Dongcheng District

Dongcheng District, with its idyllic hutongs and plethora of historical sites, is one of Beijing's most pleasant areas. It's also one of the smaller districts in the city, which makes it easy to get around. A day exploring Dongcheng will leave you feeling as if you've been introduced to the character of the capital. From the old men playing chess in the hutongs to the sleek, chauffeured Audis driving down Chang'an Jie, to the colorful shopping on Wangfujing, Dongcheng offers visitors a thousand little tastes of what makes Beijing a fascinating city. Note that indoor photography in many temples and sites like the Forbidden City is not permitted.