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Code: BJ-HT01
Beijing Shichahai Hutong Tour
Comprised of Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai Lakes, Shichahai Area is the most renowned historical and cultural quarter in Beijing.
There you could experience the local residents' daily life by tracing the age-old hutongs and courtyards. The ancient imperial mansions, celebrities' former residences, and the trendy boutiques and bars along the narrow alleys will show you both ancient and modern glamour of Beijing.
In the area, also scatter many restaurants and snacks stores, where you can enjoy delicious Beijing food from imperial dishes to folk snacks.
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There you could experience the local residents' daily life by tracing the age-old hutongs and courtyards. The ancient imperial mansions, celebrities' former residences, and the trendy boutiques and bars along the narrow alleys will show you both ancient and modern glamour of Beijing.
In the area, also scatter many restaurants and snacks stores, where you can enjoy delicious Beijing food from imperial dishes to folk snacks.
Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie)
Shichahai rickshaw tour
One-Day Shichahai Hutong Tour
Beihai North Subway Station – Sanzuoqiao Hutong - Prince Gong's Mansion - Yangfang Hutong - Houhai Park - Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling – Guanghua Temple - Ya'er Hutong - Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie) - Bell and Drum Towers - Shichahai Subway Station
This route starts from the Beihai North station of Beijing subway line 6. Get out from Exit B and walk north along Sanzuoqiao Hutong to Prince Gong's Mansion directly. As one of the best preserved prince mansions in China, it is really worth visit inside.
Afterwards, at the west side of the mansion, you can walk northward along Liuyin Street for 550 meters (600 yards) to the crossing. Turn left onto the Yangfang Hutong, and walk west to Houhai Park, where you can row a boat to the man-made Mallard Island, and relax in the natural tranquility while watching the ducks playing in the water.
From the Houhai Park, follow the Shichahai lake bank for about 200 meters (220 yards) westwards and then turn north onto Houhai Xiyan Street, along which there are many bars and cafés. You may stop at one of them for rest and refreshment after a long walk.
Continue to stroll along the lake bank as you turn right to Houhai Beiyan Street. The Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling is on this street.
After getting out, walk eastwards and turn north onto the Ya'er Hutong. There is a Guanghua Temple along it. After a very enjoyable stroll southeast along the alley, you will get to Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie). It is the most prosperous commercial hutong in Shichahai Area, with many bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can find all kinds of traditional artifacts and other interesting things on this street.
Di'anmen Outer Street is at the eastern end of Yandai Xiejie. From here you can walk north straight to visit the Bell and Drum Towers. About 200 meters (220 yards) south from the Drum Tower, you can find the Shichahai Station of subway line 8, where you may take the subway back to your hotel.
If it’s too late, you may also walk directly southwards from the eastern end of Yandai Xiejie to the Shichahai Subway Station.
Shichahai Subway Station – Bell and Drum Towers - Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street – Ya’er Hutong – Guanghua Temple - Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling - Houhai Park - Yangfang Hutong - Prince Gong's Mansion – Sanzuoqiao Hutong - Beihai North Subway Station
This route starts from the Beihai North station of Beijing subway line 6. Get out from Exit B and walk north along Sanzuoqiao Hutong to Prince Gong's Mansion directly. As one of the best preserved prince mansions in China, it is really worth visit inside.
Afterwards, at the west side of the mansion, you can walk northward along Liuyin Street for 550 meters (600 yards) to the crossing. Turn left onto the Yangfang Hutong, and walk west to Houhai Park, where you can row a boat to the man-made Mallard Island, and relax in the natural tranquility while watching the ducks playing in the water.
From the Houhai Park, follow the Shichahai lake bank for about 200 meters (220 yards) westwards and then turn north onto Houhai Xiyan Street, along which there are many bars and cafés. You may stop at one of them for rest and refreshment after a long walk.
Continue to stroll along the lake bank as you turn right to Houhai Beiyan Street. The Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling is on this street.
After getting out, walk eastwards and turn north onto the Ya'er Hutong. There is a Guanghua Temple along it. After a very enjoyable stroll southeast along the alley, you will get to Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie). It is the most prosperous commercial hutong in Shichahai Area, with many bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can find all kinds of traditional artifacts and other interesting things on this street.
