Galleries
Songzhuang Artist's Village in Tongzhou District is the newest large art area to be found in Beijing, and could be argued to be the largest concentration of contemporary Chinese artists in the world. Already back in the 1980's, many artists lived in this village. During the 1990's artists from around the country moved here and in recent years, the number of artists have grown explosively to now more than 2,000. The area is concentrated in the village itself and especially the larger Street, Renli Road ä»»æè·¯; RènlÇlù, to the east of the village. Directions: Take bus 930qujian 930è·¯åºé´ from Dawanglu Metro Station lines 1 and 10 to Renzhuangcun Station ä»»åºæ; RènzhuÄngcÅ«n and walk north of Renlilu; alternatively, take the metro to Tongzhoubeiyuan extention of line 1 and take an unofficial taxi from there negotiate the price before you get in, it should be around ¥30.
Eye Haunt Art Space
Gallery focusing on innovative emerging young artists.
Parks
West Lake Park
Small park next to the old shopping street and market and with a view to Randengfo Pagoda. Small playground for the children.
Grand Canal Culture Park
Park situated at the historic place where the Grand Canal strecting from Hangzhou to Beijing ended. Great place for a walk along the river and for showing your kite flying skills. The park also comprises playing grounds, cafés and a small restaurant primarily serving barbeque. Under the bridge you can roller skate during the day and dance in the evening. Except for winter, you can usually rent you own boat or try the tourist boats' 1½ hour trip on the canal, but presently April 2009 this is temporarily suspended as there is almost no water in the river due to bridge construction work.
Tongzhou Museum
Local history museum of the eastern gateway of Beijing.