Nanluoguxiang
Nanluoguxiang
4
About
Dating back about one thousand years, these neighborhoods of narrow, twisting streets represent the "real life" of Beijing, where passageways connect to courtyards of traditional compact homes. Pedicab tours of the hutongs are popular tourist attractions that normally include the Drum Tower, courtyard neighborhoods and Prince Gong's mansion.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Nanluoguxiang • 6 min walk
- Shichahai • 8 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- PSNSingapore, Singapore92 contributionsEasily accessible by metro. Locality snacks and souvenirs. A great place to explore especially during the night.Nearest metro Nanluoguxiang (Line 6). Nostalgic place to visit with many locality snacks, souvenirs at a moderate price range. Crowded over the weekends but still manageable. Worth the visit.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 November 2023
- Leong Chee ShengSingapore, Singapore353 contributionsGood for tourist experienceIt's a nice alley that connects with other tourist attractions by foot at walking distance. It's easily connected on metro by the Nanluoguxiang station, and has many souvenir, local food, trinket stores and more at decent prices. It's all in one place so we got our gifts all over here. It started raining a little so we took shelters at small food stores and shops along the alley. Very nice and commercial Hutong area to explore as a tourist in Beijing!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2024
- xi raRamat Hasharon, Israel589 contributionssweet pedestrian streetlove this place. suveniers, food, shakes, fruit, tea pots and cups, jewellery and more... great vibe, amongst hutongs, lots of public toilets, next to a subway station. can wander in the hutongs around it and walk to the lakes and take a red carriage ride.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 May 2024
- Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark6,143 contributionsPerhaps the Most Visited Hutong, But Not the NicestWe’re staying at a lovely little hotel in one of Beijing’s hutongs and love the area. In the mornings, you can see elderly people doing tai chi – during the midday heat, people nap in the shade of the trees – life is being lived. This particular hutong might be the most famous and most visited, but it has unfortunately been transformed into a chaos of fast food and tourist trinkets, with thousands of daily visitors more interested in photographing each other than enjoying the shady trees and beautiful houses. Try to leave this noisy stretch and explore the other peaceful hutongs in the area on your own.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 June 2024
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4.0
1,243 reviews
Excellent
473
Very good
544
Average
181
Poor
26
Terrible
19
PSN
Singapore, Singapore92 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Nearest metro Nanluoguxiang (Line 6). Nostalgic place to visit with many locality snacks, souvenirs at a moderate price range. Crowded over the weekends but still manageable. Worth the visit.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xi ra
Ramat Hasharon, Israel589 contributions
May 2024 • Family
love this place. suveniers, food, shakes, fruit, tea pots and cups, jewellery and more... great vibe, amongst hutongs, lots of public toilets, next to a subway station. can wander in the hutongs around it and walk to the lakes and take a red carriage ride.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,143 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We’re staying at a lovely little hotel in one of Beijing’s hutongs and love the area. In the mornings, you can see elderly people doing tai chi – during the midday heat, people nap in the shade of the trees – life is being lived.
This particular hutong might be the most famous and most visited, but it has unfortunately been transformed into a chaos of fast food and tourist trinkets, with thousands of daily visitors more interested in photographing each other than enjoying the shady trees and beautiful houses.
Try to leave this noisy stretch and explore the other peaceful hutongs in the area on your own.
This particular hutong might be the most famous and most visited, but it has unfortunately been transformed into a chaos of fast food and tourist trinkets, with thousands of daily visitors more interested in photographing each other than enjoying the shady trees and beautiful houses.
Try to leave this noisy stretch and explore the other peaceful hutongs in the area on your own.
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lotsoftravels
Melbourne, Australia39 contributions
I have been around the Hutongs on a rickshaw twice. The first was part of an organised university tour. Because it was organised by the Beijing university we did not get hassled at all by our drivers, we were taken where we wanted, and we did not get pulled into any shops.
On my second time, I was with my Mum and we went off on our own to find a rickshaw (plenty around!). We finally found one that had the offical logo and everything on the back, we negotiated a price, and off we went. Although our driver was lovely he was intent on ripping us off. He kept taking us into his friend's shops hoping we would buy stuff (we did once), he thn took us to the Drum and Bell Towers and tried to get us to buy tickets from the "official drum and bell tower office" (which did look very official). I sensed something was wrong so told him in Mandarin (finally that degree is coming in handy!), that we did not want to buy from there. Lucky!!! The "official office" was charging 5 times the price at the door of the two towers. Do not buy from the office!
