In Beijing, eating and strolling is not only a leisure activity but also a wonderful journey through the ancient and modern. Here we recommend a food-themed tour route which highlights restaurants and cafés near theaters and will bring you a comprehensive experience of traditional Beijing ambiance.
Tour Route
Liyuan Theatre of Qianmen Jianguo Hotel→Huguang Guild Hall Beijing→Daguanlou Cinema→Xianyukou Food Street→Guangdelou Theater→People’s Café→Duyichu Shumai Restaurant (Qianmen Branch)→Gong Yan (Palace Restaurant)
Introduction
Liyuan Theatre of Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
[Photo via Beijing Daily]
While watching Peking Opera performances here, you can taste authentic Beijing snacks and fine teas, and try on opera costumes and facial makeup to experience the charm of Peking Opera firsthand.
Huguang Guild Hall Beijing
[Photo via VCG]
It is one of the few remaining ancient guild halls with a theater stage in Beijing. It also houses various exhibitions, including an exhibition on the brief history of Chinese operas and an exhibition on the 200-year history of the guild hall itself.
Daguanlou Cinema
[Photo via Beijing Daily]
It is known as the birthplace of Chinese movies. Audience can get to know the history of Chinese movies while watching old-fashioned projectors and movie posters.
Xianyukou Food Street
[Photo via VCG]
This street features traditional cuisine. Among the numerous restaurants and eateries here, you can find long-established brands such as Tian Xing Ju, Jin Gao Zhang, and Tianyuan Jiangyuan.
Guangdelou Theater
[Photo via VCG]
This time-honored theater stages traditional opera performances as well as shows on folk customs of old Beijing and other regions, such as Xiangsheng (crosstalk or comic dialogue), on a daily basis.
People's Café
[Photo via Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism]
This café blends Chinese fashion with a retro ambiance. It conveys a sense of patriotic sentiment to its customers through its unique design.
Duyichu Shumai Restaurant (Qianmen Branch)
[Photo via Beijing Daily]
This is one of the oldest renowned restaurants. Its signature shumai (traditional Chinese dumplings made of ground pork) features a thin skin, abundant filling, delicious taste, and a flower-like appearance that is pleasing to both the eyes and the palate.
Gong Yan (Palace Restaurant)
[Photo via VCG]
The restaurant draws creative inspiration from Han culture. It combines elements such as hanfu (traditional Han Chinese attire), stage performances, and imperial dining culture. It and surrounding historic theaters complement each other.
(Source: Official WeChat account of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)
