The No.1 Dongjiaominxiang Hutong (Beijing Legation Quarter)

Dongjiaominxiang is the longest Hutong in Beijing, stretching 1.5 kilometers from west to east. This Hutong had been served as Beijing’s diplomatic center for over 700 years, since the Yuan Dynasty. There were many buildings once used for diplomatic affairs along this street. Most of them are well preserved. Marco Polo mentioned the lane many times in his masterpieces, making the fame lane of the Western World. Century-old, western-style buildings conspicuously stand out between newer, imposing government offices.

The other name of Dongjiaominxiang is the “Beijing Legation Quarter.” Foreigners are familiar with the name by the help of the 1900s battle. In the 1900s, the battle lasted fifty-five days and took place between the Boxers, who wished to purge the city of foreign influences, and foreign delegates who barricaded themselves in the Legation, ended with the arrival of assistance from the Eight-Nation Alliance. The following Treaty of Xinchou (the International Protocol of 1901), designated Dongjiaominxiang as an embassy zone and was protected by walls 6 meters tall. Chinese were not allowed to come near, which was considered a particular humiliation at that time. Even the roads around the embassies, which previously were collectively labeled as Dongjiangmixiang, were referred to by their English names.

After 1949, the area of Dongjiaominxiang continued to serve as an embassy zone, with many new diplomatic buildings constructed. Some of the original structures have been well preserved and even renovated, such as the former Japanese embassy (now the Beijing Municipal People’s Government building), the Germany embassy (now a general clothing store) and the Italian embassy (now the Foreign Friendship Association).

The No.2 Nanluoguxiang

Nanluoguxiang is an 800-meter long south-north alleyway, located between Di'anmendong Avenue and Gulou Avenue, east of Houhai, northern pat of the Dongcheng District.

As one of the best preserved Hutong areas in downtown Beijing, Nanluoguxiang is famous for its Hutong and courtyards (Siheyuan). There are many bars, cafes, and chic shops in Nanluoguxiang which are all designed in classical Chinese Hutong style. It is a mix of history, fashion and culture and it's a big hit with tourists especially the younger generation. Dubbed another bar area besides Houhai Bar Street and Sanlitun Bar Street, Nanluoguxiang attracts thousands of visitors and locals everyday.

The No.7 Ju'er Hutong

The Ju'er Hutong is located in northwest Dongcheng District, stretching over 400 meters long, from the Jiaodaokou South Road in the east and the Nanluoguxiang strip in the west.

The Ju’er Hutong is an alleyway street where Rong Lu, a provincial governor and right-hand man of Empress Dowager Cixi once lived. The No. 3, 5 and 7 houses are the former residences.

The Ju’er Hutong is surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere of Siheyuan, compounds with houses around a courtyard with old Beijing amenities . Today, it is a popular housing neighborhood among expats and foreigners.

The No.8 Liulichang Street

Liulichang Street is famous for its essential collection of Chinese culture. Tourists will find themselves surrounding by Chinese paintings, calligraphy works, antiques, handicrafts and other traditional Chinese items. Liulichang is located near the Peace Gate of Xicheng District, which is a part of Nancheng (the Southern part of downtown Beijing). It has been in existence as early as the Dynasty Yuan (1271-1368)