After this our driver tried to take us further. We explained that we had had enough, and he told us it would be an extra $20AUD. We asked why and his explanation was that he was tired. We had had enough by now, and offered him a smaller tip which he refused. We ended up walking away.
The hutongs are great, and the rickshaw rides fun. The best thing to do is just keep your wits about you, and don't feel pressured into paying for anything more than you should.
On my second time, I was with my Mum and we went off on our own to find a rickshaw (plenty around!). We finally found one that had the offical logo and everything on the back, we negotiated a price, and off we went. Although our driver was lovely he was intent on ripping us off. He kept taking us into his friend's shops hoping we would buy stuff (we did once), he thn took us to the Drum and Bell Towers and tried to get us to buy tickets from the "official drum and bell tower office" (which did look very official). I sensed something was wrong so told him in Mandarin (finally that degree is coming in handy!), that we did not want to buy from there. Lucky!!! The "official office" was charging 5 times the price at the door of the two towers. Do not buy from the office!
After this our driver tried to take us further. We explained that we had had enough, and he told us it would be an extra $20AUD. We asked why and his explanation was that he was tired. We had had enough by now, and offered him a smaller tip which he refused. We ended up walking away.
The hutongs are great, and the rickshaw rides fun. The best thing to do is just keep your wits about you, and don't feel pressured into paying for anything more than you should.
Written 9 August 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saccuch
Huntsville, AL162 contributions
I highly recommend the rickshaw ride or pedicab through the hutong area near the Ho Hai area. Ours was arranged by our guide so we did NOT get ripped off as has been mentioned by others. We saw the hutong and were taken into a rich person's courtyard home. This was fabulous but is not to be confused with how most people in the hutong live.
Written 14 August 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kenito799
Bayside, NY213 contributions
We were in Beijing in November 2006.
After spending the morning in the Forbidden City we ate at an outstanding Sichuan retaurant, Baguo buyi (one of the best meals I have ever had). This is on Dianmen Dongdaije, a wide avenue that runs east-west about 1km north of the north gate of the Forbidden City. It also forms the southern border of the hutong neighborhood that extends to the area around the Drum and Bell Towers.
We randomly strolled through these fascinating little streets and marveled at how "gentrified" they seem to be getting, with many small resturants, bars, and inns. There are nice shops and many rickshaw drivers in the courtyard south of the Bell Tower. From the top of the Bell Tower you can look down on the surrounding hutongs. The tea shop on the east side of the courtyard has very good prices for jasmine flower tea and lots of other teas. There is also a tea room underneath the Bell Tower to sit and have a cup (but bulk tea there is very expensive). You can certainly hop on a rickshaw hutong tour but you can also just wander. Note that there are free public bathrooms throughout the neighborhoods.
If I had more time in Beijing I would seek out other hutong areas, many of which are being bulldozed to build large shopping centers, etc. The area we wandered in seems to be marked for preservation but you never know in Beijing.
To the west of the towers (which are on the north-south axis of the Forbidden City) is Qianhai Lake, and on the west shore of this lake several nightclubs have set up shop in old picturesque houses. We saw an excellent Cuban band play Latin music at one.
After spending the morning in the Forbidden City we ate at an outstanding Sichuan retaurant, Baguo buyi (one of the best meals I have ever had). This is on Dianmen Dongdaije, a wide avenue that runs east-west about 1km north of the north gate of the Forbidden City. It also forms the southern border of the hutong neighborhood that extends to the area around the Drum and Bell Towers.
We randomly strolled through these fascinating little streets and marveled at how "gentrified" they seem to be getting, with many small resturants, bars, and inns. There are nice shops and many rickshaw drivers in the courtyard south of the Bell Tower. From the top of the Bell Tower you can look down on the surrounding hutongs. The tea shop on the east side of the courtyard has very good prices for jasmine flower tea and lots of other teas. There is also a tea room underneath the Bell Tower to sit and have a cup (but bulk tea there is very expensive). You can certainly hop on a rickshaw hutong tour but you can also just wander. Note that there are free public bathrooms throughout the neighborhoods.
