Going Underground: Gongzhufen, Lines 1 and 10

SELLING POINT
It’s a station of history. Gongzhufen literally means “princess’s tomb.” Back in 1965, the subway construction company stumbled upon the tomb of a Qing dynasty princess. A statue memorializing her is located just outside Exit A2.

PLAY
As soon as you emerge from the subway, you’ll see it in the (not-too far) distance: the CCTV Tower. In the basement of this bona fide Beijing landmark, you’ll find Pacific Sea World (太平洋海底世界), home to some lovely Pacific marine animals.
After enjoying the sea lion show, get in an elevator and zoom up 221 meters to the revolving restaurant. Stay at least 90 minutes to get the full 360-degree panorama. After lunch, head back down to the Cultural Hall to learn about CCTV’s history, or to the themed areas where you can play-act “TV program host” or “weather reporter” to your heart’s content.

STROLL
Opposite the CCTV tower is the west gate of Yuyuantan Park. Spring is the best season to visit, as the cherry trees there start blooming in late March and continue through mid-April. A RMB 10 entry ticket gets you into one of the most beautiful scenes in Beijing.

EAT
Kiev Restaurant (基辅餐厅) on Yuyuantan Nanlu is said to be the only Ukrainian restaurant in Beijing. Gorge yourself on pot-stew beef, buttery baked dishes and creamy salads, but don’t forget to clap along as the Ukrainian entertainers dance and sing.

Photo: DPerstin on Flickr

This article originally appeared on page 9 in the April 2013 issue of the Beijinger.