Best Neighborhoods to Explore in Beijing - The Culture, the Character & the Chronicles

Whether your interest is in shopping, quaint hutongs, or the great outdoors, Beijing's many varied neighbourhoods offer centuries of history and character to keep you fascinated. The lively hutongs surrounding the drum tower, are the sole remaining reminiscence of the true, 'old Beijing' lifestyle. Be lured by the rooftop concept bars, cafes, and eateries that attract the fashionable Gulou population. Get lost in the intricate network of alleys that branch off the main highways with their specialized boutiques, colorful and characterful architecture, and hip vibes around town. 

Beijing's CBD is a location where ambitions are realized, problems are met head-on, and it is a place full of opportunities. It serves as Beijing's international gateway. Take a walk through the CBD of the ancient Chinese capital, and discover the district's unique cultural treasures. Be mesmerized by the skyscrapers, where fascinating pieces of modern architecture loom tall, glistening in the midday sun. 

A very centrally located walkable neighbourhood, with a history dating back over 600 years. You can watch the sunrise in Jianshan Park and watch the early light of dawn awakening the Forbidden City. The Qianmen Pedestrian Street, which runs near Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, serves as the neighborhood's hub, is easily accessible from the Pan Pacific Beijing, and is a popular itinerary amongst things to do in Beijing. Qianmen is a mix of Qing Dynasty architecture with the likes of the Tiananmen Gatehouse and a touch of modernity with international boutiques, picturesque hutongs, quaint bookstores, street food vendors, and restaurants serving, the famed Peking Duck.

The shopping, dining, and party center of Beijing. Visit Bar Street, the epitome of Beijing's nightlife, where cultures mix, and enjoy a night of drinking and dancing through the neighborhood. Get ready for some crazy shopping sprees at the high-end stores scattered around, or haggle for deals at Yashow Market. Enjoy a variety of worldly cuisines and sample them through Beijing's collection of cool restaurants and bars. Go clubbing to end your evening and vibe to your favorite modern mixes. 

Known for its array of restaurants, and cafes with great coffee and Lingjing Hutong, the widest hutong in Beijing. The pretty Gothic-style Cathedral of Our Saviour and Guangji Temple, a national Buddhist monastery, remain active religious sites.  Do visit the Wan Song Laoren Tower, a pagoda from the 13th century amid a pretty rose and pomegranate garden.

A university town where a large number of national and international students and tech enterprises make up this Beijing neighbourhood. Wudaokou, Beijing's "Koreatown," serves a variety of international and ethnic cuisines, including Korean. as well as the ruins of the once burned-down Old Summer Palace, which deserves a visit. Try out the area's numerous cheap drink offers and karaoke bars to sing your night away. 

This spot caters to both shopaholics and foodies, particularly those with unusual tastes. The area boasts the largest Apple store in Asia. This neighbourhood, is conveniently located near key landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Wangfujing Snack Street offers a diverse selection of street food from across China, including spicy Hunan Tofu, fried insects, and a range of other local delicacies. Gongmei Mansion sells a range of handicrafts, art, jewellery, carpets, pottery, etc. 

This inspiring area is a hub for contemporary Chinese, where an old factory building has been perfectly converted to house many art galleries, bookshops, & cafes. Giant sculptures and monuments stand along alleyways that showcase street art. The neighbourhood houses art galleries, exhibition halls, and works by international and Chinese artists. Check out the area’s famous staple galleries, explore the many quaint little galleries, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant or cafe, and stake out some quirky jewelry or other unique pieces.