Because of its proximity to the Forbiddent City, this area was historically home to court officials and the city's elite. Some of their residence still stand.
The Liulichang Street of Chinese Culture is a 750 meter long collection of all kinds of calligraphy, art, antiques and paintings that China has to offer.
Located several kilometers north of the Forbidden City is Nanluoguxiang, an 800-meter north-south alleyway filled with cafes, bars, and shops all designed in classical hutong style.
The Silk Street Market reopened in its shiny new 5-storey shopping mall in March 2005, replacing its notorious predecessor, the outdoor Xiu Shui market.
