Going Underground: Culture and Tranquility at Tiananmen West, Line 1

“Going Underground” is a regular magazine column in which we explore the neighborhoods surrounding subway stations.

Selling Point
Besides the quick access to Beijing’s most famous landmark, this subway stop is also the easiest way to get to “The Egg,” aka the National Centre for the Performing Arts, where world-famous opera and ballet troupes regularly grace the stage. An underground exit takes you right into the NCPA lobby.

Stroll
Walk east to Zhongshan Park, a peaceful hideaway that feels miles away from the clots of sweating tourists next door at the Forbidden City. Cypress and cherry trees change with the seasons, while the many stone gates offer elegant photo ops. If you’re thinking romance, rent a boat and float along the moat of the Forbidden City. Nothing says love like sailing the seas of isolationism …

Eat
Lose yourself in the food of the literati: Laijin Yuxuan Fanzhuang, located on the park’s west side, serves the fancy dishes described in the classic 18th century novel Dream of the Red Chamber. Banquets can be pricey (RMB 300-500/person; reserve three days in advance), but their dongcai roubao steamed buns are affordable and tasty.

Listen
Grab tickets to a performance at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, touted as having the best acoustics of all Beijing’s music venues. The FCCH will be featuring a Bach Cycle through the end of the year.