If we examine China's architectural history, cities like Qingdao, Tianjin, and Shanghai possess numerous remnants of European-style buildings. In fact, Beijing also boasts several sites brimming with European charm. Let's explore some of them together!

Beijing Exhibition Center

Near the western 2nd Ring Road lies a distinctive exotic-style building exuding a strong Russian flavor. The Beijing Exhibition Center, established in 1954, gives a sense of 'touring Russia' upon stepping inside.

This complex features soaring Gothic-style spires adorned with a massive red pentagonal star. The main building's sides present semicircular structures, adorned with 18 tall columns, each topped with a round "medal" between adjacent ones. The circular square design adopts a typical Russian style, subtly incorporating Chinese traditional elements. Viewed from afar, the overall architecture appears symmetrical and majestic.

The No. 1 pavilion on the west side serves as the main venue for exhibiting Russian artwork. Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, the vivid paintings crafted with artists' dedication complement the rich Russian-style architecture, witnessing the artistic and amicable beauty of Sino-Russian cultures together.

Moscow Restaurant, established in the 1980s, was Beijing's first top-grade Russian restaurant that fomally opened to the public. This establishment carries the nostalgia of several generations, preserving memories of that era.

Address: 135 Xizhimen Outer Street, Beijing

Duan Qirui's Former Government Site 

Stepping into the gate of The Renmin University of China's old campus at 3 Zhang Zizhong Road, one encounters the remarkable former principal building of the Army Department of Qing Dynasty. This Western classical-style building faces north-south, featuring a prominent four-story castle-shaped bell tower, surrounded by brick-column galleries. The roof, constructed with triangular trusses and iron sheeting, is a splendid fusion of gray brick facades with ornate Chinese brick carvings.

3 Zhang Zizhong Road in Dongcheng District served as Duan Qirui's Former Government Site and simultaneously, the site of the former site of the Army and Navy Department of Qing Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, three mansions existed here: the Prince He's Mansion to the east, the Prince Gong's Mansion in the middle, and Princess Hejing's Mansion to the west. In 1907, the buildings within the east and middle mansions were demolished and replaced by three groups of brick-and-wood structures: the main building in the middle adopted a European classical-style gray brick building, while each east, west, and north side housed one building for the Army and Navy Department of Qing Dynasty.

In 1912, when Yuan Shikai became the interim President of the Republic of China, the Office of the President and the State Council were located here. After 1919, Jin Yunpeng became the Minister of War and then Premier of China, thus, it became the Minister's Office. In 1924, Duan Qirui was elected as the Provisional Chief Executive of Republic of China by the Beiyang warlords, and this place served as his government office. Presently, it houses the Institute of History of the Republic China of Renmin University of China and is open for reservation by public groups.

Address: 3 Zhang Zizhong Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Dongjiaomin Xiang

Dongjiaomin Xiang, hustling and bustling, boasts a unique Western architectural ensemble in old Beijing. It is also Beijing's longest hutong, stretching 1552 meters from Chongwenmen Inner Street in the east to the east side of Tiananmen Square.

In 1861, Emperor Xianfeng officially established the Zongli Yamen for handling foreign affairs. Subsequently, Western powers demanded embassy establishments in Beijing, gradually transforming Dongjiaomin Xiang into a diplomatic quarter.

In 1901, due to the "Boxer Protocol", the Qing government designated Dongjiaomin Xiang as an embassy area. Not until the liberation of Beiping in 1949 did Dongjiaomin Xiang begin to return to normal. On June 25, 2001, the State Council announced the "Dongjiaomin Xiang" architectural complex as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, including many former embassy sites.

Thus, it became Beijing's most unique and exotic foreign-style hutong.

Address: Dongjiaomin Xiang, Chongwenmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Wangfujing Catholic Church

Popularly known as the East Church, Wangfujing Catholic Church's nowadays is a three-story Romanesque architecture, being one of the Beijing's four major Catholic churches. In the late Ming Dynasty, two missionaries, the Italian Li Leisi and the Portuguese An Wensi, were captured by Qing soldiers in Sichuan to work for the Prince Su’s Mansion while conducting missionary work. In the 12th year of Shunzhi, they were granted a house and an empty plot, where they built the earliest East Church.

Today, not far from Wangfujing Street and surrounded by modern buildings, Wangfujing Catholic Church stands out, adding a touch of mystery to the surroundings. Benches in the square on the front side are available for pedestrians to rest, and the green space facing the street often attracts tourists for photographs.

Address: 74 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Jingshunyuan Park

The park near Siyuan Bridge in Chaoyang District, named Jingshunyuan Park, features trees like plane trees, pine and cypress, creating a tranquil and pleasant environment.

The Jingshunyuan Park, which is a niche tourist attraction, was once a private French-style manor. After re-planning, it was transformed into a public urban space open for free. The park replicates the French ambiance and has several "artificial landscapes" for photo opportunities. Following the path leads to the Basement FG, a trendy brand store hidden in the park, often visited by young men and women for shopping, becoming another scenic spot in the park.

Here, the harmony between the green landscape and trendy art allows visitors to immerse in a relaxed, fashionable, and trendy shopping experience, elevating shopping itself into a stylish lifestyle.

Address: East of Yazhijie Central Parking Lot, Jingmi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Rending Lake Park

Rending Lake Park is a leisure park open to the public for free. It was built with the participation of the masses in 1958, underwent renovations in April 1994, and was completed in June 1996. Covering a total area of 9.2 hectares, with a water area of 1 hectare, the park is designed around a central lake. The northern half mainly consists of lawns, rose gardens, woodlands, and decorative squares, while the southern portion features sculptures, flower racks, scenic walls, and water features, creating a garden environment with a European courtyard style.

The most eye-catching point of the park should be the European-style courtyard located at the southern entrance. Despite its modest size, it showcases various European elements such as Roman column gates, colonnades, and sculptures. The park is designed with areas depicting world garden history scenes, including Ancient Rome, Egypt, the Babylonian Garden, Islamic courtyards, Versailles Palace gardens, and classical Chinese-style "Three Pools Mirroring the Moon," presenting an exquisite and diverse landscape.

Address: 25 Liupukang Street, Xicheng District, Beijing