Beijing/Chaoyang

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 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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Sanlitun is Beijing's most international and fashion-conscious district, known for its vibrant retail, dining, and nightlife scene. It offers one of the city's widest selections of restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it popular with both expatriates and visitors. Located next to Beijing's embassy district, Sanlitun is within easy cycling distance of Liangmaqiao and Chaoyang Park, one of the city's largest urban parks. Shared bicycles are widely available throughout the area.

The district's main commercial hubs are Sanlitun Taikoo Li and Sanlitun SOHO, located on opposite sides of Gongti North Road. Together they contain hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues, and are among the best places in Beijing for people-watching and checking out the fashion scene. Sanlitun SOHO is also known for its large number of halal restaurants with cuisines from across the Muslim world.

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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Adjacent to the ever-bustling Sanlitun, the area’s centerpiece is the scenic river that winds through the neighborhood. The waterfront is lively during the summer months. The river turns into a lively social hub where crowds flock to lounge on inflatable tubes and enjoy the festive atmosphere right on the water. Along the east bank is the sprawling Solana shopping mall, offering a blend of retail, entertainment, and al fresco dining.

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
Map of Beijing/Chaoyang

Chaoyang is extensively served by Beijing's subway network, with Lines 1, 3, 6, 10, 12, 14, 15, and 17, as well as the Capital Airport Express, providing convenient access to most parts of the district. Despite the dense coverage, Chaoyang is vast, and reaching your final destination may still require a 5–15 minute walk from the nearest station.

Line 10 is the district's most important subway line, connecting many of Chaoyang's major commercial, diplomatic, and residential areas. Line 3 serves the heart of Sanlitun. Line 1 provides access to the CBD, while Lines 14 and 15 serve destinations in eastern and northeastern Chaoyang, including 798 Art District and Wangjing.

Buildings

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The CCTV building
  • 39.913842116.4579811 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. CCTV Headquarters on Wikipedia China Media Group Guanghua Road Office Area (Q754321) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.911389116.4602782 CITIC Tower (China Zun) (中国尊 Zhōngguó Zūn). Beijing's tallest building (528m) completed in 2018. Its distinctive shape is inspired by the ancient Chinese zun ritual wine vessel and it dominates the CBD skyline just southeast of Guomao. China Zun on Wikipedia China Zun (Q197833) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.91093116.45223 World Trade Center Tower III (国贸三期 Guómào Sānqī). Just north-west of Guomao station, this 338m skyscraper is Beijing's second tallest building. It houses offices, the China World Summit Wing hotel, and restaurants and bars with panoramic city views. The terrace at Migas Mercado offers one of the city's best nighttime views of the illuminated CCTV Headquarters. China World Trade Center Tower III on Wikipedia China World Trade Center Tower III (Q2006129) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.91153116.4545754 World Trade Center Phase 3B (国贸三期B Guómào Sānqī B). Completed in 2017, this 296m tower stands immediately beside Tower III as part of the China World Trade Center complex, contributing to the iconic Guomao skyline. OSM directions

Temples

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  • 39.923611116.4377785 Dongyue Temple (东岳庙; Dōngyuèmiào), 141 Chaowai Street (朝外大街141号; Cháowàidàjiē), +86 10 6551 0151. 08:30-16:30, closed on Mondays. 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 on Wikipedia Beijing Dongyue Temple (Q814721) on Wikidata
  • 39.963056116.3841676 Xihuang Temple (西黄寺), No. 11 Huangsi Street, Chaoyang, +86 010-58350902. Sat Sun 09:00-16:00. A Gelugpa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the location of High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China and the residence of the current Panchen Lama. Requires reservation 7 days early on the WeChat public account "西黄寺博物馆" at 09:00, only 300 tickets available each day. Free. Xihuang Temple on Wikipedia Xihuang Temple (Q1378964) on Wikidata
  • 39.98902116.383947 Goddess Beiding Temple (北顶娘娘庙). 08:30-16:30. Free. zh:北頂娘娘廟 on Wikipedia Beiding Niangniang Temple (Q10904114) on Wikidata

Parks

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  • 39.945556116.4794448 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. Chaoyang Park on Wikipedia Beijing Chaoyang Park (Q1062603) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.9151116.43779 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 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. OSM directions
  • 39.866418116.48862710 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 on Wikipedia Happy Valley Beijing (Q3127206) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.92533116.4874411 [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 on Wikipedia Honglingjin Park (Q5895884) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.97097116.4691612 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 playgrounds. ¥10. Si'de Gongyuan on Wikipedia Lido Si'de Gongyuan (Q6543734) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 40.017703116.38605813 Olympic Forest Park. The largest city park, larger than the Central Park. Olympic Forest Park on Wikipedia Olympic Forest Park (Q7089073) on Wikidata OSM directions
    • 40.025703116.38605814 The North Park of the Olympic Forest Park. Olympic Forest Park on Wikipedia Olympic Forest Park (Q7089073) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.974082116.35257915 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 on Wikipedia Yuan Dadu City Wall Ruins Park (Q15908686) on Wikidata

Museums

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The Olympic Green area contains several of China's newest national museums, while the northeast of the district is home to major film, science and contemporary art institutions.

Major museums

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  • China National Film Museum (中国电影博物馆). One of the world's largest film museums, tracing the history of Chinese cinema from the late Qing dynasty to the present day. Features historic cameras, costumes, film memorabilia, reconstructed movie sets and extensive exhibits on major Chinese films and directors.
  • China Science and Technology Museum (中国科学技术馆). China's national science museum, featuring hundreds of hands-on exhibits covering spaceflight, robotics, transportation, physics and information technology. Also contains IMAX and dome theatres and hosts regular temporary exhibitions.
  • China Archaeology Museum (中国考古博物馆). Major national museum showcasing archaeological discoveries from across China, including prehistoric cultures, bronzes, ceramics, tomb artefacts and relics from early Chinese civilizations.
  • China National Arts & Crafts Museum (中国工艺美术馆). National museum dedicated to traditional Chinese decorative arts and intangible cultural heritage. Exhibits include jade, lacquerware, embroidery, cloisonné, textiles and masterworks of traditional craftsmanship.
  • Museum of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党历史展览馆). A comprehensive museum on the history of the Communist Party of China and modern Chinese history. Opened in 2021.
  • Red Sandalwood Museum (中国紫檀博物馆). Founded by collector Chen Lihua, this museum houses one of the world's largest collections of traditional zitan (red sandalwood) furniture, architectural models and decorative arts.
  • China Sports Museum (中国体育博物馆). Museum covering the history of Chinese sport and Olympic participation, with exhibits on major athletes, international competitions and the development of sport in modern China.

Specialist museums

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  • Art Museum of the Beijing Fine Art Academy. Museum attached to the Beijing Fine Art Academy, known for exhibitions of traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy and works by influential modern masters including Qi Baishi.
  • 39.983889116.39027816 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. Large anthropological museum and cultural park showcasing the cultures of China's 56 officially recognized ethnic groups. The site combines exhibition halls with full-scale reconstructions of traditional villages, houses, temples and landscapes, along with regular cultural performances and festivals. Covers about 50 hectares in two sections (North and South Parks). ¥90. China Ethnic Museum on Wikipedia China Ethnic Museum (Q5099673) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • Ethnic Costume Museum (民族服饰博物馆). Specialized museum affiliated with the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, displaying traditional costumes, textiles, embroidery, jewelry and ornaments from China's many ethnic groups. Particularly strong for research on ethnic dress and textile traditions. For a broader collection of ethnic artifacts, costumes and historical exhibits, see the Cultural Palace of Nationalities (民族文化宫) near Fuxingmen in Xicheng District.
  • Museum of Tibetan Culture (西藏文化博物馆). Museum dedicated to Tibetan history, religion and culture, with exhibits on traditional art, manuscripts, architecture and daily life across the Tibetan Plateau.
  • National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientists (中国科学家博物馆). Highlights the lives and achievements of leading Chinese scientists, engineers and inventors from the late Qing period to the present day.
  • National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature (中国现代文学馆). China's principal museum of modern literature, with exhibits on major twentieth-century writers, original manuscripts, personal belongings and reconstructed studies.
  • China Railway Museum (中国铁道博物馆). Museum devoted to the history of China's railways, featuring historic locomotives, railway equipment and exhibits on the development of the country's rail network.

Olympic venues

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The venues built for the 2008 Summer Olympics are concentrated in and around the Olympic Green in Chaoyang District. Today, the area functions primarily as a public park and civic district, with a small number of landmark facilities remaining as active sporting and entertainment venues. The Olympic Green itself is freely accessible, while individual venues charge admission for interior visits or events.

The main visitor interest is concentrated in a few iconic structures, while most other Olympic-era facilities continue to operate as functional sports infrastructure rather than standalone attractions.

  • 39.991544116.39047817 National Stadium (北京国家体育场; Běijīng Guójiā Tǐyùchǎng), Olympic Park, Chaoyang District (Subway Line 8 or 15 to Olympic Green station), +86 10 84986888. 09:00–19:00 (varies during events). Known as the "Bird’s Nest" (鸟巢), this Herzog & de Meuron-designed stadium is Beijing’s most recognisable Olympic landmark. It hosts major sporting events and concerts, and remains a primary architectural and tourism attraction. ¥50. Beijing National Stadium on Wikipedia Beijing National Stadium (Q133525) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.991667116.38416718 National Aquatics Center (国家游泳中心; Guójiā Yóuyǒng Zhōngxīn), Olympic Green, Chaoyang District (Subway Line 8 or 15 to Olympic Green station). Known as the "Water Cube" (水立方), this distinctive venue has been partially repurposed for swimming, exhibitions, and seasonal light shows. ¥30. Beijing National Aquatics Center on Wikipedia Beijing National Aquatics Center (Q244877) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.99478116.38395819 National Indoor Stadium (国家体育馆), Olympic Green, Chaoyang District (Subway Line 8 or 15 to Olympic Green station). A multi-purpose arena used for ice sports, concerts, and events, remaining an active venue within the Olympic Green complex. Beijing National Indoor Stadium on Wikipedia Beijing National Indoor Stadium (Q1139142) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 40.019133116.37345620 Olympic Green Tennis Center, Olympic Green, Chaoyang District. A major tennis complex that continues to host professional tournaments and public sporting events. National Tennis Center, Beijing on Wikipedia National Tennis Center, Beijing (Q1763829) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.982222116.39305621 Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Beichen Road area. A renovated multi-purpose stadium used for football matches, athletics, and concerts. Olympic Sports Centre (Beijing) on Wikipedia National Olympic Sports Centre Stadium (Q1631730) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.929528116.44113922 Beijing Workers’ Stadium (工人体育场; Gōngréntǐyùchǎng), Gongti North Road (Subway Line 3 or 17 to Workers’ Stadium station). A major modernised stadium and entertainment complex anchoring the Gongti district, hosting football matches, concerts, and large-scale events. Workers' Stadium on Wikipedia Workers Stadium (Q627250) on Wikidata OSM directions

Contemporary art

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798 Art District

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The 798 Art District (798艺术区; 798 Yìshù Qū), also known as the Dashanzi Art District (大山子艺术区), occupies a former military electronics factory complex in northeastern Chaoyang. Since the early 2000s it has developed into China's best-known contemporary art district, with galleries, museums, cafés, bookstores and cultural venues housed in renovated Bauhaus-style factory buildings. The district is worth exploring on foot for its contemporary art spaces, public sculptures and distinctive industrial architecture, much of it still marked by Mao-era slogans and factory signage.

Although 798 is no longer the undisputed centre of China's avant-garde art scene, it remains Beijing's premier destination for visitors interested in contemporary Chinese art. Many pioneering artists and galleries have relocated over the years as rents increased and the district became more commercialised, but 798 still offers the city's largest concentration of contemporary art venues and regularly hosts major exhibitions by Chinese and international artists.

The area is served by Gaojiayuan Station (高家园站) on Subway Line 12, directly outside the main entrance. Jiangtai Station (将台站) on Line 14 is also within walking distance. Weekends and public holidays can be very crowded.

  • UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (尤伦斯当代艺术中心), +86 10 5780 0200. Tue-Sun. China's leading contemporary art museum and the anchor institution of the 798 Art District. Hosts major exhibitions of Chinese and international artists, along with film screenings, talks and educational programmes. Exhibitions usually ticketed.
  • Tang Contemporary Art (当代唐人艺术中心), +86 10 5978 9579. Tue-Sun. One of Asia's most prominent commercial contemporary art galleries, exhibiting established and emerging Chinese and international artists. Free.
  • Beijing Commune (北京公社), +86 10 8456 2862. Tue-Sun. Influential gallery representing many of China's leading contemporary artists, with exhibitions often focused on experimental and conceptually driven work. Free.

Caochangdi

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Caochangdi (草场地) emerged in the 2000s as an alternative to 798 as artists and galleries sought lower rents and more space. Located a few kilometres northeast of 798 beyond the Fifth Ring Road, it became one of China's most important centres for experimental contemporary art. Redevelopment and rising costs have reduced its prominence, but it remains of interest to serious contemporary-art enthusiasts and still hosts several respected galleries and institutions.

