Not visiting here after the Forbidden City would be a huge loss

🌍 Location Pin
📍 Core Coordinates
Workers' Cultural Palace, Dongcheng District, Beijing (east of Tiananmen Square)
🚩 Landmark Guide
Adjacent to the southeast corner tower of the Forbidden City | Faces Zhongshan Park across Chang'an Avenue

🚇 Transportation Options
✅ Optimal Route
Subway Line 1 → Exit at "Tiananmen East Station" (Exit B) → Walk 300m east (about 5 minutes) to the East Gate security checkpoint
🚗 Driving Tips
Park at "Nanchizi Street Multi-Level Garage" (¥12/hour) → Walk through Changpu River Park (shaded path for summer) → 10 minutes to East Gate
🚲 Hidden Route
Bike-share navigation to "Taimiao East Gate" → Ride along the moat (cool breeze at dusk)

🏨 Accommodation Guide
1️⃣ Imperial Elegance Choice
→ NUO Hotel Beijing (8-minute walk)
✨ Highlights: Republic-era revolving door + rooftop view of Taimiao’s glazed tiles
💰 Summer rate: ~¥1800/night (includes breakfast for two)

2️⃣ Hutong Immersion Experience
→ Nanchizi Street Courtyard Homestay
✨ Highlights: Converted Qing Dynasty official residence | Rooftop terrace for morning mist photos of Taimiao
💰 Budget-friendly: ¥600-900/courtyard (fits 3-4 people)

3️⃣ Hipster Hangout
→ The Orchid Hotel (near Wangfujing)
✨ Highlights: Library theme | Free Hanfu rental (perfect for red wall photos)
💰 Summer rate: From ¥500/night

🍜 Imperial Food Map
🍵 Must-Eats Near Taimiao
① Forbidden City Corner Tower Café (turn right after exiting West Gate)
☕️ Limited-edition "Golden Pillar Latte": Gold flakes + nanmu-scented syrup
🥮 Pair with: Crane-patterned mung bean cake (daily limit of 200 | available from 14:00)

② Siji Minfu (Donghuamen Branch)
🦆 Scenic seating tip: Mobile queue + note "want corner tower view"
💡 Pro order: Salt-and-pepper duck bone soup (free preparation)

③ Heyan Roubing (Donghuamen Street)
🥙 Code phrase: "Sesame sugar pancake + chilled Arctic Ocean soda"
🔥 ¥40/person for a feast

🌃 Late-Night Surprise
Moat BBQ stalls (appears after 22:00)
🍢 Must-order: Old Beijing grilled meat + plum juice slushie
📍 Location: Under willow trees on the riverbank opposite Taimiao East Gate

️ Pitfall Avoidance
1️⃣ New Booking Rules
→ Hall of Enjoyment tickets sell out fast—book 3 days early on the "Cultural Tourism Official Platform"
→ ID + facial recognition required (no digital IDs accepted)

2️⃣ Beat the Heat
🌡️ Essentials: Neck fan + cooling spray (see map ② for mist zones)
⏰ Best times:
▫️ 6:30-8:00 AM (ancient cypresses glowing in dawn light)
▫️ 17:30-19:00 PM (geometric shadows on red walls + 8°C cooler)

3️⃣ Photography Taboos
📸 Drones prohibited (triggers Tiananmen security alarms)
🚫 No touching golden nanmu columns (infrared sensors auto-alert)
✅ Secret shots:
▫️ Well Pavilion ruins framing the Forbidden City corner tower (telephoto lens)
▫️ West red wall at 17:00 for diamond-shaped light patterns