Citywalk has emerged as the latest trend that has captured people's hearts, transforming the way we travel. If you are interested in taking a citywalk in Beijing, here are some unique streets and alleys that you should not miss!

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Yangmeizhu Street

Yangmeizhu Street, also known as Yangmeizhu Byway, is located in Dashilan Subdistrict, Xicheng District. It gradually took shape during the Yuan dynasty after the establishment of Dadu (present-day Beijing). The street now stretches from Meishi Street in the east to Yanshou Street in the west.

Nowadays, the traditional appearance of the street has been well-protected and enhanced with modern cultural elements.

Yangmeizhu Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

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Beijing Fun

Walk north from the east end of Yangmeizhu Street, and you will arrive at Beijing Fun. The buildings here still retain the old Chinese architectural style from the early 20th century. Within these traditional-style buildings, you can find modern coffee shops, bars, tea houses, bookstores, and fragrance stores, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of historical and modern elements and the fusion of Chinese and foreign cultures.

Langfang Toutiao, Qianmen Meishi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

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West Damochang Street

West Damochang Street has been a renowned commercial street in Beijing since the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was initially built during the Ming dynasty as a pathway for stonemasons from the suburbs to travel to the inner city.

At that time, the Qianmen area was home to many merchants and wealthy families who possessed large millstones, mortars and whetstones within their abodes. Skilled stonemasons, who inherited their craft from their ancestors, settled in the area and opened numerous workshops and factories for making stone tools. As a result of this booming stoneware industry, the street was named "Damochang", which translates to "stoneware-making factories".

West Damochang Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

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Dongjiaomin Lane

Dongjiaomin Lane stretches 1.6 kilometers, starting from Chongwenmen Inner Street in the east and ending at the east side road of Tian'anmen Square in the west. It is a European-style area that features foreign embassies, churches, banks, official residences, and clubs. The Embassy Buildings of Dongjiaomin Lane are the only remaining group of buildings in Beijing that exhibit an early 20th-century Western architectural style.

Walking along Dongjiaomin Lane, you will encounter Western-style mansions with red roofs, Western-style gatehouses, Gothic-style churches adorned with stained glass windows, angelic sculptures, and many other structures, each with its own unique style and beauty.

Dongjiaomin Lane, Dongcheng District, Beijing

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Shichahai

During midsummer, the Shichahai Area is adorned with lotus leaves and green willows that gently brush against the embankments. Strolling around the lake, you will find small courtyards with blue-bricked and gray-tiled houses. Occasionally, rickshaws would pass by, adding a touch of liveliness to the tranquil scenery.

Besides the natural scenery, the Shichahai Area is also famous for the former residences of notable people.

49 Di'anmen West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

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Bell and Drum Towers

To the east of Shichahai is the Wanning Bridge, which stands at the intersection of Beijing's Central Axis and the Jade River (also known as the "Yu River") section of the Grand Canal. It has been serving as a vital pathway connecting the north and the south for over 700 years since its construction during the Yuan dynasty.

After crossing Wanning Bridge, you will reach Di'anmen Outer Street. From there, you can head north towards the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. These two towers have been important timekeeping and announcement facilities for centuries. The Bell Tower is located in the north and the Drum Tower in the south. From the top of the Drum Tower, you can enjoy a view of the nearby hutongs and see Jingshan Park in the distance. This is a great way to savor Beijing’s charm through its ancient architecture.

9 Linzi, Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing

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Guozijian Street

Beijing's Guozijian Street stretches 669 meters from Yonghegong Street in the east to Andingmen Inner Street in the west.

Guozijian Street combines the ancient and solemn atmosphere of the old town with the peaceful and cozy ambiance of hutongs. Its secluded environment and abundant historical and cultural heritage have made it a unique cultural attraction in Beijing.

Guozijian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

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Wudaoying Hutong

Wudaoying Hutong connects to Andingmen Inner Street in the west and is adjacent to Yonghegong (Yonghe Lamasery) in the east. This area boasts many fascinating shops, such as exquisitely decorated cafes and restaurants. These contemporary establishments exude an appealing cultural and artistic atmosphere which complements the traditional elements of old Beijing, such as gray tiles, red doors, bicycles leaning against doorway stone statues, birdcages, and pigeon whistles.

Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing