About Tiananmen Square/Qian Men

The Tienanmen/Qienmen area offers multiple tourist attractions you won't want to miss. In addition, fancy restaurants, hotels and bars have opened in the area to cater to the waves of international and national tourists who flock to the area every year.

Don't miss the Forbidden City, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, Tienanmen Square or Qienmen's famous shopping alley. You'll find many local restaurants and cafes along Qienmen alley, making this one of the most fun bargaining, shopping and souvenirs areas in the city. You'll find T-shirts for $3, trinkets, fake antiques and locally-produced snacks

See & Do

The Forbidden City is one of the single most amazing feats of architecture in Asia. Centuries old, this plaza boasts advanced geometric designs, lunar alignment and an organization that would parallel modern plazas today. It's also just plain cool to look at, with fancy golden roof tiles covered in dragon statues, red walls that inspire and awe, and so many concentric rooms you feel lost and oriented all at once.

Eat

This snazzy restaurant offers the finest in cocktails, cuisine and decor in Beijing. it is constantly votes the best restaurant in the city, and it's well deserved. The cocktail bar is one of the top in Asia, offering unique infusion blends and special takes on classic cocktails. The food, fusion and delicate, is delectable. The view of Tienanmen and the surrounding area, however, may be the icing on the cake.

Stay

Helen's Hostel is a great place to while away the hours while getting to know Beijing. Located down a side alley off Qienmen Shopping Alley, this hostel offers cheap food, drink, smoke and bedding. You'll find a delightful mix of all ages as the rooms are more low-budget hotel than hostel style, and the hallways and public areas are clean and beyond compare for a hutong hostel.

Shop

From ancient tea shops to traditional Chinese slipper and scissor stalls, this street is not to be missed for any fan of local market-style shopping. Try your hand at bargaining as you wind you way through the maze of shops and stalls. T-shirts retail for around $3 while trinkets and sovereigns go for under $10. None of the "antiques" are real, but the fakes are quite fun.