, +86 10 6303 3318
  A good alternative to the Far East and is just around the corner. It has a Playstation 2, an internet bar, free wi-fi in the lobby and bar,and more. It is well-known for its friendly English-speaking staff and lively bar atmosphere. One downside is the noise level of the bar late at night.

• Qian Men Hostel

  phone: +86 10 6313 2370
  address: 33 Meishi Street Qianmen
  Qian Men Hostel is conveniently located within 5 minute walking distance of Tiananmen Square. It offers both private and dorm style rooms. It has a dvd room, a cafe, and bar. It also offers tours to numerous places around Beijing. Bikes can be rented for ¥20 a day.

• Shanglin Hostel

  phone: +86 10 6303 4609
  address: 22 Shanxixiang (陕西巷22号; Shǎnxīxiàng)
  Located just outside the tuoristy area west of Qianmen Pedestrian Street. Aircon, internet, laundry service and bike hire available. Restaurant and bar.

Mid-range

• Bamboo Garden Hotel

  phone: +86 10 64032229
  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

  phone: +86 10-66028888
  address: 130 N Xidan Ave
  This four-star hotel is 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.

• Grand Mercure Xidan Beijing

  phone: +86 10 66036688

• Guang'an Hotel

  phone: +86 10 8315 3388
  address: (广安门内大街321号; Guǎngānménnèidàjiē)
  Rooms with internet available against a surcharge. Bar, business center, gift shop, beauty salon, karaoke and chess/poker room available. Chinese restaurant.

Splurge

• ACFTU Hotel

  phone: +86 10 68576699
  address: 1 Zhenwumiao Rd, Fuxingmenwai St (复兴门外大街真武庙路1号; Fùxīngménwàidàjiē Zhēnwǔmiàolù)
  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.

• Jing Ding HangThis 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.

• Presidential Plaza Hotel

  phone: +86 10 58585588
  address: No.9, Fuchengmen Wai Road 阜成门外大街甲9号
  The hotel was built in 2000 and offers the latest in state-of-the-art facilities. There are 486 rooms: Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Suite, etc.

• Golden Sun Commercial Hotel

  phone: +86 10 6301 2999
  address: 85 Xibianmennei Street (西便门内大街85号; Xībiànménnèidàjiē)
  Four star hotel with rooms with free internet, aircon, mini bar, fridge, safety box and satellite TV. Conference room, billiards, table tennis, gym, night club, karaoke, chess and cards room and sauna available. Seafood restaurant.

• Shenzhen Hotel

  address: 1 Guang An Men Wai Street, Xuanwu District
  Enjoys a prime Xuanwu District location. Business and leisure facilities including banquet halls and function rooms.