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Xicheng District (西城区 Xīchéng Qū) is in Beijing.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Get in

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Parks

• Beijing Zoo and Aquarium (北京动物园 Běijīng Dòngwù Yuán), (2km 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), [1]. Zoo 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. (They do have pandas, but displays are not great, your best bet is to go to 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. Prospect visitors should note that entrance to the aquarium is not included in the standard Zoo ticket, and will cost you another ¥100. The zoo was built on the sites of some ancient gardens, has lakes, pounds, pavilions and other beautiful old buildings. The Soviet revival Beijing Exhibition Hall is located nearby and has a Russian restaurant, "Moscow Restaurant". Zoo ¥10-15; Pandas ¥5; Aquarium ¥100.  edit

• Beihai Park (北海 Běihǎi), (Take bus 101 103 109 846 to the south gate, bus 13 118 810 to the north gate, opposite the Shi Sha Hai). Nov-Mar 9AM-4PM Apr-Oct 9AM-5PM. Beihai is a good place to take a glance at Zhongnanhai (中南海 Zhōngnánhǎi), heart of Communist China. 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. ¥20.  edit

[edit] Temples

• White Cloud Temple (白云观; Báiyúnguàn), 6 Baiyunguan Street (白云观街6号; Báiyúnguànjiē), ☎ +86 10 6346 3531. 8:30AM-4PM. Taoist temple established in 793. Houses the Chinese Taoist Association and a Taoist Health Clinic. ¥10.  edit

• Guanghua Temple (光化寺; Guānghuàsì), 31 Ya'er Hutong (后海鸦儿胡同31号; Hòuhǎiyāérhútòng), ☎ +86 10 6403 5032. 1st and 15th day of the lunar month 8AM-5PM. Buddhist temple used to pray for success in business life. Free.  edit

• Guangji Temple (广济寺; Guǎngjìsì; also known as Temple of Great Charity), Fuchengmennei Street (阜成门内大街; Fùchéngménnèidàjiē, ☎ +86 10 6616 0907. 8AM-4:30PM but only partly open to the public. 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. Free.  edit

• Lidai Diwang Miao (历代帝王庙; Lìdàidìwángmiào; also known as Temple to Emperors of Past Ages), 131 Fuchengmennei Street (阜成门内大街131号; Fùchéngménnèidàjiē), ☎ +86 10 6616 1141, [2]. 9AM-4PM. 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. ¥20.  edit

[edit] Museums

• Capital Museum (首都博物馆; Shǒudū Bówùguǎn), 16 Fuxingmenwai Street (复兴门外大街16号; Fùxīngménwài Dàjiē) (400m), ☎ +86 10 6337 0491, [3]. Tu-Su 9AM-4PM. New high profile history and art museum located in an impressing building. Exhibits include the history of Beijing and artifacts from throughout China's history. Free, tickets must be reserved three days in advance on the official website.  edit

• Prince Gong's Mansion and Garden (公王府花园; Gōngwángfǔ Huāyuán), 14A Liuyin Street (柳荫街14号; Liǔyìnjiē, ☎ +86 10 6616 814. 9AM-4PM. 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. Entrance ¥20; Performances ¥60.  edit

• Song Qingling's Former Residence (宋庆龄故居; Sòngqìnglíng Gùjū), 46 Houhai North Riverside (后海北沿46号; Hòuhǎiběiyàn), ☎ +86 10 6404 4205, [4]. 9AM-5PM, closed for renovation until 30 May 2009. 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. ¥20.  edit

• Mei Lanfang's Residence (梅兰芳纪念馆; Méilánfāng Jìniànguǎn), 9 Huguosi Road (护国寺路9号; Hùguósìlù), ☎ +86 10 6618 0351 (info@meilanfang.com.cn), [5]. Apr-Nov 9AM-4PM. 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. ¥10.  edit

• Guo Moruo's Former Residence (郭沫若故居; Guōmò Ruògùjū), 18 Qianhai West Street (前海西街18号; Qiánhǎixījiē), ☎ +86 10 6612 5392. Tu-Su 9AM-4:30PM. 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. ¥20.  edit

