Beijing/Chaoyang

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Beijing/Chaoyang

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Chaoyang District (朝阳区 Cháoyáng Qū) is in Beijing. While Chaoyang district does not have that many tourist sites, most visitors to Beijing will find themselves in Chaoyang at some point: especially for visiting the art districts, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Understand

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The "Bird's Nest" Stadium

Chaoyang is a massive district, roughly covering the urban area to the north and east of central Beijing, beginning at the Second Ring Road, and stretching beyond the Fifth Ring Road. Chaoyang contains Beijing's Central Business District (CBD).

The main precincts you are likely to visit are:

CBD (Central Business District)

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CBD is the primary area of corporate services, business and media which surrounds Guomao (China World Trade Center), the most prestigious business addresses with an ultra-modern architecture. The WTC itself includes an impressive complex that includes grand hotels, the most luxurious malls selling elite international brands, exclusive restaurants and night spots. The clientele here represents the cream of China's wealthy elite.

Sanlitun

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This precinct has been vastly improved for the community of expatriates, with better shopping and nightlife. Sanlitun is considered a stylish international precinct, featuring avant-garde commercial centres and retail. It has the most diverse international scenes and the widest selection of great restaurants, classy bars and dazzling nightclubs. Sanlitun is located next to international embassies, and is close by to Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang Park and Solana by 10–15 minutes on bike. Sanlitun Tai Koo Li and Sanlitun Soho on the other side of the road have a multitude of shops and restaurants, with an Apple Store and one of the only Shake Shacks in Beijing.

798 Art Zone

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This area is a great place to visit from morning to midnight. It has grown into a visual arts destination attracting the best in talent from China and abroad. 798 also features trendy cafes and a buzzing night life.

Liangmaqiao

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The region around Liangmaqiao, right next to Sanlitun, is popular with locals and tourists for its abundance of restaurants and shops. The river running through Liangmaqiao was renovated in 2020, and connects locations such as Solana, where a grouping of restaurants and shops are, with the 3rd Ring Road. The food in Solana is mid-range to expensive, and is connected to Chaoyang Park's northern parking lot. There is also one of the only Taco Bell locations in Beijing in Liangmaqiao.

Olympic Park

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As part of an urban regeneration program leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the area in northwestern Chaoyang has been converted into the Olympic Park zone. Reachable with Line 5, 15 ans 8, the area includes chiefly Olympic Park with greenery, walkways, and landmarks such as the Bird's Nest.

Get in

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Map
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Map of Beijing/Chaoyang

Subway line 10, opened in 2008 in time for the Olympics, travels along or parallel to the Third Ring Road, through most of Chaoyang district. Line 1 runs east–west through the Central Business District. Line 5 runs north–south in the northern part of the district. Line 14 also runs north–south, east of Line 10, with access to Chaoyang locations such as 798 Art District and Chaoyang Park.

See

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Olympic venues

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Many of the 2008 Olympic venues are in or around the Olympic Green in Chaoyang. The Olympic Green area is a public square that can be visited for free. Admission is charged if you want to visit inside the venues:

  • 1 National Stadium (北京国家体育场; Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng), Olympic Park, Chaoyang District (Subway line 8 to Olympic Green station), ☏ +86 10 84986888. 09:00-19:00, lights on until 21:00 or later, check with your hotel. Also known as the "Bird's Nest" (鸟巢 Niǎocháo), this stadium, designed by Herzog & Meuron, is the world's largest steel structure. It hosted opening and closing ceremonies, and athletic and football matches during the Olympics. It has host some sporting events and concerts since the Olympics. It will be used again in the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. ¥50. Beijing National Stadium (Q133525) on Wikidata Beijing National Stadium on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2018)
  • 2 National Aquatics Center (国家游泳中心; Guójiā Yóuyǒng Zhōngxīn) (Subway line 8 to Olympic Green station). Lights on until 21:00 or later, check with your hotel. Also known as the "Water Cube" (水立方 Shǔilìfāng) Swimming and diving venue. Tickets to visit the inside of the Water Cube are sold throughout the day, and you are certainly welcome to swim here provided you have the appropriate swimwear (swimming caps are required). The ticket office is by the tour bus parking lot at the northwest corner of the building (which is a fair hike from the building entrance at the southeast corner, facing the stadium). The building also sometimes now hosts sound and light shows in the evenings. ¥30. Beijing National Aquatics Center (Q244877) on Wikidata Beijing National Aquatics Center on Wikipedia 
  • 3 National Indoor Stadium (国家体育馆; Guójiātǐyùguǎn), 18 Beichen East Road (北辰东路18号; Běichéndōnglù). Gymnastics venue. Beijing National Indoor Stadium (Q1139142) on Wikidata Beijing National Indoor Stadium on Wikipedia 
  • 4 Olympic Sports Center Stadium. National Olympic Sports Centre Stadium (Q1631730) on Wikidata Olympic Sports Centre (Beijing) on Wikipedia 
  • 5 Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium. Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium (Q2448748) on Wikidata Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium (Beijing) on Wikipedia 
  • 6 Ying Tung Natatorium (Yingdong Natatorium). Ying Tung Natatorium (Q2036042) on Wikidata Ying Tung Natatorium on Wikipedia 
  • 7 Olympic Green Tennis Center. National Tennis Center, Beijing (Q1763829) on Wikidata National Tennis Center, Beijing on Wikipedia 

Olympic venues are also found elsewhere in Chaoyang:

  • 8 Beijing Workers' Stadium (工人体育场; Gōngréntǐyùchǎng), Gongti North Road (工体北路; Gōngtǐběilù). An old stadium renovated to be a football (soccer) venue, still used for sports events and major concerts. Workers Stadium (Q627250) on Wikidata Workers' Stadium on Wikipedia 
  • 9 Beijing Workers Gymnasium (工人体育馆; Gōngréntǐyùguǎn; Workers Indoor Arena), Gongti North Road (工体北路; Gōngtǐběilù). Workers Indoor Arena (Q1443105) on Wikidata Workers Indoor Arena on Wikipedia 
  • 10 Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium (北京工业大学体育馆; Běijīng Gōngyèdàxuétǐyùguǎn), 100 Ping Le Yuan (平乐园100号; Pínglèyuán). Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium (Q2383237) on Wikidata Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium on Wikipedia 

Finally, Olympic venues can be found in other districts including China Agricultural University Gymnasium, Beijing Science and Technology University Gymnasium, Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium, Peking University Gymnasium, Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium, Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium, Beijing Shooting Range CTF, Beijing Shooting Range Hall, Laoshan Velodrome, Laoshan Mountain Bike Course, and Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field.

