Tianqiao-天桥

Xuannan Cultural Museum is currently under renovation and will not reopen to the public until 2020.

Tianqiao area is best known for its vibrant acrobatic and performing art scene and Xuannan Cultural Museum, tucked away inside Changchun Street, gives a small glimpse at what past performances may have looked like. Located inside Changchun Temple in the Tianqiao neighborhood, the museum may not draw big crowds with its low-key presentation and models of performers but provides a real taste of Xuannan culture.

Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center holds everything from contemporary dance, to ballet, folk, cross-talk and Beijing opera performances. The modern theater complex opened in 2015 and has four venues, among which the Grand Theater (1,600 seats) is equipped with world-class stage facilities and is the first and only theater in Beijing designed professionally for musical theater.

Arts and music venue nestled away on the west side of the Temple of Heaven.

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Fluffy rabbits jubilantly hop around the grounds of this Buddhist nunnery’s elegantly converted front courtyard. A large variety of imitation meat dishes will deliciously flummox your meat radar. Try the "Lingering Aftertaste", a vegan version of mala beef jerky, or the spicy tea tree mushrooms with celery. Expect soothing lights, tranquil music and plenty of outdoor seating for the warm summer months.

This century-old theater is small and rarely packed so you can get frighteningly close to the action. The costumes and surroundings are a little threadbare, but the kids (and they are definitely kids) on stage are the real deal and the show’s great. Keep a grip on your own child lest she be tempted to run off and join the troupe. Buy the cheap tickets – you can usually move closer to the stage once you’re in. RMB 180, 280, 380.