From north side outside Di'anmenwai Street, you may,in the first place, visit the Bell and Drum Towers. On this side, your arrival is at the Yandai Bypass through south along the Bell and Drum Towers spanning almost 230-metre. This is the oldest alleyway in Beijing housing a number of shops, restaurants and bars.

Taking your trip out of the street, you will come across the famous Yinding Bridge. The bridge, gives you a nice view of the Western Hills of Beijing, especially when the sun is all out. The view, dubbed Mountain Viewing at Yinding Bridge, due to its uniqueness, has been recorded and featured on the list of Beijing's Eight Greatest Scenic Attractions. After the bridge, you can take a leisurely walk in hutongs around Shichahai. The hutongs are built around the lake shore, forming an irregular and cobweb-like network.

The heart of fascination here is more than just alleyways which are about 15 in number but also wonderful mansions and gardens such as the Prince Kung's Mansion and Prince Chun's Mansion which are well preserved. The former residences of Soong Ching Ling, Guo Moruo, and Yang Changji are also located near Shichahai. Besides, three of the Ten Marshals once lived on the Liuyin Street near Shichahai. You can also take a bite of Beijing at Jiumen Hutong, which offers local Beijing cuisines and snacks like mung bean milk, deep-fried bread rings, sliced pickles, mustardy Chinese cabbage, and fermented bean curd.

An honored restaurant called Kao Rou Ji stands out with its unique roast meat. Its high-quality mutton pickled in a selected way is worthy of trying.

There is also very famous restaurant of Hangzhou Cuisine christined Kong Yiji which is widely known for its Shaoxing cuisine.