Buildings

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The CCTV building
  • 11 China Central Television (CCTV) Headquarters (中央电视台新楼 Zhōngyāng Diànshìtái Xīnlóu). Just north-east of Guomao station along the Third Ring Road is this beautiful and unique tower by Dutch architects Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren, housing China Central Television Station. A New Year's firework accident in 2009 burnt down the adjacent Mandarin Oriental Hotel building. China Media Group Guanghua Road Office Area (Q754321) on Wikidata CCTV Headquarters on Wikipedia 
  • 12 World Trade Center Tower III. Just north-west of Guomao station, and north of China World Trade Center I. This is Beijing's tallest building and has restaurants and bars at the top. China World Trade Center Tower III (Q2006129) on Wikidata China World Trade Center Tower III on Wikipedia 

Temples

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  • 13 Dongyue Temple (东岳庙; Dōngyuèmiào), 141 Chaowai Street (朝外大街141号; Cháowàidàjiē), ☏ +86 10 6551 0151. 08:30-16:30. Taoist temple founded in 1319 with hundreds of life size plaster figures and the possibility of making offerings to different gods responsible for all kind of stuff. The temple also houses the Beijing Folk Arts Museum. Very quiet and peaceful spot. ¥10. Beijing Dongyue Temple (Q814721) on Wikidata Beijing Dongyue Temple on Wikipedia 

Parks

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  • 14 Chaoyang Park (朝阳公园; Cháoyáng Gōngyuán), 1 Nongzhan South Road (农展南路1号; Nóngzhǎn Nánlù) (between East Ring Road III and East Ring Road IV; the South Gate is 1.5 km east of Tuanjiehu Metro Station (line 10), two stops by buses 305 or 406 from there will take you the last bit), ☏ +86 10 6506 5409, fax: +86 10 6507 5179, . 06:00-22:00. The largest park in Beijing at 3 km by 1.5 km. The park features an artificial beach, two large swimming pools, a bungee jumping tower, boat rental, concert stages, sports areas, a number of amusement park rides and flower areas. The individual entertainment options might not be impressive, but the size of the park and the number of local visitors makes a stroll here delightful anyway. ¥5. Beijing Chaoyang Park (Q1062603) on Wikidata Chaoyang Park on Wikipedia 
  • 15 Ritan Park (日坛公园; Rìtán Gōngyuán), 6 Ritan North Road (日坛北路6号; Rìtán Běilù) (1 km northeast of Jianguomen Metro Station (lines 1 and 2)), ☏ +86 10 8561 6301. 06:00-20:00. The park contains the Temple of the Sun with an altar built in 1530 and used for sacrifices to the sun. Great park with entertainment for the children, good cafés and restaurants, plenty of local life to watch and also historical stuff. The altar itself is a round open space popular for flying kites. If you couldn't get close to the "Echo Wall" at Temple of Heaven due to crowds, you can do the same trick here (although only on a quarter rather than the whole circle). Also climb to the pavilion at the top of the small hill in the park for a surround view of the CBD skyline. Free. 
  • 16 China Ethnic Museum (中华民族园 (中华民族博物院); Zhōnghuámínzúyuán (Zhōnghuámínzúbówùyuàn); Chinese Ethnic Culture Park; China Nationalities Museum), 1 Minzuyuan Road (民族园路1号; Mínzúyuánlù) (500 m northwest of Beitucheng Metro Station (lines 10 and 8)), ☏ +86 10 6206 3640, . 08:30-18:00. Park and museum with buildings and exhibitions showing the characteristics of China's 56 nationalities. This does give a good overview and a better understanding of the diversity of China, but everything seems a bit dated and dusty. Also restaurants and shops in the park. ¥90. China Ethnic Museum (Q5099673) on Wikidata China Ethnic Museum on Wikipedia 
  • 17 Happy Valley Amusement Park (北京欢乐谷; Běijīng Huānlègǔ), Xiaowuji North Road, Southend of East Ring Road Four (东四环南路小武基北路; Dōngsìhuánnánlù Xiǎowǔjīběilù) (Happy Valley Scenic Area subway stop (line 7)), ☏ +86 10 6736 0303, . 09:30-22:00 (but many rides close down around 17:00). Amusement park established in 2006 and by far the largest in Beijing covering around 1 km² and comprising more than 40 rides divided in different themed areas. Adults ¥160, children 1.2 m-1.4 m ¥80. Happy Valley Beijing (Q3127206) on Wikidata Happy Valley Beijing on Wikipedia 
  • 18 [dead link] Honglingjin Park (红领巾公园; Hónglǐngjīn Gōngyuán), Houbalizhuang, East Ring Road Four (东四环路后八里庄5号; Dōngsìhuánlù Hòubālǐzhuāng) (northeast of Honglinjing Bridge (east of Ring Road Four and north of Chaoyang North Road. Buses 126, 306, 440, 682 to Honglingjin Park Station), ☏ +86 10 8581 9548, . Summer 06:00-22:00; winter 06:30-20:00. Here you can watch sculptures and gingko trees. The park also features indoor and outdoor playgrounds, boats for hire and a number of amusement park rides. Free. Honglingjin Park (Q5895884) on Wikidata Honglingjin Park on Wikipedia 
  • 19 Side Park (四德公园; Sìdé Gōngyuán), 6 Fangyuan West Road (芳园西路6号; Fāngyuán Xīlù), ☏ +86 10 6432 1659. 06:00-21:00. Park featuring sport activities and play grounds. ¥10. Lido Si'de Gongyuan (Q6543734) on Wikidata Si'de Gongyuan on Wikipedia 
  • 20 Olympic Forest Park. The largest city park, way larger and has more sees than the Central Park. Olympic Forest Park (Q7089073) on Wikidata Olympic Forest Park on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2020)
    • 21 The North Park of the Olympic Forest Park. Olympic Forest Park (Q7089073) on Wikidata Olympic Forest Park on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2020)
  • 22 Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park (元大都城墙遗址公园), Intersection of Jian'an East Road and Anzhen Road (健安东路与安贞路交叉路口) (near Beitucheng Metro Station on Lines 8 and 10), ☏ +86 10 84648252. 06:00-22:00. The ruins of the northern city wall of Khanbaliq (Dadu), the winter capital of the Yuan Dynasty. Free. Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park (Q15908686) on Wikidata Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2022)

