Tobacco Pouch Slant Street (Yandaixie Street)
Serving as a shopping street where nobility purchased tobacco items, Tobacco Pouch Slant Street is now a vivid commercial area in north Beijing. Here, you can immerse in a bustling vibe brimming with traditional crafts, local delicacies, artisan workshops, plus two standout attractions: the Taoist Temple of Abundant Fortune and the Imperial Qing Post Office.
Tracing its history back, the street's name has evolved over centuries.
During the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), it was known as "Fisherman's Hall Slant Street," due to its proximity to the Grand Canal dock and the official fishery administration building. In the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), under Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), it became "Drum Tower Slant Street" because of its location near the Drum Tower.
The current name, "Tobacco Pouch Slant Street," came into use by the late Qing dynasty, and owns two fascinating origins.
One tale attributes the name to the thriving trade that took place here. For centuries, the Manchu nobility who lived in North Beijing had a penchant for smoking from tobacco pouches. As a result, this inclined street became dotted with tobacco shops. To attract customers, each shop displayed a giant wooden tobacco pouch outside their storefronts; the largest model stood taller than a person, with a golden bowl adorned with red silk streamers. This iconic image became synonymous with the street, and thus, "Tobacco Pouch Slant Street" was born. It is even said that Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the supreme ruler of the time, was a distinguished patron of these pipe shops.
Another more imaginative explanation likens the street's shape to that of a tobacco pipe: the straight stretch is the stem, the east end is the mouthpiece, and the bend at the west end, leading to Silver Sycee Bridge, forms the rounded bowl. The morning or evening mist from the nearby Shichahai Lake, silhouetted alleyways, and wisps of smoke from residents' chimneys create an illusion of a giant pipe leisurely puffing smoke rings.
Today, Tobacco Pouch Slant Street remains a bustling and lively thoroughfare. Strolling along it, you can discover unique snuff bottle shops that carry on the street’s commercial heritage, as well as encounter trendy bars and creative boutiques.
As night falls, the teahouses, snack shops, and bars become ideal venues for experiencing Beijing's nightlife. Delicacies with strong Old Beijing flavors, such as copper pot hotpot, blown-sugar figurines, fried sauce noodles, and meat pies, tantalize the taste buds of all food lovers.
Beyond shopping and dining, two historical landmarks are well worth a visit.
Midway along the street stands Abundant Fortune Taoist Temple, built in 1459. Once overseeing Daoism nationwide, it now serves as the Shichahai Cultural Exhibition Center, an insightful stop for understanding the region's religious and cultural past. Nearby, the historic "Imperial Qing Post Office," established in 1896 when Emperor Guangxu (1871-1908) launched China's modern postal service, marks the birth of China's postal system. Today, a large ornamental dragon-mailbox stands outside, while inside you can browse and purchase specially designed postcards and commemorative envelopes, a delightful way to send a piece of Beijing home.
For an enriching experience, it's advised to explore Tobacco Pouch Slant Street alongside nearby attractions over 2 to 3 hours. Visit between 16:00 to 17:00 for a detailed look at the street's historical buildings and shops. As the day winds down, make your way to Silver Sycee Bridge to witness the majestic scenery of the setting sun casting its final glow upon the lake, framed by the western mountains. The bridge's north side links to the lively bar strip by the Back Sea Lake, where you can extend your evening and soak up the vibrant pulse of Beijing's nightlife.
Moreover, for hands-on cultural experiences, try painting snuff bottles, crafting pottery, or making traditional paper cuts in one of the many artisan workshops scattered throughout the lane.
The most convenient way is to take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station A2 exit, and you can reach the south entrance of Tobacco Pouch Slant Street directly without any transfer; or you can take multiple bus lines such as 5, 60, 82, 107, 124, 135 and get off at Drum Tower Station, and then walk to arrive easily.
The street is open 24 hours for free admission. Mind that most shops operate from 10:00 to 21:00, and some sites like Abundant Fortune Taoist Temple have special opening hours (9:00–11:30, 14:00–16:30), so plan accordingly. During weekends and holidays, expect heavier foot traffic.
