It’s not really just about tourist sites
To the right is a small section of central Beijing that encompasses much of the city area that would matter to most people trying to get the most out of Beijing, regardless of whether it’s your first or tenth trip to the capital. The area in red represents the main sections that we like to refer to as the ‘old city’ even though it is fairly more complicated than that.
Scroll over any of the numbered points for a better explanation of each location.
And keep in mind.. the best part of this neighbourhood has nothing to do with the main ‘sites’ and so much more to do with the real life of this city. It’s what’s in between all the numbers that counts. But you will see soon enough!

The Orchid – Gulou
Qianhai Lake (One of the Shichahai lake area elements)
Jingshan Park
Located at the north exit of the forbidden city. Best city view around..
Line 4 subway
Wangfujing Area Government mandated tourist trap
Thankfully, you aren’t staying here!
Bell Tower
Drum Tower
Nanluoguxiang walking street (but with cars!)
Line 2 and Line 8 subway
Guloudajie stop
Xihai Lake (One of the Shichahai lake area elements)
Line 8 subway
Shichahai stop
Line 6 and Line 8 subway
Nanluoguxiang stop
Forbidden City
Beihai Park (One of the Shichahai lake area elements)
Zhongnanhai – Official government headquarters
Zhongshan Park
Beijing Art Museum
Beijing Railway Station (Central station)
Tiananmen Square
Line 1
Tiananmen East and West subway stops
Also the Forbidden City south entrance
Prince Gong’s mansion
Song Qing Ling’s residence
Line 5 subway
Confucius Temple
Yonghegong (Lama Temple)
Houhai Lake (One of the Shichahai lake area elements)