Beijing Hutongs

Beijing Hutongs are a great place to experience the old Beijing culture. Here is a practical guide to Beijing Hutongs: I. Classic Hutong Recommendations 1. Nanluoguxiang • Features: Well-preserved Yuan Dynasty Hutong layout, with 16 Hutongs on the east and west sides arranged in a fishbone pattern, gathering celebrity residences (such as the former residence of Qi Baishi), traditional courtyards, and distinctive shops. • Experience: You can stroll through the blue brick and gray tile alleys, explore the Hutong courtyards, and feel the blend of history and modern life. 2. Yandai Xie Street • Features: Formed in the Yuan Dynasty, it was famous for operating tobacco sets in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is 232m long, retains the traditional oblique street style, and has cultural relics protection units such as Guangfu Temple and Sanyuan Fumo Palace. • Experience: Suitable for photography, exploring time-honored shops, and experiencing the ancient charm of "Little Liulichang". 3. Mao'er Hutong • Features: Starting from Nanluoguxiang in the east and ending at Di'anmen Outer Street in the west, No. 9 and No. 11 are the private gardens of the capital, "Keyuan", and No. 35 and No. 37 are the former residence of Wanrong, the last empress. Celebrities such as Hong Chengchou, a general of the Ming Dynasty, and Feng Guozhang, a warlord of the Northern Warlords, once lived here. • Experience: You can deeply understand the humanistic heritage of the Hutong by combining the historical context of the former site of the Wenchang Palace and Mao'er Hutong Primary School. 4. Guozijian Street (Chengxian Street) • Features: The only municipal-level cultural relics protection street in Beijing, about 680m long, starting from Yonghegong Street in the east and ending at Andingmen Inner Street in the west. There are four archways across the street, gathering attractions such as the Guozijian, Confucius Temple, archways, and Fire God Temple. • Experience: Suitable for culture lovers, you can visit the highest institution of learning and sacrificial place in ancient times, and feel the atmosphere of Confucian culture. II. Featured Theme Routes 1. Historical Exploration Route • Route: Zhongku Hutong - Lingdang Hutong - Caochang North Lane - East Section of Zhonglouwan Hutong - Doufuchi Hutong - Yuge Hutong (1.3 km in total). • Highlights: Passing through the Andingmen Old Objects Exhibition Hall, Beijing Bell and Drum Tower, Hongen Temple, etc., feel the historical atmosphere of the Hutongs around the Bell Tower. 2. White Pagoda Culture Route • Route: Gongmenkou West Intersection - Funei North Street - Baitasi East Lane (1.4 km in total). • Highlights: The red walls and the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple complement each other, and you can check in at the popular burger shop and rooftop cafe to experience the new charm of the old city. 3. Literary Cycling Route • Route: Wudaoying Hutong - Jianchang Hutong - Guozijian Street (suitable for cycling). • Highlights: Wudaoying Hutong is a gathering place for literary and artistic youths, and peace doves often fly over Guozijian Street in the afternoon, which is suitable for taking pictures and experiencing a slow life. III. Food Recommendations 1. Hutong Time-Honored Brands • Qingfeng 1948 · Exquisite Beijing Cuisine (Di'anmen Branch): RMB 91 per person, featuring authentic Beijing cuisine, suitable for family dinners. • Royal Ice Cellar Courtyard (Shichahai Branch): RMB 118 per person, an ice cellar-themed restaurant hidden in Gongjian Hutong, with a unique environment. 2. Popular Snacks • Around Nanluoguxiang: Recommended Wenyu Cheese Shop, Ju'er Renjia (free refills of braised pork rice), Yuangu Tavern (desserts and creative dishes). • Yandai Xie Street: You can try Yandai Xie Street Lao Hao Fried Sauce Noodles and Daqing Post Office Letter Box Cultural and Creative Ice Cream. IV. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Courtyard Homestays • Near Nanluoguxiang: It is recommended to integrate the courtyard homestay with the characteristics of old Beijing culture. The per capita is RMB 150-300, and the subway station is within walking distance. It is suitable for in-depth experience of Hutong life. • Around Gulou Avenue: Antique courtyard style, some homestays provide terraces or kitchens, suitable for families or friends to travel. 2. Hutong Boutique Hotels • Beiluoguxiang area: Yuanjing Courtyard Homestay (from RMB 500) provides breakfast and afternoon tea, suitable for tourists who pursue quality. • Near Dongsi/Yonghegong: Duplex courtyard hotel (from RMB 300) is close to the subway, and Nanluoguxiang and Gulou are within walking distance. V. Useful Information 1. Opening Hours: The Hutongs are open all day, and some attractions (such as Guozijian and Confucius Temple) are open from 8:30-17:00. 2. Transportation: • Subway: Recommended Lines 2, 6, and 8, covering Nanluoguxiang, Gulou Avenue, Yonghegong and other stations. • Bus: Many lines pass through the Hutong area. It is recommended to use map software to check real-time routes. 3. Precautions: • The Hutong roads are narrow, so it is recommended to walk or cycle to avoid traffic jams when driving. • Some courtyards are private residences, so please do not enter or make noise when visiting.