Going Underground: Beixinqiao, Line 5

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

SELLING POINT
With its proximity to the red lanterns of Ghost Street and the hutongs, Beixinqiao is the perfect place to take your out-of-towners.

EAT & DRINK
Once Mom’s gotten her fill of the smells, gestures and exposed bellies along Guijie, head for a taste of home at Grandma’s Kitchen (Exit C), French cuisine at Café de la Poste (Exit B), or killer Korean barbeque at Saveurs de Coree (Exit D) – if it’s good enough for Keanu Reeves, it’s good enough for your family. Don’t forget to try the daiquiris at Màs Bar, where Dad’s Hawaiian shirt will finally allow him to blend in. Delight your goth cousin by taking him to dark and broody Beetle in a Box – or bring him to Giggle Bar and allow a smile to cross your face as you gauge his reaction.

BE HIP
Take a photography class at The Hutong or Culture Yard, pick up an analog camera at the Lomography Shop on Andingmennei, and let your uncle show you how they did it in the pre-Instagram days. Rent a couple of Flying Pigeons at Natooke to explore the hutongs together. Afterwards, head over to Serk and laugh about your adventures over a few beers.

REST
When you’ve completely worn out your family, retreat to 4 Banqiao Courtyard Hotel or Beijing Traditional View Hotel, where ornate rosewood beds dimly lit through red gauze curtains will make you feel like a modern Ming.

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

Photo: Volker Kunst