Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
made from freshly roasted sesame seeds. Sihuan Zonghe Market is to the west of Houhai
and is a 15-minute walk from either Xinjiekou (Line 4, exit B) or Jishuitan (Line 2, exit C).
If you're taking a taxi, have the driver drop you off on Deshengmennei Dajie just south of
Xinjiekou Dongjie.
When you're finished at the market, don't leave—stroll around the surrounding
hútòng
and enjoy an older section of Beijing that hasn't been hipsterfied, at least not yet.
If you'd like to discover how the imperial set spent their days and what today makes
the backdrop for China's Communist party, spend some time in the ancient Beihai Park
(
www.beihaipark.com.cn
)
. Formerly an exclusive playground for emperors, empresses, and
their family, Beihai Park is one of China's largest gardens. It covers a massive 69 hectares
(170 acres), more than half taken up by a large lake.
History isn't the only thing that Xicheng has going for it, however. It's also known for
its shopping. So for this, head to Xidan (Lines 1 and 4). When young Chinese are asked
where they think the best place to shop in Beijing is, their answer is rarely Wangfujing or
Sanlitun. Nine times out of 10 it's Xidan. A relatively condensed, walkable area contains a
multitude of shopping malls, and given that tourists or expats are not the target market here,
prices are often lower.
By now the day should be getting on, so finish it off with an evening infusing yourself
in local culture at Meilanfang Grand Theatre, beside Chegongzhuang subway station (Line
2, exit B). This beautiful theater is named after one of the most famous Peking opera per-
formers in China's history, and on most nights its stage is dedicated to preserving the art
form. You may not understand a word of it, and it might not even be to your taste, but it's
definitely much more authentic than the diluted, dramatic highlights that are put on show
for tourists elsewhere in the city. This is where the genuine Peking opera enthusiasts come
for much more sophisticated performances. Alternatively, if you are in the mood for a show
but just not Peking opera, look into what's happening at the National Centre for the Per-
forming Arts (NCPA,
www.chncpa.org
), situated on the west side of Tian'anmen Square
(Tian'anmen West Station, Line 1). For tickets for either venue, speak to your concierge
or contact Theatre Beijing (
www.theatrebeijing.com
, English available), which can deliver
tickets to your door.
Day 14
If you've no more personal business to finish off today, say a farewell to the city with a visit
to one of its major parks, Tiantan Park (
http://en.tiantanpark.com
,
Tiantandongmen subway
station, Line 5). Also referred to as Temple of Heaven Park, this is the site where emperors
