Beijing is a city where history and modernity intertwine, where imperial grandeur meets the charm of old hutongs, and where every street corner tells a story. This 2-day itinerary takes you beyond the usual tourist spots, guiding you through hidden alleys, cultural treasures, and vibrant markets, all while indulging in authentic Beijing flavors. From the nostalgic lanes of Shijia Hutong to the artistic vibes of Wudaoying, and from the historic financial district of Xijiaomin Alley to the bustling food haven of Niujie, get ready to experience the soul of Beijing – one step and one bite at a time.
Day 1: Exploring Beijing’s Historic Hutongs & Culture
First Stop: Shijia Hutong (史家胡同) (2h)
Transport: Take Metro Line 5 and get off at Dengshikou Station (灯市口站).
Highlights: Shijia hutong has been home to many notable figures and is deeply rooted in Beijing’s traditional hutong culture. It preserves a significant part of modern Chinese history.
Second Stop: Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷) (2h)
Transport: Take Metro Line 5 from Dengshikou (Exit C, Southeast Entrance) to Dongsi (东四), then transfer to Line 6 and get off at Nanluoguxiang (Exit A, Northwest Entrance).
Highlights: Nanluoguxiang is a lively area with artistic boutique shops and a wide range of street food. It is a must-visit for young travelers exploring Beijing.
Food Recommendations:
- Wenyu Cheese Shop (文宇奶酪店): Famous for its original cheese, double-skin milk, and sour plum soup.
- Passenger / Zammo (过客): Unique pizza flavors like lamb skewer pizza (Passenger), Kung Pao chicken pizza, and Beijing roast duck pizza (Zammo).
- This Place Doesn’t Sell Corn Juice (No. 145, Nanluoguxiang) (这儿没玉米汁儿): Ironically, it specializes in rich, flavorful corn juice.
- Band-Aid 8 (No. 61, Nanluoguxiang) (创可贴8): A must-visit store selling T-shirts with nostalgic Beijing street culture designs, such as enamel washbasins and vintage tin toys.
Third Stop: Wudaoying Hutong (五道营胡同) (2h)
Transport: Take Metro Line 8 from Nanluoguxiang (Exit E, Northwest Entrance) to Gulou Dajie (鼓楼大街), transfer to Line 2 (Inner Circle) and get off at Yonghegong (雍和宫) (Exit C, Southwest Entrance).
Highlights: Wudaoying Hutong is a trendy, artistic area similar to Nanluoguxiang but less crowded, filled with vintage boutiques, bookstores, cafés, and unique restaurants. It’s a favorite spot for hipsters and creatives.
Food Recommendation: Saffron (藏红花): A Spanish restaurant that transports you to a summer in Spain. This was also a filming location for the movie Love in a Puff. Their signature dish, squid rolls, is a must-try.
Fourth Stop: Guozijian (国子监) (2h)
Transport: A 10-minute walk from Wudaoying Hutong.
Highlights: Guozijian is serene area with ancient trees and fewer tourists. The surrounding hutongs are charming, lined with tea houses, calligraphy shops, and Buddhist artifact stores.
Evening Activity (Choose One: Football Match / Xiangsheng Comedy / Livehouse) (2h)
- Football Match: Experience Beijing’s passionate football culture and the enthusiasm of local fans.
- Xiangsheng (Cross-talk Comedy): As one of the birthplaces of Xiangsheng, Beijing offers authentic performances at venues like Xiaopin Club (嘻哈包袱铺) and Deyun Society (德云社). A great way to enjoy Beijing’s traditional humor.
- Livehouse Concert: Experience the vibrant energy of Beijing’s indie music scene at Snail’s House (蜗牛de家).
Day 2: Exploring Beijing’s Historical Streets & Culinary Delights
First Stop: Xijiaomin Alley (西交民巷) (2h)
Transport: Take Metro Line 2 (Inner Circle) and get off at Qianmen Station (前门站).
Highlights: Once Beijing’s financial hub for over a century (late Qing Dynasty to the late 20th century), this street is home to historical sites such as Zhang Tingge’s Residence and the Central Bank of Beiping’s former branch.
Second Stop: Liulichang Cultural Street (琉璃厂文化街) (2h)
Transport: A 20-minute walk from Xijiaomin Alley.
Highlights: Liulichang is a paradise for book lovers, calligraphy enthusiasts, and antique collectors. The street is lined with renowned stores like Jigu Pavilion (汲古阁), Yide Pavilion (一得阁), China Bookstore (中国书店), and Haiwang Village (海王村), offering an authentic cultural experience.
Thrid Stop: Dashilan (大栅栏) (2h)
Transport: A 13-minute walk from Liulichang Cultural Street.
Highlights: Dashilan is a lively commercial district packed with traditional shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a must-visit for an immersive Beijing experience.
Things to Do:
- Menkuang Hutong (门框胡同): A food lover’s paradise featuring Beijing’s famous snacks like Nian Gao Wang (年糕王, sticky rice cakes), Wandou Wan (豌豆宛, pea pudding), Xianbing Lu (馅饼路, stuffed pancakes), Baodu Yang (爆肚杨, quick-fried tripe), and Doufunao Bai (豆腐脑白, savory tofu pudding) – all delicious and affordable.
- Yanshou Street (延寿街): Known for fried chicken, halal-style beef and lamb offal, pickled vegetables, and local snacks like jianbing (Chinese crepes). The street exudes a simple and authentic charm. After a satisfying meal, take a seat at Kui De Club (魁德社) for a unique one-man opera performance, just like the old Beijingers used to enjoy.
- Eight Great Hutongs (八大胡同): For a deeper dive into Beijing’s historical charm, explore the legendary Eight Great Hutongs: Baishun Hutong, Yanzhi Hutong, Hanjia Tan, Shaanxi Lane, Shitou Hutong, Wangguangfu Xiejie, Zhu Jia Hutong, and Li Shamao Hutong.
Niujie (牛街) (2h)
Transport: Take Bus 48 from Dashilan to Niujie Libaisi (Niujie Mosque, 牛街礼拜寺) or subway line 7 to Caishikou (菜市口)
Highlights: Niujie is a famous area for Beijing’s halal cuisine, offering must-try delicacies:
- Baodu Man (爆肚满): Famous for its five-spice roasted beef and lamb served in crispy sesame flatbread.
- Nian Gao Li (年糕李): Well-known for a variety of sticky rice cakes and delicate fluffy meat (松肉) snacks.
- Niujie Halal Snack City (牛街清真小吃城): A bustling food court serving specialties like stuffed meat pies, crispy fried pastries, and hearty lamb spine stew – so popular that it’s often sold out quickly!