The galleries are spread across former village lanes and industrial compounds, making the area less convenient to explore than 798.

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, about 1 km northeast of Liangmaqiao Metro Station (Line 10)). A long-running performance venue in the Liangmaqiao/Lufthansa Centre area hosting a mix of concerts, theatre, dance, and touring productions. While once especially popular with the expat community, it now serves a broader mainstream audience and continues to operate as a multi-purpose cultural venue.
  • 39.921116.4561 Chaoyang Theater (朝阳剧场; Cháoyáng Jùchǎng), 36 North East Third Ring Road (东三环北路36号; Dōngsānhuán Běilù) (Hujialou Station (Lines 6 & 10)). Performances typically in the late afternoon and evening. One of Beijing’s best-known venues for acrobatics shows, presenting highly polished, tourist-oriented performances with occasional cultural programming such as Peking opera. It remains a staple evening entertainment option in Chaoyang. ¥180–680. OSM directions
  • China Puppet Theater (中国木偶剧院; Zhōngguó Mù’ǒu Jùyuàn), 1 Anhua Xili, East Third Ring Road (东三环安华西里甲1号; Dōngsānhuán Ānhuáxīlǐ). Regular daytime and weekend performances. A dedicated theatre for puppet performances, primarily aimed at children and families. It stages both traditional Chinese stories and adapted Western classics, along with interactive educational shows.

Swimming

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  • 39.9248116.45952 Tuanjiehu Swimming Pool (团结湖游泳池; Tuánjiéhú Yóuyǒngchí), 16 Tuanjiehu South Road (团结湖南路16号; Tuánjiéhú Nánlù) (Near Hujialou Station (Lines 6 & 10), Exit B). Summer seasonal operation. A public swimming complex that operates mainly during the summer months. Facilities typically include indoor/outdoor pools depending on the season and weather conditions. It is a straightforward municipal option rather than a leisure resort-style water park. ¥30. OSM directions
  • 39.908219116.4434171 Silk Street (Xiushui Street Market) (秀水街 Xiùshuǐ Jiē), 8 East Xiushui St., Jianguomenwai Dajie (Near Yong'anli Station (Line 1 / Line 17 interchange) or Jianguomen Station (Lines 1 & 2)). Daily 10:00–21:00. Once Beijing’s iconic bargaining bazaar for tourists seeking imitation luxury goods, Silk Street has been fully modernized into an air-conditioned retail complex. Today it functions more as a fixed-price or lightly negotiable mall rather than a true bargaining market. Silk Street on Wikipedia Silk Street (Q3435628) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.938197116.4541972 Taikoo Li Sanlitun (Sanlitun Village) (三里屯太古里), Corner of Gongti Beilu and Sanlitun Lu (Near Tuanjiehu Station (Line 10) or Dongzhimen Station (Lines 2, 13, Airport Express)). Daily 10:00–22:00. An open-air, high-end retail and lifestyle district completed in phases from 2008 onward, now one of Beijing’s main international shopping and leisure hubs. It combines flagship luxury stores, global fashion brands, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues in a pedestrian-oriented layout. Unlike traditional malls, it is structured as a low-rise complex of interconnected blocks. It is especially busy in the evenings and on weekends, when it functions as a nightlife and social centre. Taikoo Li Sanlitun on Wikipedia Taikoo Li Sanlitun (Q7418794) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.908453116.4530833 China World Trade Center Mall (Guomao) (国贸), 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie (Guomao Station (Lines 1 & 10 interchange)). Daily 10:00–22:00. A large high-end shopping complex integrated into Beijing’s central business district skyline. The mall is dominated by luxury and premium international brands, business-oriented retail, and upscale dining. It caters primarily to office workers and affluent shoppers rather than tourists, with pricing and positioning firmly at the premium end of the market. The China World Trade Center on Wikipedia The China World Trade Center (Q1642373) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 39.876094116.4582934 Panjiayuan Antique Market (潘家园 Pānjiāyuán), 29 Tianya Hongqiao Rd, Chaoyang (Panjiayuan Station (Line 10)). Daily 08:30–18:00 (weekends busiest). Beijing’s largest flea and antique market, now operating largely as a curated mix of antiques, replicas, collectibles, and cultural crafts. While genuine antiques exist, the majority of goods are modern reproductions or decorative items. The market remains popular for browsing and souvenir hunting rather than serious antiquities trading. Bargaining is still expected, especially for higher-priced stalls, but pricing has become more structured than in the past. Panjiayuan antique market on Wikipedia Beijing Antique Market (Q10902349) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • Guwan Cheng Antique Market (Ancient Arts City) (古玩城 Gǔwán Chéng), North of Panjiayuan, East 3rd Ring Road (Near Panjiayuan Station (Line 10)). Daily 10:00–18:00. A multi-storey indoor antique and collectibles complex positioned slightly upmarket from Panjiayuan. It focuses on ceramics, furniture, calligraphy, and curated “antique-style” pieces. Compared with Panjiayuan’s outdoor flea-market atmosphere, Guwan Cheng is more formal, with greater emphasis on established dealers and higher entry pricing. As always in Beijing’s antiques trade, authenticity varies and buyer caution is required.
  • Friendship Store (Jianguomen Branch) (友谊商店 Yǒuyì Shāngdiàn), CITIC Building, Jianguomenwai Dajie (Jianguomen Station (Lines 1 & 2)). Daily 10:00–21:00. A legacy department store from the early reform era when foreign visitors had restricted retail access. Today it operates as a quiet, fixed-price retail space with mid- to high-end goods. It is no longer a practical shopping destination for value, but remains of historical interest as a symbol of earlier foreign-access retail in Beijing.
  • Liangma Flower Market (亮马花市场), Behind Kempinski Hotel, Lufthansa Centre area (Liangmaqiao Station (Line 10), then walk toward Kempinski / river footbridge). Daily 09:00–20:00. A large indoor flower and home goods market. The ground floor focuses on cut flowers and plants at low prices, while upper levels sell kitchenware, decorative items, and household goods. It remains one of the better-value casual shopping options in the Lufthansa embassy district.
  • The Place (Shimao Tianjie) (世贸天阶 The Place), 9 Guanghua Lu / 光华路9号 (Near Yong’anli Station (Line 1 / Line 17 interchange)). Daily 10:00–22:00. An outdoor commercial complex best known for its massive overhead LED canopy screen, which displays synchronized light shows in the evening. Beyond the visual attraction, it contains mid-range retail shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Budget