If I had more time in Beijing I would seek out other hutong areas, many of which are being bulldozed to build large shopping centers, etc. The area we wandered in seems to be marked for preservation but you never know in Beijing.
To the west of the towers (which are on the north-south axis of the Forbidden City) is Qianhai Lake, and on the west shore of this lake several nightclubs have set up shop in old picturesque houses. We saw an excellent Cuban band play Latin music at one.
Written 4 April 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuggsUk
UK30 contributions
My opinion is that some people are pretending the Hutongs are a romantic view of "Old Beijing". They are actually crowded shabby slum streets and feel unsafe for unaccompanied tourists to visit. Would you go on a siteseeing tour of a rough area of London or Birmingham? My family was taken on an unexpected detour into the Hutongs by a pair of unscupulous rickshaw men who picked us up close to the Temple of Heaven. After initially agreeing a modest fee to take us directly to the entrance of the Temple, we were unexpectedly diverted into a scruffy and intimidating back street Hutong area. We thankfully emerged back onto the main road within sight of the Temple entrance but 100 metres away.. The drivers then stopped and demanded 300 Yuan ( about £30) and showed us a card claiming that they had given us an official tour of the Hutongs. We were in a vulnerable position and eventually offered 200 Yuan which was grudgingly accepted. The Hutongs I saw were dirty back streets with loads of people milling around and doing their cooking and washing on the street. It was definitely interesting but I also felt voyeuristic at gawping at the daily struggles of such poor people. I presume it is safe to visit if part of an organised tour but I think it is an uncomfotable experience that I can do without,.
Written 26 July 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldtraveller99
Greater London, UK2,725 contributions
We went on a pedicab ride (organised by CTS our tour company) through the hutongs (alleys) of old Beijing. It is like a bicycle pulling a little cart in which 2 people sit. It is like a Disneyland switchback ride, as he zooms around the corners! Great fun!
We then stopped at a little old lady's house, who gave us sweets. It was very basic - a tin bowl in the sink for all washing etc. She had a beautiful fluffy ginger kitten. I hope to do the ride again when we return to Beijing in the next couple of years - if only to see if the cat is still there! We all gave her a small amount of money to say thank you for seeing us, I think she was happy with this.
We then stopped at a little old lady's house, who gave us sweets. It was very basic - a tin bowl in the sink for all washing etc. She had a beautiful fluffy ginger kitten. I hope to do the ride again when we return to Beijing in the next couple of years - if only to see if the cat is still there! We all gave her a small amount of money to say thank you for seeing us, I think she was happy with this.
Written 15 February 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheEagleGuy
Stockport, UK507 contributions
I visited Beijing twice in the space of two months. On the first occasion I was with my wife and we agreed a price with a rickshaw driver to take us around the Hutongs and told him we wanted to end up at the Drum Tower. His English was OK so we though it had all been agreed.
We enjoyed the trip very much, but when we emerged out on the main street running up to the Drum Tower he refused to take us all the way up there and insisted on getting paid. We could see the tower in the distance so it wasn't too much of a problem, but when we got the agreed amount out to pay him he put on the most impressing acting display.
First of all he claimed that we had misheard his prices. Then we refused to go along with that he showed us a printed card with a few route suggestions that he had showed us at the start of our discussions. But this time he held it differently so that we could see a completely different price than the one we had agreed printed up in the corner. He had obviously deliberately hidden this figure during our discussions. We reluctantly agreed to pay the higher amount, only to immediately be told that the price was per person! We simply gave him the amount originally agreed on and walked off. He shouted after us, but quickly gave up when he realised that we weren't going to come back.
During my second visit I arranged the trip via our tour operator. We saw more or less exactly the same things as durign our first trip, but also had a short visit to one of the local houses. And there was absolutely no hassle from the driver. My recommendation is to definitely take the rickshaw tour around the Hutongs. It is a great experience, but book the tour in advance through a reputable tour operator if you can.
We enjoyed the trip very much, but when we emerged out on the main street running up to the Drum Tower he refused to take us all the way up there and insisted on getting paid. We could see the tower in the distance so it wasn't too much of a problem, but when we got the agreed amount out to pay him he put on the most impressing acting display.