Museums

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  • Art Museum of the Beijing Fine Art Academy. 
  • 23 [dead link] Blue Zoo Beijing (富国海底世界; Fùguóhǎidǐshìjiè; also known as Beijing Rich Country Seabed World), South Gate of Workers' Stadium (工人体育场南门; Gōngréntǐyùchǎng Nánmén) (1.5 km southeast of Dongsishitiao Metro Station (line 2)), ☏ +86 10 6591 3397. Summer 08:00-20:00; winter 08:30-18:30. Aquarium with a 120-m walk-through tunnel. ¥75. 
  • 24 China National Film Museum (中国电影博物馆; Zhōngguó diànyǐng bówùguǎn), 9 Nanying Road (南影路9号; Nán yǐng lù 9 hào) (take subway line 2 to Dongzhimen (东直门) transfer station. Walk to the nearest bus station just outside the subway station. Take bus# 688, 402, 418, or 973 for roughly 40 to 50 minutes to Nangao (南皋) stop. When you get off the bus, continue to walk in the same direction until you come to Nanying Road (南影路). The National Film Museum will be on your right. If you have trouble when you get off the bus, just pay attention to the signs pointing you towards the museum.), ☏ +86 10-84355959. Tu-Su 09:00-16:30. Free. 
  • 25 Ethnic Costume Museum (民族服饰博物馆), Level 3, Section A, Multipurpose Building, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, A2 Yinghua Road East （樱花东路甲2号北京服装学院综合楼A座3层） (about 500 meters southwest of Shaoyaoju Metro Station on Lines 10 and 13), ☏ +86 10 64288216, +86 10 64288067, . Open on Tuesday and Thursday from 08:30 to 11:30 and again from 13:30 to 16:30; also open on Saturday from 13:30 to 16:30; closed during the school's summer and winter vacation periods. A museum on the grounds of the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. The museum displays traditional costumes worn by China's many ethnic groups. Free. (updated Jan 2023)
  • Guanfu Classic Art Museum. 
  • 26 Museum of the Communist Party of China (中国共共产党历史展览馆), 9 Beichen Road East (朝阳区北辰东路9号) (South side of Olympic Park; about 700 meters west of Anli Rd Metro Station (Line 15) and about 900 meters east of Olympic Park Metro Station (Lines 8 and 15); bus no. 311, 379 and 484 stop near the museum). Open 09:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00. A comprehensive museum about the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The museum was opened in July 2021 as part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the party's establishment. Visitor numbers are limited to 3000 per day and bookings are mandatory. Bookings can be done online on the official website (which is in Chinese only). Free entrance. Museum of the Chinese Communist Party (Q107292018) on Wikidata Museum of the Chinese Communist Party on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2022)
  • 27 Museum of Tibetan Culture (西藏文化博物馆), 131 North 4th Ring Road East (北四环东路131号) (Exit A, Huixin Xijie Beikou Metro Station, Line 5), ☏ +86 10 64935128, . 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Jan 2023)
  • 28 National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature (中国现代文学馆; Zhōngguó Xiàndàiwénxuéguǎn), 45 Wenxueguan Road, Shaoyaoji (芍药居文学馆路45号; Sháoyàojū Wénxuéguǎnlù) (1 km northwest of Shaoyaoji Metro Station (lines 10 and 13)), ☏ +86 10 8461 9071, fax: +86 10 8464 5310, . 09:00-16:30. Very large museum on modern Chinese literature and writers including reproductions of writers' homes, original and copy manuscripts as well as personal effects. ¥20. 
  • Red Sandalwood Museum (中国紫檀博物馆), No. 23 Jianguo Street, Chaoyang District, ☏ +86 10 85752818. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. the first and largest museum in China specialized in collecting, researching and displaying sandalwood works of art and classical furniture. ¥50. 
  • Sports Museum. 
  • 29 The New Location (main branch) of the China Science and Technology Museum (中国科学技术馆), No. 5, Beichendonglu, Chaoyang District (Subway 8 to Olympic Green, then walk 1 block east and 1 block north), ☏ +86 10 59041000. Tu-Su 09:30-17:00. This enormous museum near Olympic Green is a comprehensive science and technology museum with regular and short-term themed exhibitions. Of special interest are the historic scientific and technical achievements of China. ¥30. China Science and Technology Museum (Q1074292) on Wikidata China Science and Technology Museum on Wikipedia 
    • 30 The Old Location (still open as a branch) of the China Science and Technology Museum. See Beijing/Xicheng#Museums (updated Mar 2020)
  • 31 National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientists (中国科学家博物馆), National Communication Center for Science and Technology, 3 Beichen East Road (北辰东路3号国家科技传播中心) (across the road from the China Science and Technology Museum), ☏ +86 10 87413556, . 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:00, closed on Mondays. A museum dedicated to educating the public on the achievements of Chinese scientists. Visitors are required to make a booking on the museum’s WeChat account before visiting. Free. (updated Jun 2024)