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Sanlitun

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  • Side Street Jianguomen (赛德斯特汉堡). Popular local burger place owned by Indian expat, known for creative burgers and strong value. Widely regarded as one of Beijing’s better casual burger options. ¥50-90.
  • Khan Baba (汗巴巴餐厅). Daily. Long-running Pakistani restaurant popular with diplomats, expats and students. Serves kebabs, curries, biryani, naan and other South Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Service can be slow at peak times. ¥40-80.

Mid-range

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Sanlitun

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  • The Middle 8th (中8楼). Daily. Well-known Yunnan restaurant featuring mushroom dishes, grilled fish and regional specialties. ¥80-150.
  • Mosto. Daily. Modern Mediterranean restaurant with a large terrace and extensive wine list. ¥150-250.
  • Home Plate BBQ. Daily. Texas-style barbecue and one of Beijing’s long-established expat dining institutions. ¥120-250.
  • Turkish Feast (土耳其盛宴). Daily. Turkish restaurant serving kebabs, pide, mezze and desserts. ¥100-180.

CBD / Ritan

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  • Migas Mercado, China World Mall. Daily. Spanish tapas and paella restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Beijing CBD skyline, including close views of the CCTV Headquarters. ¥150-250.
  • Hua's Restaurant (花家怡园), Various branches. Daily. Upscale Beijing cuisine and seafood served in traditional courtyard-style settings. ¥120-300.
  • Xi He Ya Yuan (羲和雅苑), Ritan area. Daily. Well-known restaurant specializing in Peking duck and refined northern Chinese cuisine. ¥150-350.
  • Makye Ame (玛吉阿米), Jianguomenwai area. Daily. Tibetan restaurant with traditional décor and occasional cultural performances. ¥120-250.

Splurge

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  • Opera Bombana (奥佩拉·博巴纳), Parkview Green Fangcaodi (芳草地). Daily. Elegant Italian fine dining by chef Umberto Bombana, known for refined tasting menus and high-quality ingredients. One of Beijing’s top upscale Italian restaurants. ¥500-1000.
  • Da Dong (大董), Tuanjiehu and other branches. Daily. One of Beijing’s most famous Peking duck restaurants. Reservations recommended. ¥300-600.
  • TRB Hutong (Temple Restaurant Beijing), Shatan North Street. Daily. Fine dining in a restored historic building near the Forbidden City. Frequently ranked among Beijing’s top special-occasion restaurants. ¥800+.
  • Bottega, Taikoo Li Sanlitun. Daily. Upscale Italian restaurant popular with expats and business diners. ¥250-500.

