Beijing's night view should be described as dignified and beautiful. Tian'anmen Square shines like a dazzling star, with its lights glowing brilliantly, and its ancient architecture is arranged in a well-ordered, harmonious layout, evoking the grandeur of the former imperial city. However, Beijing's night scene is more than just this. The trendy and fashionable China World Trade Center area, the ancient charm of Shichahai, and the European-style ambiance of Beijing Solana…
Chang'an Jie (Ave)
Chang'an Jie (Ave) was once considered the longest and widest street in the world and is one of the most important streets in China. In China, it is sometimes referred to as the "First Street of China." It also serves as an east-west axis in Beijing, stretching from Dongdan in the east to Xidan in the west. Tian'anmen is located on the northern side of the midpoint of Chang'an Jie (Ave), with Tian'anmen Square situated on its southern side.
Chang'an Jie (Ave) holds a significant position in Beijing and across China. It is home to China's symbol, Tian'anmen, and Tian'anmen Square, both located along the street. On either side of Chang'an Jie (Ave), you can also find important government institutions, such as the Great Hall of the People, Zhongnanhai, and other central government agencies, including the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China.
Chang'an Jie (Ave) is also lined with numerous cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of China, the Palace Museum, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Beijing Concert Hall, and the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution. Alongside these, there are several important commercial districts, including the CBD, Dongdan, Wangfujing, Xidan, and Financial Street. The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, is also located on Chang'an Jie (Ave). Additionally, both Beijing Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station are situated near the street.
Beijing Solana
Beijing Solana is a shopping park filled with brilliant sunshine, tranquil lakes, elegant architecture, and romantic pathways. Located on the northwest lakeshore of Chaoyang Park, Asia's largest urban park, it is a European-style commercial town offering a unique and charming atmosphere.
The Beijing Solana has visited shopping centers around the world and introduced the globally popular "Lifestyle Shopping Center" concept, blending it with Beijing's consumption trends to create China's first Lifestyle Shopping Park. It is not only a fashion landmark that connects with international trends but also a shopping paradise and gathering space where visitors can enjoy the sunshine and lakeside atmosphere.
The Beijing Solana seamlessly blends diverse businesses with a beautiful environment. Surrounded by the vast lake of Chaoyang Park and the crystal-clear waters of Liangma River, it shines with remarkable beauty. The district features intricately designed water landscapes, lush sky gardens, and the Beijing Solana Brand Forest, made up of over 300 trees, offering a rare oasis in the urban concrete jungle.
Address: No. 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Shichahai
Shichahai, also known as "Ten Temples Sea" due to the ten Buddhist temples that once surrounded it, was originally called Haizi during the Yuan Dynasty. It is a long and wide water area that was reduced in size at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, eventually forming the interconnected waterways of Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai. Since the Qing Dynasty, it has been a popular summer leisure destination. The three lakes are known for their clear, rippling waters, willow-lined shores, distant mountains with a misty, ink-like hue, and picturesque scenery, making it one of the most famous sights of ancient Beijing.
Xihai Wetland Park features clear waters and lush vegetation, with blooming lotus flowers and thriving reeds in summer, and waterfowl playing in the area. In winter, the remnants of lotus flowers provide a unique charm. Qianhai offers a view of the expansive water surface of Shichahai, with ancient buildings surrounding it. Houhai is famous for its iconic Yinding Bridge, where visitors can enjoy the stunning view of the "Yinding Bridge Viewing Mountain" and is also a great spot for taking photos.
The Shichahai Scenic Area is home to numerous typical hutongs (narrow alleys) and siheyuan (courtyard houses), including notable ones like the large and small Jinsi Hutongs in the Jinsitao area, Nan and Bei Guan Fang Hutongs, and Ya'er Hutong along the northern shore of Houhai. Other famous hutongs include Baimi Xiejie and Yandai Xiejie, which are known for their historical and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.
Relying on its hutongs and siheyuan, the Shichahai area has long been home to many distinctive folk activities, such as releasing lotus lanterns, boating on the lake, enjoying banquets and lotus viewing, ice-sledding, and ice-skating. To this day, many vibrant folk activities continue to thrive in the Shichahai area, including fishing, swimming, rowing, boating, playing chess, singing and playing instruments, and summer dance parties. These activities preserve the rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere of the area.
Address: No. 49, Di'anmen Xidajie (St), Xicheng District, Beijing
CCTV Tower
The CCTV Tower, currently a national 4A-level scenic spot, is located on the west side of Xisanhuan Middle Road in Haidian District, Beijing, near the Hangtian Bridge. To the east, it faces the picturesque Yuyuantan and the famous Diaoyutai; to the south, it overlooks Gongzhu Fen; and to the north, it provides a view of Fucheng Road.
The CCTV Tower began construction in January 1987 and was completed in September 1994, officially opening on October 1st of the same year. Covering an area of 15.4 hectares, the tower stands at a height of 386.5 meters, and with the addition of its lightning rod, reaches a total height of 405 meters. Weighing 50,000 tons, this multifunctional modern landmark is capable of broadcasting 8 television channels and 10 radio stations. It is the third tallest tower in China, the sixth tallest in the world, a member of the World Federation of Great Towers, and a member of the High Tower Committee of the China Radio Television Association.
The China Central Television Tower (CCTV Tower) is a comprehensive building that integrates broadcasting and television transmission, tourism, sightseeing, dining, and entertainment, making it an important symbol of modern Beijing. The tower consists of more than 20 floors. Its design takes into account Beijing's unique geographical environment, aiming to showcase the tower's Chinese attributes and the city's characteristics. The tower's nighttime lighting is also remarkable, having been awarded the first prize for capital city night lighting work. At night, the CCTV Tower looks like a giant lantern hanging in the sky when viewed from below.
Address: No. 11, Xisanhuan Zhonglu (W.3rd Ring Rd Middle), Haidian District, Beijing
Qianmen Street
Qianmen Street is a famous commercial street in Beijing. Located along the city's central axis, it starts from Qianmen Crescent Bay in the north and extends to the Tiantiao intersection in the south, connecting with Tiantiao South Street. Originally built in the 29th year of the Ming Jiajing era (1550), before the construction of the outer city, it served as the emperor's route to the Temple of Heaven and the Shanchuan Temples. After the outer city's construction, it became the main north-south street of the outer city.
Guanghe Lou also known as "Guanghecha Lou" or "Cha Lou," is a must-see landmark on Qianmen Street, preserving the early memories of Peking opera culture in old Beijing. Built at the end of the Ming Dynasty, it was once the city's earliest and most famous theater, alongside Huayue Lou, Guangde Lou, and the First Stage, collectively known as the Four Great Theaters of Beijing. Originally a private theater in a garden, its prosperity began during the Kangxi period. At that time, it was no longer a secluded pavilion within a private garden but had been transformed into a public tea house, where people could rest and drink tea. It was initially named Chajiacha Lou or Chajia Lou, later renamed Guanghecha Lou.
The long history of Qianmen Street has given rise to many time-honored Chinese brands, such as Liubiju Soy Sauce Shop, Tongrentang Pharmacy, Ruifuxiang Silk Store, Changchuntang Pharmacy, Neiliansheng Shoe Store, Zhangyiyuan Tea Shop, as well as Yue Sheng Zhai's braised meat shop, and Du Yichu's steamed dumpling shop, among 16 other famous traditional brands lined up along both sides of the street.
Address: Qianmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviwer: WANG Yu