Galleries

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Dashanzi Art District

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Dashanzi Art District (大山子艺术区 Dàshānzǐ Yìshù Qū), originally known as 798 Factory, is a district full of galleries of contemporary Chinese art, in an old industrial district. Also many Western style cafes here. The area has been undisputed as the centre for Chinese contemporary art. But beginning commercialisation and mainstreaming of the area and the rise of other areas in Beijing makes this less obvious. The area is now firmly on the tour group circuit and can be crowded at weekends. Many of the original galleries have closed or moved due to high rents, although there are more and more cafes and shops, some quite high-end. Full of young artists selling their handiwork, which makes for great shopping if you can't afford the big art pieces. Visiting the area is still a must for art lovers and for other tourists. It's located outside Fourth Ring Road, so it's easiest and fastest to get there by taxi. It's in the direction of the airport, so it can be a convenient stop on your way there or a quick trip back into the city on your last night. Alternatively, bus routes 688 and 418 go from Dongzhimen via Liangmaqiao for connections to/from the subway system. Gaojiayuan Subway Station, which is directly outside 798, is under construction, so via subway, the closest stations are Wangjing South and Jiangtai, both of which are around a 5-minute walk from the district.

Caochangdi

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Caochangdi is a satellite branch to Dashanzi established as Dashanzi became increasingly commercialised and rents rose significantly there. Caochangdi used to be a village, but has now been swallowed up by the city. It's a few kilometres north-east of Dashanzi, just beyond the Fifth Ring Road (a short taxi trip or a few stops on the same bus routes that go to Dashanzi). The galleries here are more spread out and can be hard to find, so this is a destination for more serious art aficionados.

  • [formerly dead link] Boers-Li Gallery, 8A Caochangdi (草场地甲8号; Cǎochǎngdìjiǎ), ☏ +86 10 6432 2620, fax: +86 10 6432 2621, . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Large gallery focusing on sculptural and video installations. 
  • China Art Archives and Warehouse (艺术文件仓库; Yìshùwénjiàncāngkù), East of Tiedao Bridge, Caochangdi Village (草场地村铁道桥东侧; Cǎochǎngdìcūn Tiědàoqiáodōngcè), ☏ +86 10 8456 5152, fax: +86 10 8456 5154, . W-Su 14:00-18:00. CAAW was one of the first galleries in Beijing with a history at least dating back to 1993. The gallery was the first to move to Caochangdi. Focuses on experimental fine art from China, including painting, sculpture, photography, printing and installations. 
  • Chambers Fine Art (前波画廊; Qiánbōhuàláng), No 1-D Red, Caochangdi (草场地红1号D座; Cǎochǎngdì Hóng), ☏ +86 10 5127 3298, fax: +86 10 5127 3298, . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Chambers Fine Art opened in New York in 2000 exhibiting cutting edge Chinese art. In 2007, the Beijing branch opened. 
  • F2 Gallery, 319 Caochangdi (草场地319号; Cǎochǎngdì), ☏ +86 10 6432 8831, fax: +86 10 6432 8203, . 10:00-18:00. Gallery representing and working closely with a few Chinese contemporary artists. 
  • Galerie Urs Meile, 104 Caochangdi (草场地104号; Cǎochǎngdì), ☏ +86 10 6433 3393, . Tu-Su 11:00-18:30. Swiss gallery exhibiting foreign and Chinese artists 
  • Pékin Fine Arts (北京艺门; Běijīng Yìmén), 241 Caochangdi, Cuigezhuang (催各庄草场地241号; Cuīgèzhuāng Cǎochǎngdì), ☏ +86 10 8610 5127 ext 3320, fax: +86 10 5127 3223, . W-Su 10:00-18:00. The gallery prepares exhibitions of contemporary Chinese artists with the purpose of sending them abroad. 
  • Platform China Art Institute (站台中国当代艺术机构; Zhàntáizhōngguódāngdàiyìshùjīgòu), No 319-1, East End Art Zone A, Caochangdi (草场地村319-1艺术东区A区内), ☏ +86 10 6432 0091, fax: +86 10 8145 9360, . Tu-Su 11:00-18:00. Exhibits video and installation art. The gallery also aims at being at workplace and also has a residency program for international artists. 
  • Three Shadows Photography Art Centre (三影堂摄影艺术中心; Sānyǐngtángshèyǐngyìshù Zhōngxīn), 155 Caochagdi (草场地155号; Cǎochǎngdì), ☏ +86 10 6432 2663, fax: +86 10 6431 9693, . One of the most important venues for photography including exhibitions, café, workstations and library. 

Liquor Factory

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Liquor Factory is the third large art area in Chaoyang

  • Arario Beijing (阿拉里奥北京; Ālālǐào Běijīng), Jiuchang Art Factory, Beihuqu Lu, Anwai Beiyuan (安外北苑北湖渠酿酒厂; Ānwàiběiyuàn Běihúqúniàng Jiǔchǎng), ☏ +86 10 5202 3800, fax: +86 10 5202 3808, . Daily 10:00-18:00. This Korean-owned gallery is by far the largest in the area with four galleries exhibiting local and foreign artists, established and emerging, and within a full range of media. 

Other

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Chaoyang also has a number of galleries elsewhere

  • Creation Gallery (可创铭佳艺苑; Kěchuāngmíngjiāyìyuàn), north end of Ritan East Road (日坛东路北口; Rìtándōnglùběikǒu) (Northeast of Ritan Park), ☏ +86 10 8561 7570, fax: +86 10 8563 2740, . Tu-Su 10:00-19:00. Exhibits with significant influence from traditional Chinese art. Focusing on oil and acrylic paintings as well as traditional materials. 
  • [dead link] Imagine Gallery (想象画廊; Xiǎngxiàng Huàláng), 8 Feijiacun East Road, Laiguangying East Road (来广营东路费家村东路8号; Láiguǎngyíngdōnglù Fèijiācūndōnglù), ☏ +86 10 6438 5747, . Tu-Su 10:30-17:30. Exhibits Chinese and foreign artists and provides workingspace for artists. 
  • Beijing Tomorrow Art Gallery (创意数码科技艺术展览), No. 32 Baiziwan Road, Building 3A, Pingod North, #008 Chaoyang District. Exhibits Western artists working with digital technologies. free. 

