Xidan Cultural Square, Beijing

Located at the Northeastern corner of the Xi Dan junction and west of Tiananmen Square, the 32,000 square metre Xi Dan Square features statues, green grass, and benches placed along the zigzag pavement. One can skate, swim, play softball and bowl here. But, underground the so-called 'cultural square' is a commercial world where consumerism rules. This shopping centre rivals any up-market department store found on the streets. There are cafes, snack bars, teahouses and drugstores to cater for visitors as well.