Getting Fit While Roaming in Beijing's Dongcheng District

Recently, the list of premium sports tourism projects for the year 2023 in Beijing was announced. Two routes in Dongcheng District, namely "Ride in Beijing - Most Beautiful Central Axis" and "Ride in Dongcheng - Tracing the Red Trail" have been selected among the top ten premium sports tourism routes in Beijing for 2023. Additionally, two routes, "Seeking Traces at Qianmen - Telling Beijing Stories from Centuries Past" and "East of the Forbidden City - Run for a Good Life!" have been recognized as premium sports tourism projects for the year 2023 in Beijing.

Route 1: Ride in Beijing - Most Beautiful Central Axis

North Gate of the Temple of Heaven → South Moat of Beijing → Yongdingmen Gate → Sanli River → Chang'an Street → Forbidden City → Jingshan → Wanning Bridge → Shichahai → Bell and Drum Towers

Beijing's Central Axis spans approximately 7.8 kilometers, starting from Yongdingmen Gate Tower and passing through landmarks like Zhengyangmen Gate Tower and its Arrow Tower, Tian'anmen Square, Tian'anmen Gate Tower, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Hill and Wanning Bridge, and ending at the Bell and Drum Towers. Planned and constructed in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), this monumental architectural ensemble has evolved and been developed continuously through the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the period of the Republic of China (1912-1949), and modern eras. Leveraging Beijing's rich tourism resources, this route allows each visitor to complete a "ride tour" of the Central Axis in about three to four hours.

Route 2: Ride in Dongcheng - Tracing the Red Trail

North Gate of the Temple of Heaven → Dongjiaominxiang Alley → Former Residence of Cai Yuanpei → Former Editorial Office of New Youth (a magazine) → Red Building (Honglou) of Peking University → Changchun Hall → Great Hall of the People → Tian'anmen → The memorial spot where Li Dazhao (a pioneer of communism in China) was arrested on Dongjiaominxiang Alley

Dongcheng District is known for a profound heritage of "red culture" (the culture related to the history of the Communist Party of China) and abundant "red cultural relics". Through cycling to and visiting these "red spots" in Dongcheng, visitors can explore historical sites and cultural scenic spots while experiencing the glorious journey of the Communist Party of China's century-long struggle from various angles and dimensions, all in a relaxed and enjoyable manner.

Route 3: Seeking Traces at Qianmen - Telling Beijing Stories from Centuries Past

Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall → Zhengyangmen Gate → Qianmen Street → Xianyukou Street → Dashilan

Begin by visiting Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall to learn about the urban layout and historical evolution of Beijing and the architectural complex of the Central Axis. Then, walk from Zhengyangmen Gate to Qianmen Street, then from Xianyukou Street to Dashilan. Dashilan gathers the most time-honored brand stores and encapsulates the essence of the ancient Beijing. It has become the trendiest and most charming tourist area with distinctive features and several spots famous among netizens.

Route 4: East of the Forbidden City - Run for a Good Life

This route goes from Wangfujing to Bell and Drum Towers. You can explore Beijing People's Art Theatre where they can tour around new and old theatrical buildings, taste new-style tea beverages at Changchun Hall while immersing yourself in ancient tea culture, and have a glimpse of the cultural essence of the Central Axis at Bell and Drum Towers. The route also allows for a panoramic view of landmarks like the National Art Museum of China, the Red Building of Peking University, the Imperial City Wall Relics Park, Nanluoguxiang, and the remains of the long-forgotten Yu River. The entire route covers approximately 4.5 kilometers, which can be finished in about two hours.

(Source: Dongcheng District People's Government of Beijing Municipality)

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