Other

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  • 34 Central Perk (老友记), 6th Floor, 0616, Bldg A, Chaowai SOHO, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie 朝阳门外大街,朝外SOHO,A区0616室 (walk north then west two blocks from exit A Jintaixizhao Station), ☏ +86 186 0119 1315. Daily 10:00-21:30. A loving homage to the Friends TV show with a full replica of the café and ongoing replays. Makes a great photo moment. ¥30-80 pp. (updated Mar 2015)

Do

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Theaters

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  • Century Theater (世纪剧院; Shìjìjùyuàn), 40 Liangmaqiao Road (亮马桥路40号; Liàngmǎqiáolù) (behind the Lufthansa Center, 1 km northeast of Liangmaqiao Metro Station (line 10)), ☏ +86 10 6468 3311 ext 3163, fax: +86 10 6462 8470, . Upscale theater frequented by expats. Performances include dramas, classical concerts, dance performances, opera and other musical events. 
  • 1 [dead link] Chaoyang Theater (朝阳剧场; Cháoyángjùchǎng), 36 Northend of East Ring Road Three (东三环北路36号; Dōngsānhuánběilù) (Metro 6,10: Hujialou), ☏ +86 10 6507 2421, fax: +86 10 6591 9346. Performances usually at 17:15 and 19:15. Theater focusing on acrobatics, but also some Peking Opera. Acrobatics shows are impressive and slick, with a 'tropical bird' theme. The Peking Opera shows are in a small side theatre, and fairly amateur. ¥180-680. 
  • China Puppet Theater (中国木偶剧院; Zhōngguómùǒujùyuàn), 1 Anhua Xili, East Ring Road Three (东三环安华西里甲1号; Dōngsānhuán ānhuáxīlǐ), ☏ +86 10 6425 4798. Performances throughout the day. Classical Western and classical Chinese plays for children performed by puppets. Also a playground available. 

Language school

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  • Mandarin Pro, 10B, Tower F, Fuhua Building, 8 Chaoyangmen North Street 朝阳门北大街8号富华大厦F座10B, ☏ +86 10-5083 0386. Their strength is in their Chinese language teaching methodology and organizing various language- and culture-related activities. (updated May 2016)

Swimming

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  • Crab Island (蟹岛绿色生态度假村; Xièdǎolǜsèshēngtàidùjiàcūn), 1 Xiedao Road (蟹岛路1号; Xièdǎolù) (between Ring Road 4 and 5 to the northeast, south of Jichang Expressway), ☏ +86 10 8433 5566. Summer 08:00-01:00. Artificial beach with real sand, parasols and beach chairs. Features a large pool with wave machine and water slides. Free. 
  • 2 Tuanjiehu Pool (团结湖游泳池; Tuánjiéhú Yóuyǒngchí), 16 Tuanjiehu South Road (团结湖南路16号; Tuánjiéhú Nánlù) (just northeast of Hujialou Metro Station (line 10/6), Exit B), ☏ +86 10 8597 4677. Water park with beach, pool with wave machine and water slides. Open only during the summer months. ¥30. 

Play

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  • Fundazzle (翻斗乐; Fāndòulè), Gongti South Road (工体南路; Gōngtǐ Nánlù), ☏ +86 10 6500 4193. M-F 09:00-17:30, Sa Su 09:00-19:00. Large indoor playground. Adults ¥15 in weekends, work days free; children ¥30. 
  • The Biggest Ocean Gymnastic Club, 200m east of Huawei Bridge, ☏ +86 10 87323329, +86 10 87323328. Has a huge sauna, 3 different spas to soak in, a steam room, and showers. After a spell in the spa room, get dressed up in pyjamas and head upstairs to witness a variety show with comedians, singers and clowns. After the show, you can relax in the reclining sofa room or grab some snacks from the cafe. 
  • 3 Beijing Bocce League (北京 Bocce League), Xinzhong Street and Worker Stadium North Road 新中街跟工人体育场北路, ☏ +86 18616729099. Sa 15:00 till late. A great place to enjoy your free time by playing sports ¥50 - 300. (updated May 2016)

