Neighborhoods in Beijing

Shichahai is a scenic lakeside district northwest of the Forbidden City, encompassing three connected lakes — Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai — fringed by weeping willows, historic hutongs, and a vibrant strip of bars and restaurants.

Liulichang Cultural Street is Beijing's historic center for traditional Chinese art, books, and calligraphy supplies. This restored Ming-era street is lined with shops selling scrolls, ink stones, seal stamps, rare books, and antique paintings.

Nanluoguxiang is one of Beijing's most famous hutong alleys, a 786-meter north-south lane lined with indie boutiques, craft cocktail bars, street food vendors, and traditional courtyard guest houses. It represents the fashionable, gentrified face of old Beijing.

Dashilar is one of Beijing's oldest commercial streets, with over 600 years of continuous trade history. This narrow pedestrianized lane south of Tiananmen preserves heritage shopfronts alongside contemporary design interventions.

Wudaoying Hutong is a quieter, more design-focused alternative to Nanluoguxiang, running 600 meters east of the Lama Temple. Its mix of independent boutiques, specialty coffee shops, and small galleries attracts a creative, local-leaning crowd.