Beijing: Neighborhoods

Tiananmen Square This cavernous, central plaza is flanked by socialist-realist buildings that represent Beijing’s significance in Chinese political life. One the city’s most popular photo-ops –  a snapshot beneath the portrait of Chairman Mao – is here.

Chaoyang Bars, restaurants, and brand stores are interlaced with shiny, mixed-use skyscrapers, international hotels, office complexes, and retail malls in this hip, eastern district.

Dongcheng Beijing’s downtown shopping district centers on Doncheng’s Wangfujing Dajie street. Located east of Tiananmen Square, it is crammed with shops, restaurants, and hotels. The whole area has been extensively revamped in anticipation of the Olympics.

Financial District This fast-emerging commercial district is finally attracting upscale hotels, retail stores, and restaurants to what was once a barren area west of Tiananmen Square.

Old City Once the beating heart of old Beijing, the dense, narrow hutong neighborhoods have been largely razed in the city’s drive to modernize. Those that remain in the old city offer a glimpse of a rapidly diminishing way of life.

Olympic Park Covering a vast area north of the city, the Olympic Park features Beijing’s spectacular new stadiums and state-of-the-art games facilities.