Buy

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  • 1 Silk Street or the Silk Market (秀水街 Xiùshuǐ Jiē), 8 East Xiushui St., Jianguomenwai Dajie (Yong'anli subway station on Line 1). The original foreign-oriented market, known for free wheeling bargaining and counterfeit luxury brands. It was re-opened in March 2005 as a five-floor air-conditioned building and renovated again in 2016 to look more like an ordinary mall. Bargaining is still common after the latest renovation but getting good deals meets more resistance than in the past. Silk Street (Q3435628) on Wikidata Silk Street on Wikipedia 
  • 2 Taikoo Li Sanlitun (The Village), Corner of Gongti Beilu and Sanlitun Lu. Modern, international mall opened in 2008, beside Yashow market. Many international brand names, including Apple, Adidas, Uniqlo. Also numerous cafes and restaurants, and a cinema in the basement. It also features the world's first Simpsons store, opened in 2016 and dedicated to its merchandise. Taikoo Li Sanlitun (Q7418794) on Wikidata Taikoo Li Sanlitun on Wikipedia 
  • 3 China World Trade Center (国贸 Guómào). Here you will find a lot of expensive stores and some international convenience stores. The China World Trade Center (Q1642373) on Wikidata The China World Trade Center on Wikipedia 
  • 4 Panjiayuan (潘家园 Pānjiāyuán). Also called the "dirt market" or the "weekend market," this is China's largest and possibly its most entertaining flea market. It operates from Sun-Sat, most people visit there on the weekend, and it is located near Pan Jia Yuan bridge, on the eastern third ring road. It begins early, around 07:00 in summer and 08:00 in winter (04:00 on the weekend). The flea market includes mostly fake antiques and large sections selling admittedly modern porcelain, jade, carved stone and wood, paintings, furniture, and other decorative items, used books, maps, and Cultural Revolution kitsch replicas. There are also sections selling Tibetan goods, although mostly of low quality, especially the paintings. Textiles made by members of minority nationalities from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces are amongst the more interesting buys. Well worth a visit, unless you are allergic to crowds. Remember to bargain, try offer 1/10 to 1/3 of the original price and be sure to shop around as many stalls have similar or identical goods. Panjiayuan's established dealers also provide shipping service for large items to main ports around the world. Beijing Antique Market (Q10902349) on Wikidata Beijing Antique Market on Wikipedia 
  • Guwan Cheng (古玩城 Gǔwán Chéng). On the 3rd ring road, just beyond Panjiayuan. This four-story white building houses the more upmarket variety of Chinese antiques, with prices to match. The management have been making determined efforts to stamp out fakes and low quality items, and, to some extent, have succeeded. However, the rule that applies to all antique shopping in China still remains in force: buyer beware. 
  • Sunny Gold Street (阳光金街; yángguāng jīn jīe), 2 Fangyuan Xi Lu (one block south and east of Lido hotel). A small two-storey market selling clothes, T-shirts, luggage, purses, wallets, some souvenirs etc. They have nothing you can't also buy at Yashow, but they are much smaller and calmer, so more relaxing. Convenient if you're staying at Lido hotel or in the area. 
  • Friendship Store (友谊商店; yǒuyì shāngdiàn), CITIC building, Jianguomenwai Dajie (Just east of Jianguomen station (lines 1 & 2)). A relic of communist China: where all foreigners used to have to shop. Prices are very high, and (not surprisingly) there's hardly anyone there. Come here to browse in peace and see what items and styles you like: then go to Silk market or Yashow to bargain for them. 
  • Liangma Flower Market (亮马花市场; liàngmǎ huā shìchǎng) (Behind the Kempinski hotel at Lufthansa Centre, across the footbridge over the river). First floor is cut flowers, all inexpensive. Around the sides are potted plants, home decorations, lamps. Upstairs are dishes and kitchenware. 
  • The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu / 光华路9号 (From the Yonganli subway stop, walk north along Dongdaqiao Street for 5-10 minutes and you'll see The Place to your right.). This outdoor complex is most well-known for having one of the largest LED screens in the world, which simultaneously serves as a futuristic roof. Come here in the evening to see various sorts of animations being shown over the full length of the screen. The Place also has a number of shops and cafes and is adjacent to another complex housing a number of restaurants. 

Eat

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Budget

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Sanlitun

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  • Chun Gu Xiang Dumpling Restaurant (春谷香), 22 Dongzhimenwai Dajie (Beside the Jingkelong convenience store, opposite the Canadian embassy. No English sign.), ☏ +86 10 64170460. 10:30-22:00. This is a typical local restaurant. Neither the food nor the decor are fancy, just cheap and good. No English spoken, although there is an English menu. Menu features boiled dumplings, and many other "homestyle" Chinese dishes (sweet and sour pork, kung pao chicken, dry-fried green beans, etc.) ¥15-20 per dish. 
  • Kiosk (南斯拉夫烤肉店; Nánsīlāfū Kǎoròudiàn), Sanlitun Jiubajie (三里屯酒吧街), ☏ +86 10 6413 2461. 11:00-21:00. Serves Serbian burgers and sandwiches. Outdoor seating only. 
  • Kebab Republic (土耳其烧烤共和国; Tǔěrqí Shāokǎo Gònghéguó), 30 Sanlitun Beilu (三里屯北路30号; Sānlǐtúnběilù), ☏ +86 10 6413 1473. 10:30-23:00. Serves Turkish kebabs. 

Worker's Stadium

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  • Modern Nomads (现代牧民; Xiàndàimùmín), 4 Gongti Beilu (工体北路4号; Gōngtǐběilù) (east of Worker's Stadium, west of Tuanjiehu Metro Station (line 10)), ☏ +86 10 6586 7757. 11:00-02:00. Mongolian cuisine specializing in mutton, also some western dishes. Live Mongolian music now and then. 
  • The Corner Melt, 55 Xingfucun Zhong Lu (朝阳区幸福村中路55号) (Midway between Dongsishitiao Station (Line 2) and Tuanjiehu Station (Line 10)), ☏ +86 10 6415 3713. Tu-F 08:00-00:00, Sa Su 11:00-00:00. Small restaurant offering variants of grilled cheese sandwiches and cheap beer (¥15 tallboy Pabst Blue Ribbon). ¥20-40. 
  • Fire, 1/F, China View Building, Gongti Donglu (工体东路中红街大厦1层), ☏ +86 10 8587 1027. Chinese. 
  • Anytime Cafe (狮子山下私房菜港式菜饭厅; Shīzishānxiàsīfángcài Gǎngshìcàifàntīng), 4 Gonti Beilu (工体北路4号; Gōngtǐběilù), ☏ +86 10 6586 3948. Basic dim sum restaurant. 
  • Club Sandwich, 18 Xinzhong Road (新中路18号; Xīnzhōnglù) (600 m northeast of Dongsishitiao Metro Station), ☏ +86 10 8447 3949. 09:00-21:00. Simple place serving sandwich and pizza. Free internet available. 

