Overview
Hutongs are Beijing's distinctive narrow alleys, formed from the Yuan dynasty (13th century) and developed through the Ming and Qing, representing over 800 years of the old city's essence. Traditional siheyuan (four-sided courtyard houses) line the alleys, offering glimpses of everyday Beijing life. The most popular, Nanluoguxiang, is an 800m main lane connected to 16 adjoining hutongs, packed with cafes, boutiques, and street food, making it a young hot spot. Rickshaw tours through the hutongs are popular, and venerable Peking duck restaurants and traditional teahouses are tucked in the side alleys. Free to explore. Directly at Nanluoguxiang Station (Metro Line 6).
Opening Hours
24 hours (shops 10:00-22:00)
Travel Tips
A rickshaw tour (CNY 100-150/hr) includes a guide's history of the hutongs. Try traditional doujiang (soy milk) and youtiao at small alley cafes.
Hotels near Hutong (Nanluoguxiang)
Hotels and guesthouses in Beijing, Dongcheng, Beijing
Other attractions in Beijing
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The world's largest ancient palace complex, with around 9,000 rooms that once housed the Ming and Qing emperors.
Great Wall of China
One of the Seven Wonders of the World - humanity's largest construction project, stretching over 20,000km.
Temple of Heaven
A UNESCO site where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven, featuring a geometrically perfect circular altar.
Summer Palace
The Qing imperial summer retreat — a masterpiece garden centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
Tiananmen Square
The world's largest city square and the political heart of modern China.
Wangfujing Street
Beijing's 700-year-old premier shopping and snack street, famous for its night market.