Nanluoguxiang

The basics

While Nanluoguxiang has been growing in popularity in recent years, it remains a quieter alternative to the hutong near Beijing’s Back Lakes. Many walking and cycling tours of the Beijing hutongs include Nanluoguxiang, as well as the nearby Bell and Drum Towers, Back Lakes, and Yinding Bridge. Combine a sightseeing tour here with lunch at a hutong dumpling or dim sum restaurant. The neighborhood is also one of the top spots in the city to feast on Old Beijing hot pot, featured on many nighttime tours of the Chinese capital.

Things to know before you go

• Nanluoguxiang is one of the best shopping spots in Beijing, perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs.

• The hutong is best explored on foot, but the ground can be uneven, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

• Don’t miss the side streets and alleys of the neighborhood—they're less crowded and filled with hidden gems.

How to get there

To get to the hutong via public transportation, take subway line #6 or #8 to Nanluoguxiang Station. Several public buses also stop nearby at Tongluoxiang, Di'anmen Dong, and Bei Bingmasi stations.

When to get there

The streets of Nanluoguxiang are always open for a scenic stroll, though it's best to visit during regular business hours, when the shops and restaurants are open. Come earlier in the day to avoid the crowds, or on a weekend evening to see the neighborhood at its liveliest.

Yandaixie Street

While you’re exploring Nanluoguxiang, be sure to see Yandaixie Street, about a 15-minute walk to the west. It's the oldest business street in Beijing, with a history going back more than 800 years, and its shops sell a variety of goods, including traditional Chinese tobacco pipes, folding fans, silk scarves, and Peking opera masks. Many shops have craftspeople demonstrating their arts for visitors to watch.