Beijing's Top Sights - Beijing - page 237

Neighbourhood Top Five
Once reserved for emperors only, Běihǎi Park ( CLICK HERE ) is truly a park with a dif-
ference. Dominated by a large lake, dotted with temples and with a fascinating 1000-year-
long history, it's one of the city's premier spots to escape the urban sprawl.
Sedate during the day, raucous at night, the Hòuhǎi lakes ( CLICK HERE ) are one of
Běijīng's great playgrounds.
Spend a morning at the impressive Capital Museum ( CLICK HERE ) to understand the
evolution of this great city.
Enjoy a show at the National Centre for the Performing Arts ( CLICK HERE ), or just
stare open-mouthed at the building itself.
Shop like a Beijinger at 77th Street ( CLICK HERE ), Xīdān's unique underground mall.
Explore: Běihǎi Park & Xīchéng North
The majority of the Imperial City was in this part of Xīchéng (literally 'West City'), lend-
ing it a regal grandeur that survives to this day. Less visited than Dōngchéng to the east,
but equally impregnated with ancient temples and charming hútòng (narrow alleyways),
it's one of the most worthwhile neighbourhoods to visit in all Běijīng.
Any tour has to start at the lakes that dominate the eastern part of the district. Take in
Běihǎi Park first, perhaps spending an hour or more floating around its lake, before strik-
ing out through the park's north gate to take in the sights and hútòng scattered around
Qiánhǎi, Hòuhǎi and Xīhǎi Lakes, collectively known as either 'Shíchàhǎi' or more com-
monly just 'Hòuhǎi'. Once night falls, eat at one of the many restaurants close to the lakes
and then join the crowds promenading around them, stopping in for a drink at the many
bars and cafes that line their shores.
A second day here is more or less an imperative. Visit the Capital Museum, Běijīng's
finest, in the morning for local history and traditions. Then you're spoiled for choice. You
could dive into the fascinating, still traditional hútòng that cut through the centre of the
neighbourhood, where temples and courtyard museums await. Alternatively, peek into the
grandiose Great Hall of the People or hit the busy shopping area of Xīdān. And in the