Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Xicheng district, which makes up the western chamber of the city's heart, isn't always the
obvious choice for newcomers to Beijing. It lacks many of the expat staples, such as super-
markets dedicated to stocking Western pantries, and bars and restaurants that cater specific-
ally to foreign palates. But in that, it has its own charm. There is perhaps no other district in
the city that has such a mixture of purposes and character.
In ancient times Xicheng's northern aspect (the area above Chang'an Jie) was home to
the city's aristocrats, and the manmade lakes and parks around the Forbidden City were the
exclusive playgrounds of the royals. Things are not entirely different today. Zhongnanhai
