Laijin Yuxuan Teahouse

Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central


Zhongshan Park's 100-year-old teahouse, once the haunt of writers, intellectuals and revolutionaries, is a pleasant if overpriced place to sample a cup of China's finest. It was closed for renovations at time of research.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central attractions

1. Zhongshan Park

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Named after China's first president Sun Yatsen (alo called Sun Zhongshan), whose body was placed here briefly after his death, this lovely park, filled…

2. Gate of Heavenly Peace

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Instantly recognisable by its giant framed portrait of Mao, and guarded by two pairs of Ming dynasty stone lions, the double-eaved Gate of Heavenly Peace …

3. Duan Gate

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4. Altar of Land and Grain

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This square, open-air altar (tán) was where the emperor would come to pray and give offerings to the gods of land and grain in return for favourable…

5. Workers' Cultural Palace

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6. Sacrificial Hall

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The main attraction within the Workers' Cultural Palace is the monumental Sacrificial Hall, as exquisite as any temple you'll find in Beijing. Built in…

7. Great Hall of the People

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Monolithic and intimidating, the Stalinist Great Hall of the People (1959) houses the highest organ of state power, the National People’s Congress (NPC)…

8. Middle Hall

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Known locally as the Resting Hall, this imperial building has a yellow-glazed eave-hipped roof. Closed for visitors.