• China Science and Technology Museum (中国科技馆; Zhōngguó Kējì Guǎn), 1 North Third Ring Road Middle Road (三北环中路1号; Sānběihuánzhōnglù) (At Anhua Bridge (安华侨; ānhuáqiá)), ☎ +86 10 6237 1177 ext 3216, [6]. Tu-Su 9 AM - 5:30 PM. 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. Hall A and B: ¥30 for each or ¥50 combined, children free; Hall C: ¥10 adults, ¥20 children.  edit

• Xu Beihong Museum (徐悲鸿纪念馆; Xúbēihóng Jìniànguǎn), 53 Xinjiekou Beidajie (新街口北大街53号; Xīnjiēkǒuběidàjiē) (500m south of Jishuitan Metro Station (line 2)), ☎ +86 10 6225 2042 (fax: +86 10 6225 2187), [7]. Tu-Su 9AM-noon, 1PM-5PM. 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. ¥5.  edit

• Beijing Lu Xun Museum (北京鲁迅博物馆; Běijīng Lǔxùn Bówùguǎn), 19 Gongmenkou Ertiao, Fuchengmennei (阜成门内宫门口二条19号; Fùchèngménnèi Gōngménkǒuèrtiáo) (500m northeast of Fuchengmen Metro Station (line 2)), ☎ +86 10 6616 5651 (bjluxunmuseum@163.com), [8]. 9AM-4PM. 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. ¥5.  edit

[edit] Other

• Deshengmen (德胜门箭楼; Déshèngménjiànlóu), North Ring Road Two (北二环路; Běièrhuánlù), ☎ +86 10 6201 8073. Tu-Su 9AM-4PM. 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. ¥10.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Theaters

• Beijing Exhibition Theater (北京展览馆剧场; Běijīngzhǎnlǎnguǎnjùchǎng), 135 Xizhimenwai Street (西直门外大街135号; Xīzhíménwàidàjiē) (Buses 105, 111, 15, 334, 347), ☎ +86 10 6835 4455. 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. ¥80-1,280.  edit

• Beijing Youth Palace (北京青年宫; Běijīngqīngniángōng), 68 Xizhimen Nanxiao Street (西直门南小街68号; Xīzhíménnánxiǎojiē), ☎ +86 10 6615 2211, [9]. Cinemas with Chinese and foreign movies. Also music and dance classes available.  edit

• Ethnic Cultural Palace Theatre (民族文化宫大剧院; Mínzúwénhuàgōngdàjùyuàn), 49 Fuxingmennei Street (复兴门内大街49号; Fùxīngménnèidàjiē), ☎ +86 10 6605 2404. Peformanses classical music, ballet, musical, opera, drama plays and movies.  edit

• People's Theater (人民剧场; Rénmínjùchǎng), 74 Huguosi Street (护国寺大街74号; Hùguósìdàjiē), ☎ +86 10 6618 1634.  edit

• PLA Song and Dance Theater (解放军歌舞剧院; Jiěfàngjūngēwǔjùyuàn), 60 Deshengmennei Street (德胜门内大街60号; Déshèngménnèidàjiē).  edit

[edit] Concert Halls

• Beijing Concert Hall (北京音乐厅; Běijīngyīnyuètīng), 1 Beixinhua Street (北新华街1号; Běixīnhuájiē), ☎ +86 10 6605 7006, [10]. Prices range between ¥30-380 and ¥100-698.  edit

• Central Conservatory of Music (中央音乐学院; Zhōngyāngyīnyuèxuéyuàn), 43 Baojia Street (鲍家街43号; Bàojiājiē), ☎ +86 10 6642 5702, [11]. The main purpose of the conservatory is to educate musicians. Concerts now and then.  edit

• Forbidden City Concert Hall, [12]. Prices range between ¥60-380 and ¥80-880.  edit

• National Centre for the Performing Arts (国家大剧院; Guójiādàjùyuàn), 2 West Changan Street (西长安街2号; Xīchángānjiē) (West of the northern end of Tian'anmen Square), ☎ +86 10 6606 4707, +86 10 6655 0987 (webmaster@chinanationalcentre.org, fax: +86 10 6655 0988), [13]. 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.  edit

