Going Underground: Military Museum, Line 1

“Going Underground” is a regular magazine column in which we explore the neighborhoods surrounding subway stations.

SELLING POINT
Students of Chinese history can delight in the display of might at the Military Museum, though further exploration will yield a more nuanced view of the new Beijing.

SEE
For something a little less austere, head east to the Millennium Monument. It’s a mere hop across Junbo Xilu to Paul Cocksedge’s “Manuscript,” a 20m scroll installed as part of last year’s Beijing Design Week. Hidden underneath the promenade, Shijitan Contemporary Art Center hopes to keep visitors up-to-date on the latest creative trends.

STROLL
Yuyuantan Park’s biggest event, the Cherry Blossom Festival, kicks off in mid-March and (almost) makes you forget the wintry gloom. The park also serves as a link to the Summer Palace; catch a boat at the park’s south entrance and float your way north.

EMBARK
Most of the passengers who alight at this station have one thing in common: They’re planning to go even further west. Catch a bus or walk south to Beijing West Railway Station, which connects the capital to Xi’an, Lhasa, and other far-flung destinations.

Click here to see the March issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photo: news.bbc.co.uk