Xicheng District (simplified Chinese: 西城区; traditional Chinese: 西城區; pinyin: Xīchéng Qū, lit. "West City District") is a district in Beijing, China. Xicheng District spans 32 square kilometres, making it the largest portion of the old city (inside the 2nd Ring Road), and has 706,691 inhabitants (2000 Census). Its postal code is 100032. Xicheng is subdivided into 15 subdistricts of the city proper of Beijing. The former Xuanwu District was merged into Xicheng on July 2010.

The Xidan commercial district, Finance Street (Jinrongjie), Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, Shichahai and Zhongnanhai are within its jurisdiction. The popular Houhai bar area is also in Xicheng Precinct. Before the communist takeover, most royalties and aristocrats resided in the precinct. The oldest Catholic church in Beijing, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is located in Xicheng.

Economy

COSCO has its headquarters in the Ocean Plaza building in Xicheng. The Xinhua News Agency has its headquarters in the Dacheng Plaza (大成大厦 Dàchéng Dàshà) in Xicheng. In addition Bank of China and the State Grid Corporation of China also have their headquarters in Xicheng.

Important areas in Xicheng District

Beijing Zoo

Drum Tower and Bell Tower

Fayuan Temple

Huguang Guild Hall

Miaoying Temple

Niujie Mosque

Liulichang -- an antiques market

Prince Gong's Residence (Gongwang Fu)

Xinjiekou