Xicheng District () is a district of Beijing. Xicheng District spans , covering the western half of the old city (largely inside the 2nd Ring Road - the eastern half is Dongcheng District), and has 706,691 inhabitants (2000 Census). Its postal code is 100032. Xicheng is subdivided into 15 subdistricts of the city proper of Beijing. The former Xuanwu District was merged into Xicheng in July 2010. The Xidan commercial district, Beijing Financial Street (Jinrongjie), Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, Shichahai and Zhongnanhai are within its jurisdiction. The popular Houhai bar area is also in Xicheng Precinct. Before the 1911 Revolution, most royalty and aristocrats resided in the precinct. The oldest Catholic church in Beijing, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is located in Xicheng. Administrative divisions There are 15 subdistricts in the district: Economy COSCO has its headquarters in the Ocean Plaza building in Xicheng. The Xinhua News Agency has its headquarters in the Dacheng Plaza (大成大厦 Dàchéng Dàshà) in Xicheng. In addition Bank of China, China Construction Bank, the State Grid Corporation of China, China National Nuclear Corporation, and Taikang Life Insurance also have their headquarters in Xicheng. Government The Chinese Ministry of Education is headquartered in Xidan, Xicheng District. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is headquartered in Xicheng District. The China Food and Drug Administration is headquartered in Xicheng District. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office headquarters is in Xicheng District. The Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing is in Xicheng District. Important areas in Xicheng District Imperial City Beijing Financial Street Zhongnanhai Beihai Park Jingshan Park Shichahai Drum Tower and Bell Tower Prince Gong's Residence (Gongwang Fu) Xinjiekou Xidan Xisi Qianmen Dashilar Liulichang(an ancient antiques market since Qing Dynasty) Beijing Zoo Fayuan Temple Huguang Guild Hall Miaoying Temple Niujie Mosque Transport Metro Xicheng is served by seven metro lines of the Beijing Subway: - Muxidi, Nanlishilu, , Xidan , Tian'anmen West - Guloudajie , Jishuitan, Xizhimen , Chegongzhuang , Fuchengmen, , Changchunjie, , Hepingmen - Xizhimen , , Ping'anli , Xisi, Lingjing Hutong, Xidan , , Caishikou , Taoranting - Chegongzhuang West, Chegongzhuang , Ping'anli , Beihai North - Wanzi, Daguanying, Guang'anmennei, Caishikou , Hufangqiao - , Guloudajie , , , - Xizhimen Suburban Railway Xicheng is served by one commuter line operated by Beijing Suburban Railway (BCR). - Beijing North railway station Education Primary and secondary schools The High School Affiliated to