Dine Outside in Beijing at this Tranquil Courtyard in the Center of the City

Once you finally find it, Dali Courtyard is the perfect setting for those sultry Beijing summer nights, providing a dimly-lit escape for a romantic rendezvous or relaxed gathering of friends. Dining alfresco is the thing to do at this beautifully restored traditional hutong courtyard house. Off-season, outdoor heaters take the chill out of the air, but indoor seating is available year-round.The taste of Yunnan is front and center at this hutong hideaway.  Influenced by the cuisine of its Southeast Asian neighbors, Yunnan food has that exotic flavor that adds a bit of adventure to this relaxing spot. Offering a selection of prix fixe menus (no a la carte), Dali prepares  dishes featuring seasonal dishes with only the finest market ingredients.Buried in the hutong of the hip Gulou neighborhood, there are numerous options for extending your night at a bar or club, but no one will blame you for stretching out your stay at this rare gem of a space. It was hard enough to find the place, which makes it even harder to leave.