A shop at the Qianmen Street offers many Tibetan style articles. [China.org.cn]

Travel tips:

How to get there:

Take subway line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station.

Where to live:

Ten years ago, I was a frequent patron of the budget hostels here when making a stopover visit to my college. Spending some 25-30 yuan (US$3-4), a Chinese traveler could spend the night at a traditional courtyard hostel hidden in the narrow alleys behind. However, foreigners are still not allowed to sleep at these hostels. Only authorized hotels can receive foreign travelers. For budget travelers from foreign countries, you may live in the Qianmen International Youth Hostel (0086-10-6313 2370) – prices ranging from 50 to 220 yuan (US$ 7-32). For those who prefer to travel in style, Qianmen Jianguo Hotel (http://www.qianmenhotel.com/en/about/location.php; Tel: 86-10-6301 6688) at the south end of the Street is a good option, with prices starting at US$80.

What to see nearby:

* Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City to the north;
* The Temple of Heaven, some 2 km to the south.
* Liulichang Culture Street, some 2 km to the west.

Where to spend time in the evenings:

* Go to the Lao She Tea House to see the Peking Opera, sip Chinese tea and taste imperial and local snacks.
* Go to the Red Theater (010-67103671/72/73) to see its Kung Fu show, The Legend of Kung Fu, which starts at 7:30 PM every evening – prices from 280-880 yuan.
* Go to the Liyuan Theater (86-10-6301 6688) on the first floor of the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel to watch Peking Opera; Prices from 200-580 yuan; opens 7:30-8:40 PM daily.