Dongcheng Travel Guide

Brief Intro: Dongcheng District is the heart of Beijing; the cultural, political and commercial center of the city.
Location: eastern of Beijing, southwest of Chaoyang District, north of Chongwen District, east of Xicheng District
Area: 25.38 sq km (about 9.80 sq mi)
Population: 612,000
Administrative Division: 10 Municipal Districts (Dong Hua Men, Jing Shan, Jiao Dao Kou, An Ding Men, Bei Xin Qiao, Dong Si, Chao Yang Men, Jian Guo Men, Dong Zhi Men, He Ping Li)
Postal Code: 100010
Dialing Code: 010
 

Historical Sites: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Ancient Observatory, Bell and Drum Towers, Yonghe Temple, Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park, Altar of Earth

Hutongs and Courtyards: Guoxiang Hutong, Ma Huitang Garden, Mao'er Hutong, Shijin Garden, Keyuan Garden, Yu'er Hutong
Old Residences of Famous Chinese People: Mao Zedong's Old Residence, Sun Yat-sen's Old Residence, Lao She's Old Residence, Mao Dun's Old Residence
Temples: Songzhu and Zhizhu Temple, Temple of Confucius, Tongjiao Temple, Dongsi Mosque, Zhihua Temple.

Tiananmen Square

A Hutong in Dongcheng District

The Altar of Earth, also known as Fangze Temple, was used as a place for sacrificing royal ancestors by the Emperors in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Covering an area of 430,000 square meters (about 0.17 sq mi), the Altar of Earth is surrounded by two layers of square walls, divided into an inner and outside temple. The main buildings are Fangze Temple and Royal Ancestors' Sacrificing Room on the middle axle, Animal Butchering Pavilion (Zaishengting) in the west of Fangze Temple, and Zhai Palace, Bell Tower and Fairy Horse Stable (Shenmajuan) in the northwest. In the open space of the temple, there are 36,000 trees, including 174 trees more than 200 years old. Nowadays, a magnificent Temple Fair is held each spring festival and attracts numerous tourists from China and abroad.

Mao Zedong's Old Residence is actually several simple rooms located in the Hutong of Northern Sanyangjing. During autumn of 1918 to spring of 1919, Mao Zedong, Cai Hesen, Xiao Zisheng and aother five people lived here. As it is the place where Mao Zedong lived upon his first arrival at Beijing, several rooms have been considered as his old residence since 1979.   

Dongsi Mosque, covering 10,000 square meters (about 11,960 sq yd) is divided into three small yards. The main buildings include the Muslim Scripture Sermon Hall, a library and the Pure Water Hall (Jingshuitang). The palace, which can hold 500 persons for worship, is constructed in the west of the mosque. It is wooden construction with 20 giant pillars drawn by golden lotus and other patterns. Three beams in the palace are inlaid with the text of Alcoran. Nowadays, Dongsi Mosque is an important assembly place for Muslim worshippers in Beijing. 

Wangfujing Street

Ruifuxiang Silk Shop on Wangfujing Street

Tour Tips
For dining, Quanjude Beijing Roast Duck is a must. On some streets, such as Xin Dong An and Long Fu Si, local snacks are sold, as well as there being various local and western food restaurants. Wangfujing Street is located in this district. Other newly developed commercial areas, such as Dongdan, Dongsi, Hepingli and Beixinqiao, bring tourists more convenient shopping all in one district. For transportation and accommodation, please check our Beijng Transportation and Beijing Accommodation for more information.

Time-honored products/services in Dongcheng District
Wuyutai Tea House, Ruifuxiang Silk Shop, Quansuzhai Vegetarian Restaurant, Cuihualou Shandong Cuisine Restaurant, Dongxinglou Restaurant, Donglaishun Instant-boiled Mutton, Quanjude Roast Duck, Tongshenghe Shoes, Shengxifu Caps, Ruifuxiang Silk, Yong'antang Herbal Medicine

Useful Numbers
Consumer Complaint: 010-64057602
Tourist Consultation and Complaint: 010-6513.3512