Dongcheng is the cultural and historical hub of Beijing. The energetic and exciting Wangfujing Street runs through it, with a spectacular mall and fascinating museums. Spend afternoons walking through alleys full of shops and restaurants in this bustling area.

Stroll along Wangfujing StreetOpens in a new window, Beijing’s main commercial avenue, just east of the Forbidden City. It’s where you will find the Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum with its array of intriguing exhibits that reveal the region’s prehistoric past. Step inside the street’s various department stores, bookshops and restaurants serving roast duck and noodles, among other treats.

Gaze up at the Romanesque façade of the imposing Wangfujing Church. Other highlights along this pedestrianized street include the Beijing Capital Theatre and The Malls at Oriental Plaza. Go shopping at the latter, which was once among the largest malls in Asia. You will find high-end international brands and modern restaurants, as well as traditional stores.

Walk east for a few blocks to the Zhihua Temple, which dates back to the 15th century. A little west of Wangfujing Street is iconic Tiananmen SquareOpens in a new window, beside the Imperial City Art Museum.

Walk north to the Yonghegong historic district of Dongcheng. Inspect its famous Yonghe Temple and appreciate the Han Chinese and Tibetan designs. See the Mao Dun Former Residence to learn about one of the country’s most acclaimed left-wing novelists.

Expect hot and humid summers and pleasant afternoons in spring and autumn. The wettest months are July and August. Try some Mongolian hotpot soup to keep you warm in the snowy weather from December to February.

Find the neighborhood in the center of Beijing. Fly to Beijing Capital International Airport and take the airport train line to the city center. Get around via the intricate metro system. If you prefer to drive, travel southwest for 30 minutes, up to 50 minutes if there is heavy traffic, from the airport to get here.

Dongcheng is a fascinating district known for holding many of Beijing’s most famous attractions.