Best Places to Visit in Beijing: Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chaoyang, Haidian

Beijing, as the capital of China, is a fascinating city. Dongcheng District, with its deep historical and cultural heritage and unique hutong culture; Xicheng District, known for its bustling financial street and numerous former residences of celebrities; Chaoyang District, at the forefront of fashion and with a broad international perspective; Haidian District, rich in academic atmosphere and home to prestigious universities—every corner of the city leaves an unforgettable impression. Following are the best places to visit in Beijing.

Top 1: Dongcheng District

Dongcheng District, located in the central eastern area of Beijing, gets its name from being situated on the east side of Beijing’s central axis. It covers a total area of 41.84 square kilometers. As a core area of the capital’s functions, it is rich in cultural atmosphere, with flourishing culture and history. Dongcheng, this blessed land nourished by a millennium of continuous cultural heritage, has witnessed the magnificent legend of the Grand Canal.

Dongcheng is the area with the highest concentration of cultural relics and historical sites in Beijing. On this ancient land, Dongcheng attracts countless people with its profound cultural heritage. The culture of the ancient capital has deep roots here, with every corner exuding the charm of history. The majestic and towering Forbidden City, which has stood for six hundred years and witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties; the Temple of Heaven, where the emperor communes with the heavens and prays for abundant harvests; the Grand Canal relics, with ten miles of lotus flowers and the gentle breeze; and the National Museum of China, grand and solemn, with stars gathering.

Top 2: Xicheng District

Since Dongcheng has been mentioned, it must to talk about Xicheng. Located in the central western area of Beijing, Xicheng borders Dongcheng to the east and covers a total area of 50.70 square kilometers. Xicheng is the site of the ancient city of Ji, the capital of the State of Yan during the Warring States period, and as a place with over 3,000 years of history and over 800 years as the capital, it is a fusion of royal and folk cultures.

Xicheng is part of the core functional area of the capital, serving as the political and cultural center. It is a key area for the protection of historical cities and an important window for showcasing the country’s image and international exchanges. The Prince Gong’s Mansion, which has witnessed the transition of the Qing Dynasty from prosperity to decline; Beihai Park, one of the oldest and best-preserved classical royal gardens in China; Shichahai, where natural landscapes and historical relics complement each other; and Jingshan Park, from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Xicheng and its peony-filled gardens.

Top 3: Haidian District

Haidian District, located in the northwest of Beijing. In this beautiful and charming area, history and modern civilization blend seamlessly, while the picturesque landscapes harmonize with urban scenery. As a renowned educational hub both nationally and globally, Haidian is home to top-tier institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, and many other prestigious schools, contributing invaluable intellectual resources to the development of the country and even the world.

Haidian also features not only rugged mountains, flowing streams, and lush forests, but also royal gardens, pavilions and terraces. The beauty of its mountains and waters, the magnificence of its gardens, and the abundance of historical relics have earned it a long-standing reputation both at home and abroad. “Three Mountains and Five Palaces” like Xiangshan Mountain, Wanshou Mountain, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace, along with historical sites such as the remains of the Yuan Dynasty’s Dadu city wall and the Qinghe Han City ruins, endow the district with a peaceful and elegant charm that transcends the mundane.

Top 4: Chaoyang District

Numerous modern buildings stand close together in a competitive race, forming a high-density, three-dimensional spatial structure that outlines the skyline of Beijing. On the intersecting roads, cars flow endlessly, and crowds bustle with activity—this is Chaoyang.

Chaoyang District, named after its location outside Chaoyang Gate, lies in the central-southern part of Beijing, a powerful economic district and an important window for international exchanges. The Olympic Park, filled with enthusiasm, which carries the dual glory of hosting the Olympic Games, has witnessed countless historic moments; the 798 Art Zone, with sculptures standing on the streets, colorful art walls, and witty, humorous texts, serves as the frontier of contemporary art; Chaoyang Park, lush with greenery and expansive waters, offers a pleasant city walk, where one can enjoy the tranquility of the city.

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