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Tracing its history back, the street's name has evolved over centuries.
During the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), it was known as "Fisherman's Hall Slant Street," due to its proximity to the Grand Canal dock and the official fishery administration building. In the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), under Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), it became "Drum Tower Slant Street" because of its location near the Drum Tower.
The current name, "Tobacco Pouch Slant Street," came into use by the late Qing dynasty, and owns two fascinating origins.
One tale attributes the name to the thriving trade that took place here. For centuries, the Manchu nobility who lived in North Beijing had a penchant for smoking from tobacco pouches. As a result, this inclined street became dotted with tobacco shops. To attract customers, each shop displayed a giant wooden tobacco pouch outside their storefronts; the largest model stood taller than a person, with a golden bowl adorned with red silk streamers. This iconic image became synonymous with the street, and thus, "Tobacco Pouch Slant Street" was born. It is even said that Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the supreme ruler of the time, was a distinguished patron of these pipe shops.
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Another more imaginative explanation likens the street's shape to that of a tobacco pipe: the straight stretch is the stem, the east end is the mouthpiece, and the bend at the west end, leading to Silver Sycee Bridge, forms the rounded bowl. The morning or evening mist from the nearby Shichahai Lake, silhouetted alleyways, and wisps of smoke from residents' chimneys create an illusion of a giant pipe leisurely puffing smoke rings.
|
|
Today, Tobacco Pouch Slant Street remains a bustling and lively thoroughfare. Strolling along it, you can discover unique snuff bottle shops that carry on the street’s commercial heritage, as well as encounter trendy bars and creative boutiques.
|
|
 |
| Imperial Qing Post Office |
As night falls, the teahouses, snack shops, and bars become ideal venues for experiencing Beijing's nightlife. Delicacies with strong Old Beijing flavors, such as copper pot hotpot, blown-sugar figurines, fried sauce noodles, and meat pies, tantalize the taste buds of all food lovers.
Beyond shopping and dining, two historical landmarks are well worth a visit.
Midway along the street stands Abundant Fortune Taoist Temple, built in 1459. Once overseeing Daoism nationwide, it now serves as the Shichahai Cultural Exhibition Center, an insightful stop for understanding the region's religious and cultural past. Nearby, the historic "Imperial Qing Post Office," established in 1896 when Emperor Guangxu (1871-1908) launched China's modern postal service, marks the birth of China's postal system. Today, a large ornamental dragon-mailbox stands outside, while inside you can browse and purchase specially designed postcards and commemorative envelopes, a delightful way to send a piece of Beijing home.
For an enriching experience, it's advised to explore Tobacco Pouch Slant Street alongside nearby attractions over 2 to 3 hours. Visit between 16:00 to 17:00 for a detailed look at the street's historical buildings and shops. As the day winds down, make your way to Silver Sycee Bridge to witness the majestic scenery of the setting sun casting its final glow upon the lake, framed by the western mountains. The bridge's north side links to the lively bar strip by the Back Sea Lake, where you can extend your evening and soak up the vibrant pulse of Beijing's nightlife.
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| Silver Sycee Bridge |
Moreover, for hands-on cultural experiences, try painting snuff bottles, crafting pottery, or making traditional paper cuts in one of the many artisan workshops scattered throughout the lane.
Transportation
The most convenient way is to take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station A2 exit, and you can reach the south entrance of Tobacco Pouch Slant Street directly without any transfer; or you can take multiple bus lines such as 5, 60, 82, 107, 124, 135 and get off at Drum Tower Station, and then walk to arrive easily.
Admission & Opening Hours
The street is open 24 hours for free admission. Mind that most shops operate from 10:00 to 21:00, and some sites like Abundant Fortune Taoist Temple have special opening hours (9:00–11:30, 14:00–16:30), so plan accordingly. During weekends and holidays, expect heavier foot traffic.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search
Nearby Attraction:
Lotus Market Recommended Itineraries:
Shichahai and Houhai Hutongs: to visit Shichahai, Prince Gong's Mansion and Hutongs
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- Last updated on Feb. 05, 2026 by Jally Zhang -