First of all he claimed that we had misheard his prices. Then we refused to go along with that he showed us a printed card with a few route suggestions that he had showed us at the start of our discussions. But this time he held it differently so that we could see a completely different price than the one we had agreed printed up in the corner. He had obviously deliberately hidden this figure during our discussions. We reluctantly agreed to pay the higher amount, only to immediately be told that the price was per person! We simply gave him the amount originally agreed on and walked off. He shouted after us, but quickly gave up when he realised that we weren't going to come back.
During my second visit I arranged the trip via our tour operator. We saw more or less exactly the same things as durign our first trip, but also had a short visit to one of the local houses. And there was absolutely no hassle from the driver. My recommendation is to definitely take the rickshaw tour around the Hutongs. It is a great experience, but book the tour in advance through a reputable tour operator if you can.
Written 10 September 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dkissel
Bethlehem, GA227 contributions
Two people per pedicab so if there is an odd number in your group, someone is in a cab by themselves. BUT, the pedicab drivers are very willing to stop anywhere for photo ops. Don't expect someone to know much English but you can manage.
IF you want to see a genuine garden home, you have to pay the owner to have a peek. Not worth that. You can see plenty if you pay attention to your surroundings. A lot of construction going on and I fear this area will be updated and the traditional, simple, village will be modernized.
IF you want to see a genuine garden home, you have to pay the owner to have a peek. Not worth that. You can see plenty if you pay attention to your surroundings. A lot of construction going on and I fear this area will be updated and the traditional, simple, village will be modernized.
Written 4 November 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandTour528074
Shah Alam, Malaysia
hi a very happy day to you. I am planning to visit beijing on 23/7/2019
please advise me is there any public transport from the airport to the city
Written 8 July 2019
yes. you can get a train from terminals at the airport to downtown beijing for 25RMB
Written 9 July 2019
Hi does anyone know until when the shops are open there on saturday night?
Written 8 August 2018
It depends on what kind of shops you’re looking for. In general, souvenirs, clothes shops close at around 9-10pm. Some restaurants and bars may past mid night to 1 or 2am.
Written 9 August 2018
Hi, where can I find the fashion store and brand muguoguomu in Beijing? Thx
Written 13 December 2017
What's the best subway exit to go here?
Written 21 August 2017
The best subway access is the Nanluoguxiang Station at the southern exit from the Hutong. Nanluoguxiang is on both line 6 and line 8 (the start of line 8).
Written 21 August 2017
Hi thank you for your review. our tour starts next week and they want 330 RMB each to visit Hutongs. Can you visit just on your own? and how much is the rickshaw ride through the hutongs. any information you can give me in regards to my husband and I visiting this place with out it costing the tour price would be very helpful.
Kind regards
Kate
Written 13 April 2017
Hi Maggie. Welcome to Beijing! It depends on how many places they will take you to and how long is the trip. Is it a one-day long trip? How many Hutongs does it include? Is lunch included? The benefit of taking a Hutong trip with tour guide is that you can see Beijing culturally. There are lots of interesting historic stories and tales behind Hutongs, and tour guides can tell you about them. However, if you are only visiting Nanluoguxiang, I suggest you to read my review, which includes all the suggested routine, shops and restaurant. You do not need a tour guide to go to Nanluoguxiang area. I suggest you to visit Nanluoguxiang, which is a lane surrounded by eight most famous Hutongs in Beijing. You can taste some awesome Beijing snacks there with very low price. Hope my tips could help you.
Have a great trip!
Jenny
Written 15 April 2017
Hello! How long do you reckon we'd need to spend here? Also, are the shops and restaurants open at night?
Written 17 October 2016
Yes, it is open at night. Many shops and food places. I don't remember exactly how much I spent, but I do remember food seem cheaper than in other places
Written 17 October 2016
There's a shop called Concertino in nanluoguxiang.
Do they have a website?
Written 25 February 2015
There's a shop called Concertino in nanluoguxiang.
Do they have a website?
Written 25 February 2015
Hello Weejenhua,
If you do a google search for "Concertino in Beijing" you get several site. But I don't think they have a website. Good luck!!!
Written 25 February 2015
How much would it cost to have this private tour for two people in Xian from the 8th Jan to 9th Jan 2015?
Written 1 January 2015
There's a subway station just across the street now. Its "nan luo gu xiang station". You can try going there first before deciding whether to hire a tour guide. There are a lot of guide for hire in the area.
Written 25 February 2015
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