Nanluoguxiang Hutongs

南锣鼓巷

A surviving hutong layout from the Yuan capital. The main street of Nanluoguxiang is packed with snack shops and creative stores, but the 16 hutongs on either side are where everyday old Beijing life is found in its courtyard homes.

Nanluoguxiang is 787 meters long and is one of Beijing's oldest districts. It was laid out in the same period as the Yuan capital. Eight hutongs branch off on each side in a symmetrical pattern that resembles centipede legs, which is why it is also called Centipede Street. The main street is quite commercialized, with Wenyu cheese, zhajiangmian noodles and creative fridge magnets, and it is always crowded. The more rewarding places to explore slowly are the hutongs on either side. Maor Hutong has the former residence of the last empress Wanrong and the Ke Garden. Yu'er Hutong has the Qi Baishi former residence memorial, with a 5-yuan entrance fee. Ju'er Hutong has new siheyuan designed by Wu Liangyong. Dong Mianhua Hutong is home to the Central Academy of Drama. From the northern entrance of Nanluoguxiang, walk west across Di'anmen Outer Street to reach the Drum Tower and Shichahai. You can climb the Drum Tower for 30 yuan to watch the drum performances. Then walk along the south shore of Houhai past Yandai Xiejie and Yinding Bridge. In winter, the Houhai ice rink offers ice bikes. Shared bikes are a good way to get around, but the hutongs are narrow, so ride slowly. The area is free to visit, and most shops open from 10:00 to 22:00. Take Exit E of Nanluoguxiang Station on Metro Lines 6 and 8, which leads directly to the south entrance. Avoid weekend afternoons, when it is at its busiest. Weekday mornings are the quietest. Most siheyuan are private homes, so do not enter them without permission or take photos inside. For dinner, try Yaoji Chaogan or Emei Restaurant along East Drum Tower Street.

Nanluoguxiang Hutongs

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