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A former hangout for literati, while most other Beijing parks were for imperial families only. The park has a total area of 240,000 m² with water area accounting for 69,000 m². The park is a mixture of ancient construction styles and modern park design. It was built in 1952. Taoran Pavilion (one of the four most important in Beijing) build in 1695 and some tombs are located in the park. The park has a lake with pavilions on the bank. The park also has a Mini Golf Center, a Water Wonder Land as well as Peacock, China Rose, and Deer Gardens.
Taoranting Park is a major city park located in Xicheng District to the north of Beijing South railway station, in the southern part of the city. A former location for literati to get together, while most of Beijing's gardens were reserved only for imperial families during the Qing dynasty, it gained its name from a poem by the Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi, "Wait till the chrysanthemums are yellow and home-made wine is ripe, (I'll) drink with you and be carefree." (更待菊黄家酿熟，与君一醉一陶然).
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北京古代建筑博物馆 Gǔdàijiànzhùbówùguǎn
Part of the Temple of Agriculture, museum with a model of Beijing ancient city as well as exhibits of Beijing's ancient architecture, famous for two caissons moved from the Longfu Temple(隆福寺). Free volunteer guide time: 09:30-11:00 and 14:00-15:30 during weekdays, 09:30-11:00, 10:30-12:00, 14:00-15:30, 15:00-16:30 during weekends and holidays. The waiting area of volunteer guide is at the entrance of Shenchu(神厨) yard.
See the Museum of Ancient Architecture.
湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn
Theatre primarily performing excerpts of traditional Chinese opera. The theatre has been working since the 1830s. The theatre building from 1830 is the oldest and best preserved indoor theatre in Beijing. It is in area with other traditional buildings. Next to the theatre is an opera museum.
牛街礼拜寺 Niújiēlǐbàisì
Famous Mosque build in 996 and the oldest and largest of the mosques in Beijing. Structured as a traditional Chinese palace, but also uses typical Arabic decoration with a lot of red colour. A must see if staying for more than a few days. The Muslim presence in the area is obvious with many Muslim shops and Arabic signs around.