subject: Nanluoguxiang is Beijing's Best Kept Secret [print this page] Beijing is one China's largest cities; therefore, it is no wonder that one of the most populous cities in the world has secrets that are seldom discovered by the average traveler. Nanluoguxiang one such secret; despite its popularity among locals it has by and large remained elusive to the foreign tourist.
In a city that counts its population in the tens of millions, finding a quiet little caf to relax and unwind after a hard day's work seems difficult. However, a stroll down Beijing's Nanluoguxiang area proves different. This trendy area is filled with a variety of western-style cafes and traditional Chinese tea houses to offer the tourist some peace of mind in a city that never sleeps.
Nanluoguxiang is also considered to be one the best-preserved areas of downtown Beijing and still retains some of its Imperial grandeur that is showcased in its well-kept courtyards. Though the street today has a reputation for being a trendy district that is filled with cafes, bars and restaurants, the area is also one of the top 25 historical districts in Beijing, with a number of historically important buildings found just a short walk away.
Nestled among the bars and cafes is the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. This institution is famous for nurturing many of China's thespians and also for polishing the drama skills of popular soap opera actors and actresses.
For the visiting tourist, Nanluoguxiang has a wide array of souvenir shops to chose from. Many of the items on sale are hand crafted, and it is the place to go to find something unique for a loved one back home.
Also located in the downtown area are a number of Beijing hotels ideally placed to enjoy the many draws of Nanluoguxiang. A hotel in Beijing such as the China World Hotel Beijing offers travelers great access to the tourist attractions and the vibrant nightlife in the downtown area.
