The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Dongcheng, Beijing
Dongcheng district is rich with history. Home to some of the city’s most iconic streets and architecture, spending at least a day here is imperative to appreciating Beijing as a whole. From its aromatic food stalls, to its buzzing streets, this district is filled with things to see and do – here’s our pick of the best.
1. Eat tapas at Saffron
Restaurant, Spanish
Tucked away on Beijing’s historic Wudaoying Hutong Street lies Saffron, a Spanish-inspired restaurant serving up some of the best tapas in Beijing. While this establishment is a bit pricier than other options, it is worth it. The restaurant itself is intimate, with modern décor and warm interior lighting, making it the perfect place for a special occasion. Saffron’s cuisine is beautifully plated, and made with some of the finest ingredients; dishes boast fresh shrimp and garlic, while mouthwatering pork belly can be found on their menu.
Window shop in the historic Wudaoying Hutong area
One of Dongcheng’s most iconic tourist areas is Wudaoying’s Hutong shopping strip. The strip boasts many fusion restaurants, chic cafés, and eclectic shops selling handcrafted items, so window shopping here is a must while in Dongcheng district. Due to the number of storefronts, the street, although quite small, can take up to a couple of hours to truly explore. To experience Wudaoying Hutong for what it is, be sure to stop along the way at one of its legendary coffee shops for a midday caffeine break, or satiate your hunger at one of its many restaurants. Plan on bringing your camera to the historic strip, as it’s one of Dongcheng district’s most picture-worthy places.
2. Visit Yonghe Temple, one of Beijing’s most iconic monuments
Buddhist Temple, Monastery
3. Let your artistic side shine at Paul & Bing
Shop
4. Indulge in some of Beijing’s best coffee at Barista
Cafe, Coffee Shop, Bar, Contemporary, Coffee, Snacks
Beijing’s coffee scene is on the rise, and hutong cafés are leading the industry in chic, caffeine-specialty venues. With this being said, it is no surprise that some of Beijing’s best coffee is located in Dongcheng district. With innumerable options on where to get your caffeine fix, choosing the perfect café can be difficult. For a venue that is continuously praised for its fresh imported beans, customer service, and ambiance, indulging in a caffeine-based drink at Barista is a great way to pass the time while in Dongcheng.
5. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at the Confucius Temple
Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark
Take a nocturnal stroll down Ghost Street
Stretching across three sub-districts within Dongcheng district is Beijing’s famous Ghost Street. Beijingers flock to Ghost Street for its copious seafood restaurants and bars. At night, on any given day of the week, the street is packed with locals and foreigners alike – Ghost Street never experiences a dull moment. To get a feel for the insanity of Ghost Street, take a stroll at night and watch the people here. The walk will prove to be entertaining, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even pick up some traditional street food, like delicious jianbing, along the way!
6. Stock up on foreign necessities at Chez Gérard
Shop, Store
7. Visit Tiananmen Square and see Beijing’s political epicenter
Park, Building
At the heart of both Beijing and the Dongcheng district lies China’s political headquarters. Visiting Tiananmen Square, and its surrounding areas – the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs – evokes an indescribable feeling. For centuries, this area has held both political and cultural significance, and to do this day, the importance of Tiananmen Square and its surrounding structures remains unchanged. When visiting Dongcheng, tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of it all, and feel the capital city’s history, even in a time of rapid urbanization, in a way unlike anywhere else in China.
Walk down the snaking canals of Dongcheng district
For the more active travelers visiting Dongcheng, taking a walk down the district’s winding canals is a peaceful way to get your blood pumping. Hidden throughout Dongcheng district’s streets are beautifully maintained paths alongside snaking waterways. Unfrequented by tourists, but frequented by local fishermen, walking on the path’s cobbled ground while underneath willow trees, can be a perfect way to expend some energy and clear your head after visiting some of the other famous sites.
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