Ch'ien Men 23

The former Legation Quarter has an unremarkable gate that opens onto Dongjiaominxiang, but once inside it's like stepping into a different world. Newly constructed glass houses and the old site of the American Embassy form a delightful contrast. This space, while inconspicuous from the outside, is home to some of the best western restaurants in Beijing. "People come here mainly through word of mouth," Peggy, a waitress at the Meat and Wine Co. proudly told the Global Times. The restaurant claims to have the best steaks in Beijing, shipped directly from Australia. All the restaurants at Ch'ien Men are high-end in design and price. Prestigious watch makers Patek Philippe and Melchers both opened stores here as well.

Restaurants: Maison Boulud, Shiro Matsui, Ristorante Sadler and The Meat and Wine Co.

How to get there

1. Take the No 8 or 60 bus and get off at Zhengyilunankou Station

2. Take the No 2, 5, 20, 22, 120, or 726 bus and get off at Qianmen Station

3. Take the No 9, 729, 744, 819, or 859 bus and get off at Zhengyilu Station

4. Take No 1 subway to Qianmen or Tian'anmendong Station

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