China Guide
Beijing
North of the centre
The area north of the Forbidden City has a scattered collection of sights, many of them remnants of the imperial past, when this area was the home of princes, dukes and monks. Beyond the imperial parks of Jingshan and Beihai is the one part of the city that is truly a pleasure to walk around – the well-preserved hutong district around Houhai. Tucked away here you'll find Prince Gong's Palace and the Bell and Drum towers, all within strolling distance of one another.
A few kilometres east of here, you'll find the appealing Nanluogu Xiang, a street where the artsy set hang out, and, right next to the Yonghe Gong metro stop, the Yonghe Gong Tibetan lamasery – one of Beijing's most colourful (and popular) attractions.