Visit attractions in the northeast of Beijing's old city center (Dongcheng District) to discover ancient architecture, the original Beijing atmosphere, and Chinese culture. Walking will let you experience the hutong atmosphere like no other form of transport!

Route: Yonghe Temple – Guozijian (the Imperial Academy) – Nanluoguxiang Hutong – Yandaixiejie Hutong– Prince Gong's Mansion

Yonghe Temple (雍和宫 Yonghe Gong)

Yonghe Temple is the largest monastery of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing. Construction work on Yonghe Temple started in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty. It originally served as an official residence for court eunuchs, and was later converted into a monastery for monks of Tibetan Buddhism, under the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty.

Guozijian (国子监)

Guozijian was the Imperial Academy during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties (1271–1911), and it was the highest institute of learning in China's traditional education system. Emperors in imperial China would frequently visit to read Confucian classics to thousands of students.

Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷)

Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance.

Yandaixiejie Hutong (烟袋斜街)

Since the olden days, Yandaixiejie Street has been one of the most flourishing commercial areas in Beijing. The stores are closely packed along the street, and a wide variety of souvenirs with Beijing characteristics can be found there.

Prince Gong's Mansion (恭王府)

Prince Gong's Mansion is the best preserved mansion in China, and the only mansion built in the Qing Dynasty open to public.

Source: chinahighlights.com