Beijing is a city of broad boulevards，now full of traffic and pulsating to the rhythms of commerce and entertainment. Museums and parks abound，including the Palace Museum of the Forbidden City and Beihai Park in the center of town. Nearby，the China Fine Arts Museum(Zhongguo meishuguan) exhibits the work of contemporary artists. China's ancient past and recent history are on view at the Museum of Chinese History and Chinese Revolution at Tian'anmen.Antiques，crafts，and books calligraply and paintings can be found at Liulichang，an old antique market district remodeled in the 1980's to reflect the style of the old city. Some of the spirit of Old Beijing is also preserved at Qianmen，south of Tian'anmen，with stores that date to the early 20th century and beyond，including the Tongrentang Traditional Medicine shop,first established in 1669. Beijing Opera performances and acrobatic troupes keep those traditional entertainment forms vital，while contemporary music clubs and discos thrive in an era of liberalization and prosperity.

Tian'anmen Square is still the center of Beijing，Chang'an Boulevard now running 38 kilometers from Shijingshan in the west to Tongzhou District in the east. The palaces and city towers along both sides have been designated cultural relics for national protection. Former imperial residences and gardens have been opened for public viewing.