Di'anmen Outer Street is at the eastern end of Yandai Xiejie. From here you can walk north straight to visit the Bell and Drum Towers. About 200 meters (220 yards) south from the Drum Tower, you can find the Shichahai Station of subway line 8, where you may take the subway back to your hotel.
If it’s too late, you may also walk directly southwards from the eastern end of Yandai Xiejie to the Shichahai Subway Station.
It’s OK to walk vice versa like this:
Shichahai Subway Station – Bell and Drum Towers - Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street – Ya’er Hutong – Guanghua Temple - Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling - Houhai Park - Yangfang Hutong - Prince Gong's Mansion – Sanzuoqiao Hutong - Beihai North Subway Station
Half-Day Shichahai Hutong Tour
Beihai North Subway Station – Sanzuoqiao Hutong - Prince Gong's Mansion – Houhai Nanyan – Yinding Bridge - Houhai Bar Street - Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street - Shichahai Subway Station
The former part of this route is the same as the above. After visiting Prince Gong's Mansion, still walk northwards along Liuyin Street to the crossing. Then turn right instead of left to Houhai Nanyan Street and walk eastward till reaching Yinding Bridge.
Passing the bridge, you will be at Houhai Bar Street. It is recommended to have a seat here, appreciating the lake scenery with a cup of drink. Later, move on to the Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street to the east of the bar street. Walk to the eastern end of the Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street and then turn south, you will find the Shichahai Subway Station in a few minutes.
The former part of this route is the same as the above. After visiting Prince Gong's Mansion, still walk northwards along Liuyin Street to the crossing. Then turn right instead of left to Houhai Nanyan Street and walk eastward till reaching Yinding Bridge.
Passing the bridge, you will be at Houhai Bar Street. It is recommended to have a seat here, appreciating the lake scenery with a cup of drink. Later, move on to the Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street to the east of the bar street. Walk to the eastern end of the Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street and then turn south, you will find the Shichahai Subway Station in a few minutes.
How to Tour
You can either walk or ride a bicycle to visit the area. There are many shared bikes around and the cost is CNY1.5 per hour per bike.
Rickshaw, a traditional Beijing transportation means, is also a good way. The cost is about CNY100-200/ rickshaw based on the number of passengers and duration of trip.
Rickshaw, a traditional Beijing transportation means, is also a good way. The cost is about CNY100-200/ rickshaw based on the number of passengers and duration of trip.
Admission Fee & How to Book Ticket
All Hutongs along the way are free to visit and only a few scenic spots require a ticket.
Prince Gong's Mansion: CNY40; buy ticket on the spot with passport
Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling: CNY20; ticket can be bought on the site or online in advance
Guanghua Temple: CNY30; paid on site
Bell and Drum Towers: CNY30 for a combo ticket, which can be bought on the spot
Please click here for the Shichahai Hutong Map.
Prince Gong's Mansion: CNY40; buy ticket on the spot with passport
Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling: CNY20; ticket can be bought on the site or online in advance
Guanghua Temple: CNY30; paid on site
Bell and Drum Towers: CNY30 for a combo ticket, which can be bought on the spot
Please click here for the Shichahai Hutong Map.
More Beijing Hutong Tours:
Houhai Hutong Tour: a leisure time in Houhai to visit old courtyards and princely mansion.
Dashilar and Qianmen: shopping area with time-honored brands like Quanjude Roast Duck and Tongrentang Drug Store.
Old Beijing City: visit old alleys near the center of the ancient imperial city.
Half-Day Beijing Hutong Tour by Rickshaw: 4 routes to see hutongs in Shichahai area.
One-Day Beijing Hutong Walking Tour: to see historical relics include Yonghe Temple, Temple of Confucius, Imperial Academy...
Interested in doing a Huting 1/2 day 'tour' but wondering if it advised / recommeded to do this independantly or with an organised tour ? Im staying at The DOngcheng area but would like to see the Shichahai area as well. I would rather have the ease of transport / rickshaw and some walking as I am not fully mobile due to an accident I had. Any suggestions ?
Thanks - Jeff