Hutong represents the old Beijing and most hutongs are still inhabited by local people. Besides former celebrity residences and private houses, there are the coolest select shops, online popular cafes, ballad and rock livehouse and pubs open in hutong. Follow this route to go into hutong at night lest you find the wrong way.
▶ 19:00 | Saffron: the Best Seafood Paella in Beijing
It's said that the Saffron has the best Spanish seafood paella in Beijing, and it has a great reputation among the hutong restaurants. A step away from the traditional alley, the elaborate Saffron, is exquisite and unconventional. There is an open courtyard on the first floor and a balcony on the second floor. Saffron is meticulous in designing and matching food materials for all dishes. Even pre-meal butter is specially made. The Spanish paella is a must-try, and crabmeat salad with avocado and seared perch are also great.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00-14:30, 18:00 -21:30
Address: No. 64 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同64号
▶ 21:00 | Dusk Dawn Club (DDC): Independent Live House
After meal, you come to the Dusk Dawn Club (DDC), the highlight of tonight. The outstanding DDC represents independent live house. You never imagine it has music all night long with the roofing tile and wall of ancient color. DDC sends a performance at 21:00 every night, mainly concerning jazz, rock and roll or electronic music. But it sometimes has performances by domestic and international balladeers, jazz singers or emerging rock bands. DDC has become the important site for exchanging music cultures in Beijing. Unlike commercial bars, DDC provides drinks but it’s okay if you don’t buy it. People can really enjoy the performances by independent musicians and the atmosphere of the enchanting live house.
Show Time: 21:00-22:30; It depends on the specific session.
Ticket: RMB 50- RMB 80 for daily shows; RMB 100 - RMB 120 for special shows
Address: No. 14, Old Hutong, Meishuguan Back Street, Dongcheng District 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号
▶ 23:00 | Peiping Machine: Fragrant Beverage Fears No Dark Alley
After the performance, most of the hutongs are silent, but the bustling atmosphere is still pervading the taproom in the deep hutong. A bar with craft beer, Peiping Machine Taphouse is a typical old industrial bar featuring ruggedness and quietness. It sells craft beer to many breweries nationwide and it has the homemade refrigerator. The blackboard in the shop shows the degree of bitterness and alcohol content that night with dozens of elective flavors. As the featured product, Peiping Wheat has a sweet Apple Cider flavor for girls. Featuring 6 different degrees of bitterness, beer tasting set combo (¥68/set) is for people desiring different flavors.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 16:00-02:00
Address: No. E101, No. 46, Fangjia Hutong 方家胡同46号院内E101号
