Nanluoguxiang Alley

Located in downtown Beijing between Drum Tower and Dianmen Gate, Nanluoguxiang Alley (South Luogu Lane) is one of the oldest Hutongs in Beijing with a history of over 740 years. The south-north alley is about 800 meters long, boasts the best preserved courtyard houses in the city. Filled with bars, cafes, restaurants, artsy little shops, souvenir shops and cute boutiques, Nanluoguxiang Alley becomes a trendiest place which is very popular among tourists.

The Times magazine voted the alley as a must-see in Asia and it's worth to spend an hour or two walking through the little alley ways and hutongs around it.

Courtyard Houses

Nanluoguxiang Alley is your ideal choice if you want to see an authentic courtyard. Many royal families and historical celebrities’ former residences are located in the hutongs within the area. Fro example, the former residence of China's last empress, Wan Rong, is in the Mao'er Hutong and Qi Baishi, a great artist’s former residence is in Yu'er Hutong. In fact, the bars and artsy little shops are all within a courtyard houses.

Where to Eat and Drink

 Sanma No Aji (70 Beiluogu Xiang, 010-6407 8336): clear and warm little Japanese eatery offering wonderful yakitori chicken and whole grilled mackerel.

Republic Coffee (72 Nanluogu Xiang, 010-8402 0835): private library, an extensive collection of art books, photography and design.

Passby Bar (108 Nanluoguxiang, 010-84038004): a well-established travelers’ haunt.

House of Shuhe (17 Bei Binmasi Hutong, 010-5721 8898): quiet and cozy courtyard Yunnan hotpot buffet.

Here cafe (97 Nanluoguxiang, near the Central Academy of Drama, 010-84014246): a small and quite coffee shop, walls lined with photography and a selection of books and magazines.

Zuihong Lou (15 Nanluogu Xiang, 010-8401 4180): specializing in Taiwanese snacks and drinks.

Wenyu Cheese (49 Nanluogu Xiang, 010-64057621): a time-honored specialty yoghurt shop serving many different types of the best yoghurts.

Where to Shop

Plastered T-Shirts (61 Nanluoguxiang, 134-8884-8855): a quirky t-shirt store by British designer Dominic Johnson-Hill that brands itself as "Beijing's original T-shirt brand".

The Pottery Workshop (23 Nanluoguxiang, 010-64013799): charming little pottery studio and store, for unique but trendy China gift.

Grifted (32 Nanluoguxiang, 010-64062716): Catering to the increasing number of backpackers and locals with smart and sassy souvenirs such as quirky T-shirts, retro notebooks and prints of works from Chinese contemporary artists.

Upstair's Lamu (117 Nanluoguxiang, 010-64035609): distinctive boutique for women's clothes and jewelry.

Love Linen People (178-3 Gulou Dongdajie, 010-8123 5905): clothes and accessories made with natural fabrics.

Match Quotes (110 Nanluoguxiang, 010-67355178): work of art related to match.

Where to Stay

Peking Downtown Backpackers Accommodation (85 Nanluoguxiang, 010-84002429): brilliant for backpackers with clean rooms, English speaking staff and Free Wi-Fi. Bicycle rental is available.

Hutongs Inn (17 Xiawazi Hutong in Beiluoguxiang): a hotel with designed with traditional Hutong elements.

Beijing Guxiang 20 Club (20 Nanluoguxiang, 010-64005566) Boutique Hotel with rooftop tennis court.

Recommended Routes for Travel

Japanese BBQ Restaurant (shaorouren) -> Plastered T-Shirts -> The Pottery Workshop -> Beijing Guxiang 20 Club -> 9:30 Café -> Guitar Bar & Restaurant -> Korean Bistro

Hutong Kezi She,(Hutong Seal) -> Central Academy Of Drama Theatre -> Peking Downtown Backpackers Accommodation -> Upstair's Lamu -> Zakka -> Grifted

How to Get To Nanluoguxiang Alley

By Subway

Take Subway Line 5 to Beixinqiao (Exit D) or Zhang Zizhong Station (Exit A) and walk westwards for about 10 minutes to the destination.

By Bus

Take Bus No. 13, 104, 107, 108, 113, 201, 204, 803, 815 or 850 and get off at the stop of Bei Bingmasi or Jiao Dao Kou or Luogu Xiang.