DK Travel : Beijing : Places of interest

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Ri Tan Park

One of the city’s oldest parks, Ri Tan was laid out around a sacrificial altar back in the 16th century. The round altar remains, ringed by a circular wall, but this is very much a living park, filled daily with people walking and exercising. Being at the heart of the embassy district, the park is well tended and surrounded by lots of good restaurants and cafés.
Sanlitun

Beijing’s main expat-friendly boozing district, Sanlitun is famed for its “Bar Street”, more properly known as Sanlitun Bei Lu. It also has the highest concentration of decent international restaurants (see Restaurants) and lots of boutique shopping (see Shops, Markets, and Malls). Streets around here, although modern, are at least tree-lined and, with plenty of cafés for refreshment stops, it’s a pleasant district in which to wander.

Sanlitun bar
Science and Technology Museum

Exhibits begin with ancient science, highlighting China’s “technological pre-eminence in history.” The technology comes up to date with Chinese space capsules, robots, and an Astro-vision Theater incorporating state-of-the-art cinematography. Although this museum opened only in 1988, a new science museum is already under construction and is due to open in time for the 2008 Olympics.
Science and Technology Museum

Lots of hands-on and interactive exhibits for children to pull, push, and even walk through. There is also an Imax-style movie theater and an indoor play area on the third and fourth floors of a separate building north of the main entrance (see Science and Technology Museum).
Shidu

Shidu offers a fabulous escape from the commotion of urban Beijing and a chance to enjoy some stunning natural scenery. Before the new road and bridges were built, travelers had to cross the Juma River ten times as they journeyed through the gorge between Shidu and nearby Zhangfang village, hence the name Shidu, which means “Ten Crossings.” Pleasant walking trails wind along the riverbank between impressive gorges and limestone formations.
SOHO

Beijing’s own SOHO (it stands for Small Office, Home Office) is a high-rise complex of residential and commercial property in the city’s rapidly developing Central Business District. It represents a new form of Chinese design, somewhere between Scandinavian modern and Ming minimalism. Visit to see what some believe represents the future of Beijing, also for good shopping, dining, and for the chance to meet real Chinese yuppies.
South Cathedral

The first Catholic church to be built in Beijing stands on the site of the residence of the first Jesuit missionary to reach the city, Matteo Ricci. Arriving in 1601, the Italian won the favor of the Wanli emperor by presenting him with gifts of European curiosities such as clocks and mathematical instruments. Ricci founded the church in 1605, although the present building dates to 1904, replacing a structure that was burned down during the Boxer Rebellion. It boasts some fine stained-glass windows.
South Cathedral

Also known as St. Mary’s Church, this was Beijing’s first Catholic house of worship. It remains the largest functioning church, and has regular services in a variety of languages including Chinese, English, and Latin. Service times are posted on the noticeboard (see South Cathedral).
Southeast Corner Watchtower

A short distance south of the Second Ring Road an imposing chunk of the old Beijing city wall survives, including an imposing 15th-century watch-tower. Visitors can climb onto the battlements and walk along a short stretch of wall. The tower is also home to the commercial Red Gate Gallery.
St. Joseph’s Church

Also known as the East Cathedral, this is an attractive triple-domed church in the Baroque style. It was first built on the site of the residence of a Jesuit missionary in 1655 and, following earthquakes, fire, and the destruction wrought during the Boxer Rebellion, has had to be rebuilt on a number of occasions since. It is fronted by a gateway and piazza, and is beautifully lit at night.