Occupying half of Beijing's urban core, Dongcheng is the city’s cultural, political and commercial hub. The Forbidden City lies within its footprint and houses some of China’s most famous sights and attractions. Broadly speaking, the Dongcheng District can be divided up into six major precincts.

For shopping, make a beeline for the Wangfujing strip. When it comes to dining, Dongzhimen is home to some of China’s best restaurants, serving up the city’s famous “Quanjude” roast duck. The tranquil Temple of Heaven lies in the heart of Chongwen, another of Dongcheng’s urban centres. For those interested in China’s Buddhist culture, the historic Yonghegong district is full of intrigue.

Dongcheng is well serviced by Beijing’s public transport network, with several subway lines operating within the district. The drive to Beijing International Airport takes around 40 minutes, with the public transport trip taking over 1.5 hours. Once in Dongcheng, the best way to explore its fascinating precincts is by foot, rickshaw or taxi.

North of the Forbidden City is Gulou, where some of Beijing’s best preserved ancient alleyways can be found. Lined with beautifully preserved wooden houses, the area dates back to ancient times. Finally, there’s Tiananmen. This iconic precinct is celebrated as the heart of Beijing, with its monument recognised as a national symbol.