[edit] Other

• Houhai (后海; Hòuhǎi). Take a walk in the Houhai area.  edit

• Beijing Planetarium (北京天文馆新馆; Běijīngtiānwénguǎnxīnguǎn), 138 Xizhimenwai Street (西直门外大街138号; Xīzhíménwàidàjiē), ☎ +86 10 6835 2453, [14]. We-Fr 10 AM - 4 PM; Sa-Su 9 AM - 4:30 PM; Mo closed. 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. ¥30-45.  edit

• Philippe Active Space Station (菲利普宇宙空间站; Fēilìpǔyǔzhòukōngjiānzhàn), 43 Pinganli Xidajie (平安里西大街43号; Píngānlǐxīdàjiē) (Inside Guanyuan Park), ☎ +86 10 6611 9421. Tu-Su 9 AM - 5:30 PM. Play center for children including ball pool, maze and arts and crafts area. Adults ¥20; children ¥30.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Xidan (西单 Xīdān). 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.  edit

• Xizhimen (西直门 Xīzhímén). 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.  edit
• Sihuan Mixed Goods Market (四环综合市场; Sìhuánzōnghéshìchǎng), Sihuan Hutong, Deshengmenne Street (德胜门内大街四环胡同; Déshèngménnèidàjiēsìhuánhútòng). 7 AM - 7 PM. Raw food whole sale market.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

[edit] Houhai

• Jiumen Xiaochi (九门小吃; Jiǔménxiǎochī), 1 Xiaoyou Hutong (孝友胡同1号; Xiàoyǒuhútòng) (Just north of the northen edge of Houhai and west of Song Qinglings former residence, southeast of Jishuitan Metro Station (积水潭, line 2) or Déshèngmén Bus Station (德胜门, bus 55, 409, 635)), ☎ +86 10 6402 5858. 24 hours, some vendors only 10AM-10PM. 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. Expect ¥10-30 each person.  edit

• Ri Chang (日昌茶餐厅; Rìchāngchá Cāntīng), 14 Di'anmen West Avenue (地安门西大街14号; Dìānménxīdàjiē) (2km west of Zhangzizhonglu Metro Station (张自忠路, line 5), buses 13, 42, 701, 823 will take you from the metro station and close to the restaurant, buses 5, 60, 107, 111, 118, 810, 850 will take you to the restaurant from elsewhere), ☎ +86 10 6405 8205, [15]. 10AM-3AM. Simple Cantonese restaurant with good food but unimpressive service and decoration.  edit

[edit] Other

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Houhai

• Kong Yi Ji (孔乙己; Kǒngyǐjǐ), South bank of Houhai (后海南岸; Hòuǎi Nánàn) (South of Deshengmen Bridge), ☎ +86 10 6618 4917. 10AM-10:30PM. Traditional Zhejiang cuisine in modern surroundings. Most dishes ¥20-45.  edit

• Raj Indian Restaurant & Bar (拉兹印度餐厅; Lāzī Yìndù Cāntīng), 31 Gulou West Avenue (鼓楼西大街31号; Gǔlóuxīdàjiē), ☎ +86 10 6401 1675, +86 10 8403 5920 (info@raj.com.cn), [16]. 10:30AM-2PM, 4:30PM-11:30PM. Great Indian restaurant in an old building with rooftop views over the area. Serves both traditional and modern Indian dishes, which tast pretty much like in India. Most dishes ¥30-45.  edit

• Cafe Sambal (Kǒngyǐjǐ), 43 Doufuchi Hutong, Gulou Avenue, ☎ +86 10 6400 4875. 11:30AM-12. Traditional authentic Malaysian cuisine and flavours. Most dishes ¥30-45.  edit

[edit] Other

• Yuxin Sichuan Restaurant (渝信川菜 Yúxìn Chuāncài). M-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. ¥30-50 per person.  edit

• Xidan Saite Building, 7th Floor. (西单塞特7层 Xīdān Sàitè Qī Céng).

