Introduction

In the spring of 1965, the first TGI Fridays restaurant was opened at the crossroad of 1st Avenue and 63rd Street in New York City. The owner was an American perfume merchant. TGI Fridays restaurants expanded rapidly like wild fire. A new restaurant has been opened every seven days since then. After 30 years, there are over 700 branch restaurants which have opened in several countries. In 1995, the chain restaurant made its way across the Pacific Ocean to China. Oakwood floors, painted pendants, comfortable chairs and the famous red and white stripe tablecloths are some of the most characteristic decorations of Friday's restaurants. Guests usually leave with great impressions of the delicious food, beverages and the excellent service.

The original concept of TGI Fridays restaurants was to provide a place for singles to mingle with each other. Today, with its unique ambiance, relaxing music and quality food and beverage, the chain restaurant attract many families and businessmen all over the world. At present, there are three locations in Beijing, and one in Tianjin. Guests can enjoy a weekend atmosphere everyday at TGI Fridays.

Tips

Address: 19 Jian Guo Men Wai Da Jie
Metro: Line 1 and 2, get off at Jianguomen Station
Opening hours: 11:00--22:00

Around

1. Beijing Ancient Observatory

Beijing Ancient Observatory is located in the southwest side of Jianguomen crossroad at Dongcheng District. It was initially built circa 1442, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It’s considered a must-see museum of natural sciences displaying Chinese ancient astronomical equipment and astronomy. Now, it has been reformed to Beijing Ancient Astronomical Equipment Exhibition Hall, which belongs to Beijing Astronomy Observatory and was officially opened in 1956.

Eight magnificent structures made of bronze along with a slew of theodolites for unequivocal observation are available for visitors. Also, astronomical equipment made in Qing Dynasty is on display as well.

2. Tian'anmen Square

The Tian'anmen Square lies at the cross-section between the central axis of Beijing and the Chang'an Street. Tiananmen is 34.7 meters tall. When it was first built in the 15th year of Yongle (1417), it was called Chengtian Gate. It was twice destroyed in the Ming Dynasty, once by lightening and another time by war. In 1651, or the 8th year of Emperor Shunzhi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, the Emperor named Fulin had it rebuilt on a large scale and changed its name to Tiananmen. Imposing and magnificent, it stands out among ancient city gates in China.

3. The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum, former home to the 24 Ming and Qing emperors, is also known as the Forbidden City. Completed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it occupies a total space of more than 720, 000 square meters. Apart from the complex of immovable palace buildings, the Palace Museum houses over 1.5 million items or sets of relics.