From Zhushikou to Chongwenmen, Unlock the Beijing-Style Romance That 90% of People Don't Know
From Zhushikou to Chongwenmen, unlock the romance of hutongs and history:
This route encapsulates Beijing's vibrant street life, artistic atmosphere, and rich history. Strolling along it in spring, every step is a deep conversation with this city.
Route: Zhushikou Subway Station Exit A → Qianmen Street → Dashilan → Yingtao Xie Street → Yangmeizhu Xie Street → Beijing Fun → Qianmen → Xianyu Kou Street → Sanlihe Park → Dongjiaomin Lane → Chongwenmen Subway Station
Starting Point: Zhushikou Subway Station Exit A
Zhushikou, located at the southern end of Beijing's central axis, was once the intersection of old Beijing's commercial and street life. Starting from here, the spring sunlight filters through the old locust trees in the hutongs, casting dappled shadows and adding a touch of tranquil charm to the journey.
First Stop: Qianmen Street: Traversing the Century-Old Commercial Pulse
As a landmark street on Beijing's central axis, Qianmen Street retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Between the grey bricks and tiles stand time-honored brands such as Quanjude and Ruifuxiang. In spring, the fresh green willow branches and the jingling of the retro trams interweave, as if recreating the street scene of "Qianmen's Sentiments and Large Bowls of Tea."
The unique feature of Qianmen Street is that you can experience the retro trams, traveling through the historic district as if time were flowing backward. You can also explore time-honored brands, experiencing the aroma of traditional Chinese medicine at Tongrentang and the craftsmanship of cloth shoes at Neiliansheng, where tradition and modernity blend.
Second Stop: Dashilan: A Living Museum of Time-Honored Brands
Adjacent to Qianmen, Dashilan (pronounced "Da Shi Lan'r" by Beijingers) is the best-preserved traditional commercial street in Beijing. On a spring afternoon, the sun shines obliquely on the silks of Ruifuxiang, the fragrance of tea from Zhangyiyuan spills from the doorways, and the crosstalk at Deyunshe fills the hutongs with laughter.
At the Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Pictures shop, you can create your own woodblock prints and experience the spirit of craftsmanship. Try the candied hawthorns and donkey rolling (glutinous rice rolls coated in soybean flour) on the street for the sweetest taste of spring.
Third Stop: Yingtao Xie Street and Yangmeizhu Xie Street: Artistic Enclaves in Hutongs
Turn west from Dashilan into Yingtao Xie Street, where low-rise courtyard houses line the bluestone-paved road, occasionally adorned with climbing vines and spring crabapple blossoms peeking out from the courtyards. Continue north to Yangmeizhu Xie Street, once a gathering place for Republican-era literati, now dotted with independent bookstores, cafes, and design studios. It's recommended to browse ancient books at Model Bookstore or enjoy a panoramic view of the hutongs from the terrace of Soloist Coffee.
Shen Congwen and Lu Xun once resided here, their past glory recorded on plaques on the walls. The artistic shops and craft workshops along the road are perfect for finding unique spring souvenirs.
Fourth Stop: Beijing Fun: A Collision of Tradition and Avant-Garde Art
Adjacent to Qianmen, Beijing Fun is based on Republican-era architecture and incorporates modern art spaces. On a spring evening, ascend to the viewing terrace of PageOne bookstore for a distant view of the silhouettes of Zhengyangmen Gate Tower and the corner towers of the Forbidden City. The MUJI Hotel and Starbucks Reserve Roastery here have also become popular check-in spots with their unique designs.
The architecture here blends Chinese and Western styles, and the evening light show complements the historic buildings, making it a great place to visit at night.
Fifth Stop: Xianyu Kou Street: A Culinary Journey Through Old Beijing
Pass through Qianmen's arrow tower and enter Xianyu Kou, renowned for its cuisine. In spring, the aroma of Tianxingju's fried liver with steamed buns and Bianyifang's roast duck fills the air, while the awowo (steamed glutinous rice cakes) and wandouhuang (pea flour cakes) from Jinfang Snacks offer a seasonal freshness. The secret recipe for the sesame sauce at Baodu Feng is an intangible cultural heritage delicacy. Experience the century-old culinary skills. Here, open-air stalls and time-honored brands coexist, with diners gathered around wooden tables, creating a lively atmosphere.
Sixth Stop: Sanlihe Park: A Jiangnan Water Town Hidden Deep in the Hutongs
Sanlihe Park, east of Xianyu Kou, is a "Little Jiangnan" hidden in the bustling city. In spring, peach blossoms line the banks, koi swim in the clear river, and wooden walkways wind through reed beds, occasionally with wild ducks skimming the water surface. The Spring Breeze bookstore, nestled in a small grey-brick courtyard, offers a peaceful respite. The cafes along the river often host folk music performances, perfectly blending art and nature. Keep an eye out if you're interested.
Seventh Stop: Dongjiaomin Lane: European Architecture and Historical Echoes
Walk north from Sanlihe to Dongjiaomin Lane, Beijing's longest embassy street, lined with Gothic churches and Baroque bank ruins. In spring, wisteria climbs the red brick walls of the French Post Office, and the stained glass of St. Michael's Church shimmers in the sunlight. It's recommended to take photos in front of the Supreme People's Court of China Museum, where the Gothic spire frames the cherry blossoms, creating a unique scene. The arches of the former Belgian Embassy and the carved pillars of the former Yokohama Specie Bank bear witness to the past. The Dongjiaomin Lane History Exhibition Hall at the corner also features exhibitions of old photographs.
Destination: Chongwenmen Subway Station
At the end of the journey, Chongwenmen, you can visit the Ming City Wall Relics Park. Below the remnants of the ancient city wall, mountain peach and forsythia blossoms bloom. Ascend the corner tower for a distant view of the Beijing Railway Station clock tower, experiencing the intersection of ancient and modern cityscapes.
Spring City Walk Tips:
Best Time: Late March to mid-April, when the crabapple and peach blossoms are in full bloom in the hutongs.
Clothing Suggestions: Comfortable shoes and a light jacket, as the afternoons are warm and the mornings and evenings are cool.
Extended Experience: If time permits, walk along Dongjiaomin Lane to the China Railway Museum and experience the century-old evolution of railway culture.