🏮 Let’s Explore Beijing’s Eight Great Hutongs – Where Old Peking Lives On!

#chinatravel **📍 Location:** **Shichahai Area, Xicheng District, Beijing** 🚇 **Closest Metro:** **Shichahai Station** (Line 8) or **Gulou Dajie Station** (Line 2) ⏰ **Best Time:** Early morning or weekday evenings to avoid crowds --- ### **✨ Why Visit?** 1. **Ming & Qing Dynasty Time Capsules** – These 700-year-old alleyways preserve courtyard homes (*siheyuan*), hidden temples, and artisan workshops. 2. **The Famous Eight:** - **Nanluoguxiang** – Trendy but touristy (go for **Jiadao** coffee). - **Yandaixie Street** – "Tobacco Pouch Street" with indie boutiques. - **Mao’er Hutong** – Where溥仪 (Last Emperor) once lived. - **Guozijian Street** – Confucian vibes near the Imperial College. 3. **Local Life Unfiltered** – Watch retirees play chess, hear *erhu* music, and spot bicycle vendors selling *bingtanghulu* (candied hawthorns). --- ### **🚶♂️ Self-Walking Route (3hrs):** 1. Start at **Bell & Drum Towers** – Climb for panoramic views (¥20). 2. Wander **Yandaixie Street** – Snag a handmade leather pouch. 3. Detour to **Mao’er Hutong No. 7** – A perfectly preserved *siheyuan*. 4. End at **Prince Gong’s Mansion** (¥40) – Opulent Qing-era gardens. --- ### **🍡 Must-Try Snacks:** - **Zhajiangmian** (炸酱面) – Hand-pulled noodles at **Fangzhuanchang No. 69**. - **Lüda Gunr** (驴打滚) – Sticky rice rolls at **Baodu Hutong**. - **Mung Bean Juice** (豆汁儿) – Brave this fermented local "delicacy." --- ### **💡 Pro Tips:** - **Go Deep:** Turn off main hutongs to find quiet alleys like **Dongmianhua Hutong**. - **Rickshaw Scam Alert:** Avoid overpriced tours (¥200+); walk or bike instead (rental: ¥30/hr). - **Respect Privacy:** Don’t enter courtyards marked *私人住宅* (private residence). **🎋 Ready to peel back Beijing’s modern layers?** The hutongs whisper stories—if you listen closely. #pekingnostalgia *(Want a map of hidden tea houses and vinyl shops? DM me!)*