Chaoyang Park West Gate

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  • Ri Chang (日昌茶餐厅), 1 Nongzhanguan Nanlu (农展馆南路1号), ☏ +86 10 6593 1078. 09:00-04:00. Cantonese cuisine. The food and service is not remarkable, but it is cheap and it is open when everything else is closed. 
  • [dead link] Meizhou Dongpo (眉州东坡酒楼), Bldg 1, Tuanjiehu Dongli (团结湖东里1号楼), ☏ +86 10 8598 0158. 06:00-04:00. Sichuan cuisine. 
  • An Die An Niang (俺爹俺娘), West Gate of Chaoyang Park (朝阳公园西门), ☏ +86 10 6591 0231. 10:00-03:00. Shandong cuisine. Very basic and cheap place serving baozi and other home style dishes. 

Other

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  • Da Qing Hua (大青花), Panjiayuan Lu (West of the main (north) entrance to Panjiayuan market, on the south side of the street.). Simple dumpling restaurant, good for a quick bite after shopping at the market. 
  • 1 Yummy Box (美盒披萨), No.11 Fu'an West Rd, Wangjing 朝阳区望京阜安西路11号麒麟社AF105, ☏ +86 10 60780189. Pizza and western food in Wangjing, near the 798 Art District ¥50-100pp. (updated Apr 2015)

Mid-range

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  • 2 Sunbake & Brew (黄玉石阳光饼屋) (150 meters north of V-Continent Beijing Parkview Wuzhou Hotel), ☏ +86 10 6499 3996, . 10:30-22:30. Stretching and hiding at the North of Beijing (Yayuncun Area) is a contemporary American bistro, a mix of seasonal Western and Oriental cuisine & fresh brewed beer, Bavarian grill sausages, Italian pizzas, and what they claim is the "biggest American burger & hot dog in Beijing". ¥80 - 100. (updated Jun 2016)

Sanlitun Area

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  • Gesangmedo (格桑梅朵 Gésāngméiduǒ), Chaoyang District, Xindong Lu, Xingfu Ercun Shangye Building, 2nd fl. (朝阳区新东路幸福二村商业楼二层), ☏ +86 10 6417-9269. Daily 11:00-23:00. Tibetan food in a beautifully decorated interior, complete with a shrine in one corner. Attentive staff. Nightly live performance begins at 21:00. Subway: Line 2 to Dongzhimen and walk east on Dongzhimen Wai Dajie. Bus: 110, 117, 120, 813, 815, or 823 to Xingfu San Cun (幸福三村 Xìngfú Sān Cūn). 
  • Lau Pa Sak (老吧刹), Xindong Lu (新东路) (Southwest corner of intersection with Dongzhimenwai). Malaysian/Singaporean style food. Mee Goreng is good, as is Hainan chicken and freshly made curry puffs. 
  • Yuxin Sichuan Restaurant (渝信川菜 Yúxìn Chuāncài). M-F 10:00-22:00, Sa Su 11:00-22:00. One of the contenders in the ongoing competition for Beijing's best Sichuanese, Yuxin delivers on authenticity, flavor, and service. It's always busy, and always good. ¥30-50 per person. 
  • A5 Xingfu Yicun Xili, Chaoyang District, ☏ +86 1 6415 8108. (朝阳区幸福一村西里甲5号 Cháoyáng Qū Xìngfúyīcūn Xīlǐjiǎ wǔ hào). 
  • Panino Giusto, Xingfucun Zhongjie (幸福村中街) (Street is parallel to Gongti Beilu, but one block north, between Xindong Lu and Chunxiu Lu.). Great panini sandwiches, and salads. Tables outside in summer. Similar (but slightly better and cheaper) to Paninoteca, which has locations in north Sanlitun and in the Village mall. Sandwiches start at ¥28.. 
  • The Middle 8th Restaurant. Located near the Sanlitun bar district. Awesome Yunnan cuisine. Extremely fresh food. Lots of dishes in the ¥20-30 range. 
  • Bocata, 33 Sanlitun Lu, opposite 3.3 mall (三里屯路33号3.3大厦对面). Delicious grilled panini-style sandwiches. Lovely shady patio in summertime. ¥25-40 per sandwich. 
  • Kro's Nest, Inside Worker's Stadium North Gate (工体北门内), ☏ +86 10 65535253. Great thick-crust pizza. ¥90 for a medium pizza. 
  • Saddle Cantina, 81 Sanlitun Lu (三里屯北路81号) (inside the new Nali mall, just north of the Village and south of 3.3 mall). Good tex-mex food, especially the burritos. Also sometimes has drinks specials. 
  • Serve the People, 1 Sanlitun Xiwujie (三里屯西五街1号) (North end of Sanlitun Lu, cross Dongzhimenwai then take the first left.). Reliable Thai food. 
  • 3 Turkish Mum (土耳其妈妈), 3 Gongti Beilu 工体北路3号 (around the corner from Exit A Tuanjiehu), ☏ +86 10 8532 3979. Daily 11:30-23:30. A traditional Turkish restaurant in sumptuous surroundings ¥80-120 pp. (updated Mar 2015)
  • 4 Wine & Meat (酒肉朋友 / 左岸右岸(北京)商贸有限公司), Shop 1-035, Building 5, 8 Xindong Road, Sanlitun 北京市朝阳区新东路8号院(首开铂郡北区)5号楼1-035, ☏ +86 10 84244699. 15:00-23:00. This is a great new Western-style restaurant, which offers a range of choice in food and is great value for money. Good service too. From ¥200 pp. (updated May 2016)
  • 5 Q Mex Bar and Grill (库迈墨西哥餐吧), Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (nearby The Bookworm and D Lounge, under Kro's Nest) 工体北路4号院 (近老书虫与滚石，下乌巢;如需更详细解释请看Q Mex网站), ☏ +86 10 6585 3828. 11:30 - 14:30. This is a great Mexican restaurant. One of the best restaurants to have Mexican food in Beijing ¥100-120pp. (updated May 2016)
  • 6 Dr Cactus (北京仙人掌博士墨西哥餐厅), 1 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang 春秀路向北工体北路21号, ☏ +86 10-5602-7007. Great Mexican restaurant, good value for money. ¥50 - 120 pp. (updated May 2016)