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Houhai

[edit] Other

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Houhai

Houhai (后海; Hòuhǎi) 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 (前海北沿15号; Qiánhǎiběiyànshíwǔhào), 15 Qianhai Beiyan (前海北沿15号; Qiánhǎiběiyàn), ☎ +86 10 6617 5558. 5PM-midnight. Both indoor and outdoor seatings and good with of the lake. Expensive.  edit

• 9 To 5 (朝九晚五; Zhāojiǔwǎnwǔ), 3 Qianhai Beiyan (前海北沿3号; Qiánhǎiběiyàn), ☎ +86 10 6617 0091. Noon-2AM. Includes terrace with a veiw, grand flour bar and a club in the basement.  edit

• Blue Lotus Club (蓝莲花俱乐部; Lánliánhuājùlèbù), 1 Shichahai, Xihaidongyan (什刹海西海东沿1号; Shíchàhǎixīhǎidōngyàn), ☎ +86 10 6406 4688. Noon-midnight. Kitch bar with Chinese live instrumental orchestra in the weekend. Cheap.  edit

• Cam Rang, 37 Beiguanfang Hutong, Houhai Nanyan (后海南沿北官房胡同37号; Hòuhǎinányánběiguānfánghútòng) (West of Yindingqiao), ☎ +86 10 6613 5689. 2PM-2AM. Quiet Viet nam inspired lounge with large and soft sofas.  edit

• East Shore Live Jazz Café (东岸咖啡; Dōngànkāfēi).  edit

• Houhai Paradise (后海天堂; Hòuhǎitiāntáng), 31 Di'anmen Waidajie (地安门外大街31号; Dìānménwàidàjiē), ☎ +86 10 8401 5076. 6:30PM-2AM. Dance club with loud house music and a small dance flour.  edit

• Huxley's (德比酒吧; Débǐjiǔbā), 16 Yandai Xiejie (烟袋斜街16号; Yāndàixiéjiē), ☎ +86 10 6402 7825 (info@shutupjustdrink.com). 5PM-3AM. Simple bar frequented by both tourists and locals. Cheap.  edit

• Jiadingfang (甲丁坊; Jiǎdīngfāng), 9 Lotus Lane, 51 West Dia'nmen (地安门西大街51号什刹海天荷坊9号; Dìānménxīdàjiē51háo, Shíchàhǎitiānhéfāng9háo), ☎ +86 10 6612 9898. 11AM-2AM. Large place by the lake with a long list of drink and food. Live music every night, primarily unknown local bands. Expensive.  edit

• Lotus Blue, Inside Lotus Lane, Ping'an Dajie (平安大街什刹海荷花市场内; Píngāndàjiēshíchàhǎihéhuāshìchǎngnèi (Opposite north gate of North sea), ☎ +86 10 6617 2599 (info@lotusbluebar.com), [17]. Mo-Fr: 1:30PM-2AM; Sa-Su: 11:30AM-2AM. 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. Expensive.  edit

• Luna Bar (露娜; Lòunà), 138 Jiugulou Dajie (旧鼓楼大街138号; Jiùgǔlóudàjiē), ☎ +86 10 8402 4417. 1PM-midnight. Relaxed place with local DJs.  edit

• Rive Gauche (左岸酒吧; Zuǒànjiǔbā), 2 South Bank, Qianhai, Shichahai (什刹海前海南沿2号; Shíchàhǎiqiánhǎinányàn), ☎ +86 10 6401 2302. 2PM-2AM. Quiet cocktail bar  edit

• Shi Yue (什钥; Shíyuè), 13 Baimi Beixiang (白米北巷13号; Báimǐběixiàng), ☎ +86 10 8403 6253. 11:30AM-3AM. Unusual and small place in a quiet hutong. Chinese decoration and techno music.  edit

• Story Bar, 9 Yindingqiao Hutong (银锭桥胡同9号; Yíndìngqiáohútòng), ☎ +86 10 6657 1513. 2PM-2AM. Small, intimate and quiet café with an ok drink list.  edit

• Upsetter's Bar, 1-3 Houhai South Road (后海南路1-3号; Hòuhǎinánlù), ☎ +86 132 4184 8564 (upsetterbar@hotmail.com). 2PM-late. Reggae bar with outdoor seating by the water. One of the few places in Houhai where the theme actually works. Cheaper than most places in Houhai.  edit

