Historic sites include the Drum and Bell Towers and former residences of literati and court officials, including revolutionary author Guo Morou (18 Qianhai Xijie, 010-66125392), Song Qingling, Sun Yat-sen's widow (46 Houhai Beiyan, 010-64044205), and Chinese author, Mao Dun (13 Yuanensi Hutong, 010-53044089). Prince Gong's Mansion, a courtyard home that housed He Shen, a corrupt member of Emperor Qianlong's imperial guard, can also be found in the area.

The Lama Temple and Confucius Temple are nearby, along with lesser known temples like Guanghua (31 Ya'er Hutong, 010-64035032).

Aside from the alleyways and historic sites, what attracts most people is the variety of bars and restaurants. Lotus Lane and Yandai Xiejie are two popular strips along Qianhai Lake. The strip along the western bank of Qianhai and Houhai lakes is also popular, as well as the renovated Nanluoguxiang Hutong, east of the lake. North of the lakes are the National Stadium and National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, built for the 2008 Olympics.

The China Bookstore, Rongbaozhai, and Jiguge are the most famous antique stores in Liulichang. Along the street, peddlers hawk snacks, groceries, toys and copper coins, all kind of small commodities. Merchants race to their doors with a welcoming "hello, hello" for all their customers, but they all rack their brains to attract foreigners' attention. Some offer free seal-carving services and they even can find a perfect Chinese name for you if you like.

Transport: Subway: arrive at Hepingmen Station; Bus No. 6, 14, 15, 25, 50, 53, 57, 102 and 105.

This heavily renovated hutong is a heaven for backpackers. Popular spots include the Passby Bar(Western and Chinese food, gin and tonics, lovely courtyard atmosphere.), eateries like Paper, cheeky Beijing-themed T-shirt vendor Plastered 8 (www.plastered.com.cn), gig venue MAO Livehouse and the late night snack outlet Fish Nation.

Website: http://www.nlgx.org/

Location: east of Tiananmen Square, east of the Forbidden City, Dongcheng

(China.org.cn May 15, 2008)

The Silk Street Market (Xiu Shui) reopened for business in its shiny new 5-storey shopping mall in March 2005, replacing its notorious predecessor, the outdoor Xiu Shui market. In so doing, it has become the inner city's one-stop tourist shopping paradise. Its name is now written in English across the entrance as simply "Silk Street".

In addition to selling previously available items such as fashion apparel and silk fabrics, and accessories like hats, handbags, shoes, belts and sportswear, the new Silk Street offers traditional Chinese handicrafts, antiques, calligraphy, carpets, table cloths, bed coverings, paintings, hand-knit dresses, toys, electronic gadgets, trinkets, and fine jewelry. Reputable outlets like Tongrentang Pharmacy and Quanjude Peking Roast Duck restaurant, and multinational coffee and restaurant chains such as Lavazza, SPR Coffee, Caffe L'affare, Subway, and TCBY have also joined Silk Street's bid to become the "ultimate one-stop tourist destination" in Beijing.

Bargaining is essential here in order to get the best prices. Fake goods might still also be encountered, despite the government's city-wide efforts to stamp them out.

Travel info:

Travel tip: The Xiu Shui Street Mall is located along Chang An avenue near the Yong An Li (120) line 1 subway station. You can now walk directly from the subway into the mall via an underground passageway without stepping outside
Add: 8 Xiushui Dongjie, Jianguomen 建国门秀水东街8号
Tel: 5169-9003，5169-9088
Website: www.silkstreet.cc
Open time: 9am-9pm; Accepts International Credit Cards

Dongcheng 东城区 

This is the city's best-known shopping area. The street is always busy, mostly with pedestrians, but that's part of its charm. Street cafes are bursting with customers and water fountains put on elaborate shows along the wide boulevard. Most places are authentic but pricey, although cheaper goods can be found at the northern end. The city's biggest bookstore, the Wangfujing Bookstore features many English language publications, particularly travel books, while the Oriental Plazais is Wangfujing's most popular mall. At the northern end of the street is the Wangfujing Food Market. Opposite the market is a large mobile phone mall. Shops are open daily from 08:00 to 22:00.

Travel info:

Transportation: Wangfujing has a station on the Beijing subway network, Line 1 has a station at the southern end of the street, which is a stop away eastbound from Tiananmen Square.

Xuanwu 宣武区

This has been a shopping strip for more than 500 years, and remains one of the most memorable experiences in the city. Flashy lights, neon signs and cheap clothing stores vie for space amongst the Chinese restaurants and hutongs that snake off to the side. The street is under renovation marked for completion by the time the Olympics start, which will hopefully make it cleaner. Qianmen Dajie runs north to south from the bottom of Tiananmen Square and is intersected by the famous Dazhalan Hutong, where ancient Chinese medicine shops, fine silk clothing and age-old handicrafts are crowded together. The red lanterns and bustle along both streets make for a quintessential Chinese experience, especially after dark. Shops are open daily from 08:30 to 18:00.

Dongcheng 东城区 

Dongsi Beidajie shopping street, along with Wangfujingand Xidan, completes the trio of main shopping areas in the city center. It adds a touch of boutique originality missing from the other two. For those looking for something a bit different, this is the place to visit. Independent shops and boutiques have a bohemian feel and it is a great place for ferreting out hidden gems. Open daily 08:00 to 19:00.