Hutong of Beijing, China is an authentic taste of life in China’s capital. Over there, you’ll have an incredible experience in a maze of animated lanes and alleyways. If you’re a lover of adventures, you’ll completely enjoy this place’s labyrinths, sights, and sounds. In other words, allow yourself to enjoy this city’s culture and history by visiting this amazing place. This is where you find real Beijing life.
Things to do
Dongjiao Min Xian
Out of the different Hutongs in Beijing, this is the largest one located on the east side of Tiananmen Square. However, this is the perfect place for you to enjoy all the historical events in the city. At first, your tour guide will take you along the “River and Rice Street”. In this way, you will be able to get to know the river port where rice and grains from the south began to be distributed in Beijing. Later, you will be able to enjoy the incredible buildings of western style.
Xijiaomin Xian
West of Tiananmen Square, you will find a famous financial street in Beijing. Over there, you will see the Daqing Bank, the most famous of Chinese capital. Also, you will find the first central bank in Chinese history, formerly named Hubu Bank. On the other hand, you will be in the Continental Bank offices, with a beautiful classical and western style. Likewise, in this Hutong, you will see monuments and sites of high importance to the Beijing government.
Guozijian Street
East of Andingmen Interior Avenue you will find one of the most important historical sites. Besides, you will see one of the most famous places in China Hutongs such as Confucius Temple. Then, you’ll explore the Temple of Lama Yonghegong, right east of the street entrance. Here, you can learn a lot about Western history and culture as well as their princes and emperors.
How to get there
Shichahai is the area where you’ll find most of the Hutongs. These are the main ways to get there from Beijing Airport (PEK):
- By Subway: it’s a 30-minute journey from the Airport T2 to Dongzhimen. Over there you’ll take a transfer and make a 7-minute trip to Gulou Dajie Station in Shichahai. The estimated price is around $5
- By Bus: from Bcia T2 from Overseas Chinese Building is a 53-minute journey. Over there, you transfer to the National Art Museum of China and take the subway to Shichahai. It costs 5 USD.
- By Taxi: it is an 18-minute trip from the Airport to Shichahai. The estimated price is from $13 to 16 USD.
When to go
September and October are the best times to visit Hutong. You’ll find warm days and dry high-level winds. Also, you can go in April and early May. But it is important to avoid summers and winters.
How long
To really explore all the Hutongs in Beijing I recommend you to take at least 3 days.
Opening and Closing Hours
This place opens every day from 9:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m.
Planning
You will be able to go for a ride in one of the famous Rickshaw. The traditional Chinese carts. Also, you can book a special tour in advance that will take you to all the historical places and in the language of your preference, your guide will teach you everything you want.
It is important to know that at the time of booking your tour, you need to be specific and clear about everything you want to include and its price. Do not forget to clarify any doubt to prevent any misunderstanding.
Inside Information
The alleys of this place are extremely tiny, cars are relatively few and far between. It is better for you to use bicycles. Also, if you get tired, you can go to the teahouses or cafes. Those are places where you can rest. You must take your comfortable clothes for this experience.
History
These Chinese alleys have their origins in the time of the Yuan dynasty. (1271 – 1368). In this way, they were built along with the following Chinese imperial dynasties until the arrival of the Revolution. Also, they were planned during China’s dynastic period, the term “Hutong” means “water well” and is of Mongolian origin.
Nowadays, they are a representation of the Chinese common life. Also, they are an important cultural element of the city of Beijing. Almos every each of its corners has some fantastic anecdotes and historic events.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Forbidden City
If you’re going to Hutong, you can’t miss the visit to the city also known as the Palace Museum. In the center of Beijing, you’ll find this once imperial palace for 24 emperors. Also, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty, it was forbidden to enter without special permission of the emperor. For those history lovers, this will be the perfect place. Over there you’ll be in the world’s largest palace complex.
Goldfish Hutong
If you want to taste some of the best traditional food in Beijing, this is going to be the best place for you. Near the center of Beijing, you’ll be able to taste Chinese pickled vegetables of many kinds. Also, to have the best dining in this city, you can visit there the Tian Yuan Pickle Shop. Finally, you must go to the Dong An Men Dajie for street snacks.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven offers you another look at imperial China’s lifestyle. Over there, the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped the god of heaven and prayed. Also, you’ll be completely amazed by the incredible Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Imperial Vault of Heaven.
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