NanXinCang (Nanxin Imperial Granary) has a history of over 600 years. Although used to store food in ancient times, most storehouses have been torn down in the 20th century. Today, only a small portion of the granary remain, and it has turned into a cultural street with an art gallery, a theater, and popular restaurants serving some of the most popular cuisines in Beijing. One can enjoy a great meal and gaze upon the ancient architectural design of ancient China.
Sanlitun Yashow Clothing Mall
Sanlitun Yashow Clothing Mall To get there, we start at Sanlitun Yashow Clothing Mall, #58 of GONGRENTIYUCHANG BEILU (North Worker's Stadium St.), which secure a major patronage of expats who know this city well, and know where to buy and how to finesse a really great price.
This mall features various apparels, footwear and headwear, fabrics, bags, souvenirs and gifts, and handicrafts. There are also numerous restaurants of all kinds. With many expats and foreign tourists among its customers, shop assistants generally speak a little English. The prices are all negotiable, so make sure you bargain hard!
Continuing down the path of North Workers’ Stadium Street, you will come across GONGRENTIYUCHANGDONG LU (East Worker’s Stadium Street). Now, the naming of the street might seem weird and confusing for westerners. Rest assured that even Chinese tourists get confused with street names in Beijing. So you’re not alone. Worker's Stadium
Beijing Olympic Games is COMING!
As one of Beijing’s largest and renowned stadiums, Worker’s Stadium has a rich history of holding numerous national [non-American] football matches, concerts, and celebrations. When it is not under renovation, Worker’s Stadium’s facilities are open to the public to play [non-American]football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and table tennis.
Continue down the North Worker’s Stadium Street, and walk pass three intersections. Because we are near the Embassy district during this walk, the atmosphere has a more distinct western feel. You will even find a Hooters along the way. This is not the case with most of Beijing, though.
After three blocks, you should reach the intersection with the Third Ring Highway. The Dong Si Shi Tiao Subway Station is also here. Cross the East Third Ring Road. Note that the street has been changed to DONGSISHITIAO. Walk roughly 50 meters ahead to see the T-intersection with DONGMENCANGHUTONG. This is our destination. You can enter Nan Xin Cang Cultural Street either through the door on DONGMENCANGHUTONG, or by walking pass the intersection a little bit before turning left.
The Imperial Granaries
Imperial Granaries
Nan Xin Imperial Granary has over 600 years of history. During Ming and Qing dynasties, there are over 130 storehouses all over this area. Today, only 9 renovated storehouses remain. As you walk around, take note of the architecture here. You can almost feel like you’re in a different time from the steel-gray bricks, the block walls, traditional roof design, and antique doors.
This small area houses over a dozen business operations. On one side there is the art gallery. In the middle is a theater reserved for VIPs only. It is rarely used, although the place gets lively when it does.
Restaurants and bars make the rest of the area. There are many to choose from. For example, FanQian FanHou offers great fusion food; Rick’s Café offers western cuisine. Cook offers authentic Shanghai cuisine rarely seen in Beijing. Feel free to take a look around for a place to your liking.
How to Return
If it is getting dark, simply take a cab to return. Otherwise, retrace your steps back. Simply walk past DONGSISHITIAO St. onto GONGRENTIYUCHANG BEILU.
|