[edit] Other

• What Bar (什么酒吧; Shénmejiǔbā), 72 Beichang Jie (北长街72号; Běichángjiē), ☎ +86 133 4112 2757 (lamuduoji@yahoo.com.cn). 3PM-midnight. Small live rock venue staging some of the most interesting local bands.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Beijing Join Inn, 14 Qinmao Hutong, Zhaodengyu Road, (joininn@hotmail.com). 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. ¥30 for a dormitory bed, ¥160 for a double room, ¥180 for a triple room (the price depends on the season).  edit

• Baitayuan Guest House (白塔园青年旅馆; Báitǎyuán Qīngniánlǚguǎn), 20 Dachaye Hutong (大茶叶胡同20号; Dàcháyèhútòng) (500m southeast of Chegongzhuang Metro Station (line 2)), ☎ +86 10 6616 0200. Traditional courtyard hotel located in a hutong. Internet, bicycle hire, safety boxes, fridge, laudry facilities and swimming pool available. Discounted rates for dorms from ¥40, doubles from ¥160, breakfast included.  edit

• Beijing Lotus Hostel (北京莲舍; Běijīngliánshè), 29 Xisi North Seventh Tiao (西四北七条29号; Xīsìběiqītiáo) (After 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 (平安里路口南)), ☎ +86 10 6612 8341 (lotushostel@yahoo.com.cn, fax: +86 10 6612 9341), [18]. 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. Discounted rates for dorms from ¥40, doubles from ¥160.  edit

• Beijing Houhai Courtyard Guest House, 14 Sanbulao Hutong, ☎ +86 10 6612-8458 (mobile: +86 13439801676) (Guang_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. Dorms from ¥45, single rooms from ¥128.  edit

• Red Lantern House, 5 Zhengjue Hutong, Xinjie Kou, ☎ +86 10 66115771/66169477 (lindyguo@hotmail.com), [19]. 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. Dorms from ¥50, singles from ¥130, doubles from ¥160.  edit

• Garden Inn (岭南佳园连锁酒店 (北京西单店); Lǐngnánjiāyuánliánsuǒjiǔdiàn (Běijīngxīdāndiàn)), 95 Tonglinge Road (佟麟阁路95号; Tónglíngélù) (500m northeast of Changchunjie Metro Station (line 2)), ☎ +86 10 6652 8233 (fax: +86 10 6652 8231). Rooms with free internet. Ticket office available. Listed rates for doubles from ¥219, discounted from ¥164; no breakfast available..  edit

• Beijing Zhongyou Hotel (北京中油宾馆; Běijīngzhòngyóubīnguǎn), Courtyard 1 Lane 2 Liupukang (六铺炕二巷1号院; Liùpūkàng èrxiàng yihàoyuàn) (Approx 1km northwest of Gulou Street Metro Station (line 2)), ☎ +86 10 6204 5522 (fax: +86 10 6201 0326), [20]. 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. Listed rates for doubles from ¥220, discounted from ¥163 including breakfast.  edit

[edit] Mid range

• Bamboo Garden Hotel (竹园宾馆 Zhú Yuán Bīnguǎn), ☎ +86 10 64032229, [21]. 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.  edit

• Beijing HWA (Apartment) Hotel, ☎ 86-10-66028888, [22]. 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. Rates start at ¥620.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• ACFTU Hotel (北京中国职工之家饭店; Běijīngzhōng Guózhígōngzhījiā Fàndiàn), 1 Zhenwumiao Road, Fuxingmenwai Street (复兴门外大街真武庙路1号; Fùxīngménwàidàjiē Zhēnwǔmiàolù) (500m southwest of Nanlishilu Metro Station (line 1)), ☎ +86 10 68576699 (fax: +86 10 6856 2251). 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. Listed rates for doubles ¥988-11,800, discounted rates ¥498-8,960, breakfast ¥55.  edit

• The Apartments on Financial Street, 1 Jinchengfang Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China, ☎ +861066065588, [23]. 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.  edit

• Jing Ding Hang, (thetings@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. $500-1000 / day.  edit

[edit] Contact

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