Ritan/CBD Area

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  • Xiao Wang's Home Restaurant (小王府; Xiǎo Wáng Fù), Inside Ritan Park North Gate (日坛公园北门内), ☏ +86 10 85617859. Very good "homestyle" Chinese food, in a beautiful setting in the park. Not as expensive as the setting would make you believe. Some tables on a rooftop patio. Open all day but they don't serve food for a few hours in the afternoon. 
  • Xi He Ya Ju (羲和雅居), Ritan Dong Lu (日坛东路) (Northeast corner of Ritan Park), ☏ +86 10 85617643. Fairly upscale "homestyle" Chinese restaurant, popular with foreigners. 
  • Makye Ame, 11A Xiushui Nanjie Jianguomenwai Beijing, ☏ +86 10 6506 9616. Tibetan restaurant, features live dancing and performances. 
  • 7 Dacha (别墅西餐厅), 1 Ritan Lu 日坛路1号（日坛宾馆北侧） (Located inside the north entrance of Ritan Hotel), ☏ +86 10 8563 5765. Daily 10:00-03:00. Russian and Japanese cuisine, with a children's playground by day and bohemian entertainers by night ¥60-200 pp. (updated Mar 2015)
  • 8 Shash Restaurant (沙市城堡), No.10, Fourth Alley, Xiangjunbeili, Hujialou 朝阳区呼家楼向军北里四巷10号 (100 m north of Hujialou exit E, behind St Angels Hotel), ☏ +86 10 5190 7230. Daily 11:00-23:00. An exquisitely decorated castle is the setting for the best Uzbek, Russian and Chinese cuisine ¥100-150 pp. (updated Mar 2015)
  • 9 Yuppie Yummy (北京伍德斯托克餐饮有限公司), 17, Xiushui South Street, Jianwai Street 建外大街秀水南街17号,朝阳区建外大街秀水南街17号(北京友谊商店北侧). Su-W 10:30-01:00, Th-Sa 11:00-03:00. Cool and relaxed restaurant in Jianguomen serving up a short, American-inspired menu of burgers, ribs, salads, and steaks. (updated May 2016)
  • 10 Face (妃思), 26 Dongcaoyuan, Gongti Nanlu 工体南路东草园26号 (At the end of the lane), ☏ +86 10 6551 6738. Daily 14:00-late. Face Bar is eclectic. Its decor includes artifacts from all regions and all time periods of China and Southeast Asian. ¥60-150 pp. (updated May 2016)
  • 11 Hua’s Restaurant by CIEC-Expo (花家怡园 国展店), 3 Dangxiao Road, Jing’anli 静安里党校路3号, ☏ +86 10 5128 3319, toll-free: 400-0101717 (local rate). Daily 11:00-22:00. Chinese courtyard dining specialising in seafood ¥80-300 pp. (updated May 2016)

Solana and Lucky Street

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  • 12 Cygnet Hotpot (小天鹅重庆火锅), C1-22 Solana Commercial Area, Chaoyang Park Rd 朝阳区朝阳公园路蓝色港湾国际商区C1-22, ☏ +86 10 59056381. Hotpot is a North China tradition, and this style is considered the best of the best (updated Apr 2015)

Splurge

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  • Dadong Duck Restaurant (大董烤鸭店 Dàdŏng Kăoyā Diàn). Daily 11:00-22:00. Considered by some to be the best Beijing duck in the city, this upscale restaurant also delivers on a nice atmosphere. Reservations suggested. 
  • Tuanjiehu Beikou branch, Chaoyang District, Tuanjiehu Beikou Bldg. 3, East 3rd Rind Road (团结湖北口3号楼，东三环长虹桥西南角), ☏ +86 10 6582 2892. 
  • 13 Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰), 24 Xinyuang Xili Zhongjie; 新源西里中街24号 (Just west of the Yuyang Hotel.). 11:30 to 22:00. Expensive but delicious Shanghai-style dumplings. Second floor is non-smoking. 
  • Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant, 12 Nongzhanguan Nanlu (农展馆南路12号(通广大厦内)) (somewhat hard to find. East from the northeast corner of Gongti Beilu and Third Ring (Tuanjiehu subway station), you have to go under an archway in behind the office buildiing and around the corner), ☏ +86 10 65923627. Upscale vegetarian restaurant. Setting and presentation is beautiful. In the tradition of Chinese vegetarianism, many of the dishes are typical dishes made with "mock" meat (tofu). Try the mock Beijing duck. There's a second location inside Holiday Inn Lido Hotel. 
  • Shintori, Chaoyang District, 18 Jianguomen Wai Dajie (玄吧朝阳区建国门外大街18号), ☏ +86 10 6515-8585. 11:30-14:30, 17:30-23:00. Shintori is an exquisite Japanese restaurant which is almost impossible to find. Once you do find your way in, one can't help but be wowed when entering the main dining area. The food at Shintori is unquestionably good, but be prepared to pay a little more here. ¥300 per person. 
  • 14 The View 4109, Floor 41, Block A, SOHO Xiandaicheng, 88 Jianguo Rd (South of Dawanglu station (Line 1 and 14) Exit B). 10:00-24:00. Splurge French restaurant on the top floor of an office building, with a near-aerial view of CBD and surroundings. A similar restaurant run by its same owner is on the 39th floor, called The View 3912. ¥1000 per person. 
  • W Wine & Dine, 22 Dongzhimenwai Dajie (Southeast corner of intersection with Xindong Lu.), ☏ +86 10 64169838. Lovely, fancy and expensive French/European restaurant. A la carte may be expensive, but lunch set menu is excellent value for money at ¥98, which includes a glass of wine. 
  • 15 Pinotage Restaurant (Pinotage红酒屋), No.12 Dongzhimenwai Street 朝阳区东直门外大街12号 (39.93443), ☏ +86 10 6430 7010. Su-Th 12:00-21:00, F Sa 12:00-22:00. South African and western cuisine, with an extensive wine collection ¥100-200 pp. (updated Apr 2015)