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international reputation. Among its many architectural features are the White Pagoda, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, and Hall of Received Light. You could easily spend an entire day here admiring the sea of lotus flowers, walking through classical Chinese gardens, visiting temples, or simply hanging out in the shade of ancient cypress trees. RMB 10 (Apr-Oct), RMB 5 (Nov-Mar), half price for students. Daily 6.30am-8pm (Nov-Mar), daily 6am-9pm (Apr-May, Sep-Oct), daily 6am-10pm (Jun-Aug). 1 Wenjin Jie, Xicheng District (6403 1102) www. beihaipark.com.cn 西城区文津街1号
Houhai 后海地区 Located just across the north gate of Beihai Park, the area commonly referred to as “Houhai” is actually the Shichahai lake district. The latter is comprised of three lakes: Xihai, Qianhai, and Houhai, the last of which is undoubtedly the most popular. The lakeshore is chock-a-block with rooftop cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as historical attractions like Prince Gong Mansion and Song Qingling’s Former Residence. Refuel with pizza and stuffed potato skins at Hutong Pizza, or enjoy lakeside views and Vietnamese cuisine at Nuage.
Nuage 庆云楼 Daily 11am-11pm. 22 Qianhai Dongyan, Xicheng District. (6401 9581) www.nuage.com.cn 西城区前海东沿22号
Nanluogu Xiang and Beiluogu Xiang 南锣鼓巷和北锣鼓巷 Many quieter and more interesting hutongs branch off the restored tourist street of Nanluogu Xiang. Penghao Theatre on Dongmianhua Hutong (东棉花胡同) hosts a variety of performances, workshops and festivals and serves as the unofficial headquarters of Beijing Improv. The in-house rooftop cafe serves up coffee, cold drinks, and a revolving daily menu of sandwiches, salads, and pasta. Northwest of Penghao Theatre, Mao’er Hutong (帽儿胡同) is home to Wuhao, a Frenchowned boutique with a curated selection of local and international brands and designers. Beiluogu Xiang, Nanluogu Xiang’s northern counterpart, is located across the street on Gulou Dongdajie. Take your time ambling by the quirky shops (including one dedicated entirely to miniature cacti) and numerous cafes, including the small but friendly Beiluo Bread Bar. The cafe lives up to its motto of “mean beans and bad-ass bread” with excellent coffee and homemade bread. Try one of their pastas or sandwiches, or kick back with a latte (RMB 20).
Prince Gong Mansion 恭王府 RMB 20, RMB 60 (with guide). Daily 7.30am-4.30pm. 17 Qianhai Xijie, Xicheng District (8328 8149) 西城区前海西街17号
Beiluo Bread Bar Daily 10am-midnight. 70A Beiluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (8408 3069) 东城区北锣鼓巷甲70号
Song Qingling’s Former Residence 宋庆龄故居 RMB 20, RMB 10 (university students), RMB 5 (middle and primary school students). Daily 9am-5pm. 46 Houhai Beiyan, Xicheng District (6404 4205) 西城区后海北沿46号
Penghao Theatre 蓬蒿剧场
Hutong Pizza 胡同比萨
Wuhao 吾号
Daily 11am-11pm. 9 Yindingqiao Hutong, Xicheng District (8322 8916) 西城区银锭桥胡同9号
Daily 10am-11pm. 35 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng District (6400 6472, gilipenghao@gmail.com) 东城区东棉花胡同35号
Wed-Sun 2-8pm, or by appointment. 35 Mao’er Hutong, Dongcheng District (6400 5435, 189 1135 5035, contact@wuhaoonline.com) wuhaoonline.com 东城区帽儿胡同35号
CBD Ritan Park日坛公园 Ritan Park is a green oasis in the middle of the CBD’s concrete jungle. It’s a great place to let kids burn off their energy and learn about his-
tory and culture. One of Beijing’s four historic altars, Ritan Park was first constructed in 1530. There are some modern-day touches, like a climbing wall and playground, and some relics of the past, like the
June 2013
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