Drink

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Sanlitun (三里屯 Sānlǐtún) remains Beijing's best-known nightlife district beside the embassy area. Sanlitun is accessed via Tuanjiehu Station on Line 10. Nearby on the west side of Worker's Stadium (Gongti) is a number of large night clubs with high-capacity dance floors and international DJ programming.

Between Sanlitun and Gongti, Heaven Supermarket is a popular beer hall offering hundreds of imported and domestic beers at relatively low prices. Its Chinese music, casual atmosphere and inexpensive drinks attract an unusually diverse crowd of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Migas Mercado, in China World Trade Center Tower III (Phase 3B) near Guomao, is known for its terrace, offering the best nighttime views of the illuminated CCTV Headquarters. In the neighboring China World Tower (Phase 3A), the Atmosphere Bar is a hotel bar high above the CBD.

Sleep

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Budget

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Mid-range

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  • The Kunlun Beijing (北京昆仑饭店), 2 Xinyuan South Road (Near Liangmaqiao). Large traditional 5-star hotel. The 29th-floor revolving restaurant offers panoramic views of the skyline of the CDB as the dining floor slowly rotates. Coffee in the afternoon costs 78 RMB including service. There is also a huge Moutai shop in the lobby, with Moutai bottles in all sizes. 850 RMB.
  • Grand Millennium Beijing (北京千禧大酒店), Dongsanhuan Middle Road, CBD (Fortune Plaza area). Large-scale 5-star business hotel in central Chaoyang CBD corridor.
  • Hotel Jen Beijing (北京瑜舍), China World Trade Center Tower B, CBD (China World Trade Center, adjacent to Guomao station). Contemporary 5-star business and lifestyle hotel occupying China World Tower Phase 3B. A stylish and generally better-value alternative to the more expensive China World Summit Wing in the neighboring tower.

Splurge

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  • China World Summit Wing, Beijing (北京国贸大酒店), China World Tower, China World Trade Center, CBD (China World Trade Center, adjacent to Guomao station), +86 10 6505 2299. Ultra-luxury Shangri-La hotel occupying the upper floors of China World Tower Phase 3A, Beijing's iconic 330-meter CBD skyscraper. The hotel offers panoramic city views and an unusually vertical hotel experience, with guest rooms beginning on the 64th floor.
  • Rosewood Beijing (北京瑰丽酒店) (Near Hujialou station (Line 10)). Widely regarded as one of Beijing's finest luxury hotels, featuring spacious rooms, Michelin-starred dim sum, and one of the city's strongest luxury breakfast buffets, including eggs Benedict made to order at the egg station. The property is also known for its sophisticated design and the stylish Mei Bar.
  • Park Hyatt Beijing (北京柏悦酒店), Beijing Yintai Centre (CBD skyline tower hotel), +86 10 8567 1234. High-rise luxury hotel occupying the upper floors of Beijing Yintai Centre, known for sweeping skyline views.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Beijing (北京四季酒店), 48 Liangmaqiao Road (Embassy district near Liangmaqiao), +86 10 5695 8888. Contemporary luxury hotel in the embassy district, known for extensive wellness facilities and one of Beijing's most impressive indoor pools.
  • Bvlgari Hotel Beijing (北京宝格丽酒店), Building 2, Genesis Beijing, Xinyuan South Road (Liangma River waterfront), +86 10 8555 8555. Exclusive Italian luxury hotel featuring elegant contemporary interiors
  • Hotel Éclat Beijing (北京怡亨酒店), Parkview Green FangCaoDi, Dongdaqiao Road (Inside Parkview Green complex), +86 10 8561 2888. Boutique luxury hotel distinguished by its extensive contemporary art collection
  • CHAO Sanlitun Beijing (北京三里屯CHAO酒店), No. 4 Gongti East Road, Chaoyang District (South of Sanlitun), +86 10 5876 3333. Design-focused lifestyle hotel combining luxury accommodation with galleries, cultural programming and a private club atmosphere.

Connect

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This district travel guide to Chaoyang is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.