Nanluoguxiang (South Luogu Lane)
Nanluoguxiang (South Luogu Lane) is one of Beijing's top 10 hutongs and one of the oldest hutongs. It has been one of Beijing's 25 cultural and historical protection areas since 1990. It is located in Dongcheng District of Beijing, extending north from Gulou Dongdajie and south to Di'anmen Dongdajie. Nowadays, this approximately 800 meters long alleyway is filled with distinctive bars, cafes, restaurants, artsy little shops, souvenir shops and cute boutiques. Whether you are culture lover or a foodie, South Luogu Lane is one of the best things to do on your Beijing travel.
Beijing Nanluoguxiang Facts
Layout
There are 16 hutongs on the east and west sides of Nanluoguxiang Alley, which are neatly arranged in the shape of a fishbone. From south to north, the 8 hutongs on the west side are Fuxiang Hutong, Demoiselle Hutong, Yu'er Hutong, Cap'er Hutong, Nanshiawaizi Hutong, Shajing Hutong, Black Sesame Hutong, and Former Drum Tower Court Hutong. The 8 hutongs on the east side are Fried Bean Hutong, Banchang Hutong, East Cotton Hutong, Beibingmashi Hutong, Qinlao Hutong, Former Yuan'en Temple Hutong, Later Yuan'en Temple Hutong, and Ju'er Hutong.
What to See & Do
South Luogu Lane is the only traditional checkerboard style residential area in China that has preserved the texture of Yuan Dynasty Hutong-Courtyard. It is like an old man who witnesses the rise and fall of dynasties, and tells the whole world an ancient legend about his past. And now, Nanluoguxiang street is a wonderful place where mixed with vintage and fashion style. Especially in recent years, it has become a darling of many fashion magazines, TV shows and internet celebrities, a perfect location shooting. Here, you can experience the real classic old Hutong culture of Beijing, and some petty bourgeois sentiment.
Experience the Charm of Ancient Beijing Architecture
Although the South Luogu Lane is so close to the Forbidden City, the architectures here are totally not splendid and magnificent style, but have grey walls and roofs which reflect the folk culture. However, because of its proximity to the imperial city, there once lived many royal relatives and officials at Nanluoguxiang. Up to this day, their former residence has been preserved, such as Senggelinqin (a great general of late Qing Dynasty) Palace in Chaodou Hutong, Qi Baishi (a great artist, who is famous for his traditional Chinese painting) Former Residence in Yu’er Hutong, Mao Dun (a famous Chinese writer and social activist) Former Residence in Houyuanensi Hutong，Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek (a well-known Chinese political and military leader) Former Residence in Houyuanensi Hutong and Houdi in Maoer Hutong. And several classic Chinese garden style courtyards like Keyuan in Maoer Hutong, Qiyuan in Qinlao Hutong and the distinctive Juer Hutong.
The former site of Wanqing Pawnshop
It is located in No.1 Demoiselle Hutong, on the side of Nanluoguxiang.Wanqing Pawnshop is one of the five major pawnshops in the capital in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China.
Stone Culture Exhibition Area
It is located at the west entrance of Nanluoguxiang and Ju'er Hutong. Old time stone tablets, stone piers, and stones for mounting and dismounting are on display here.
China Labrang Folk Culture Experience Center
It is the “Gannan Window” set up by Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province in Beijing. The natural scenery and humanities of Gannan are restored through copying, spray painting, sculpture and projection.
Bar Hopping at Nights & Shopping for Souvenirs
As the 3rd most popular bar street in Beijing (just behind Sanlitun and Houhai) and an authentic night market, there are several shops will catch your attention. One of the most impressive parts in Nanluoguxiang is various distinctive shops.
Pass by Bar
The famous Pass by Bar at Nanluoguxiang is one of Beijing’s longest-running bars. It combines a bar and a cafe with a small shop carrying souvenirs.Their postcards are made out of recycled paper and printed with artistic designs which are hard to find anywhere else.
Plastered 8 T-Shirt
Another popular shop - Plastered 8 T-Shirt was founded by a traveling backpacker Englishman. He visited Nanluoguxiang in 1993 and impressed by the culture atmosphere here, and then opened this shop here. The T-Shirt of this shop is featured with the "Original Beijing Style" which boasts comfy cotton casual wear.
Pottery Workshop at No.23
It is a pottery store where many people attracted by its creative and artistic environment. The workshop exhibits some resident artists' works, so you can admire the fine potteries while enjoying a cup of coffee. And some artists offer teaching classes, which means if you are interested in learning ceramics, you can have a try and make your own piece of pottery.
Hundreds of various souvenirs boutique shops here are waiting you to explore. If you love fancy new gadgets like enamel cups, potteries, plates and coasters featuring artistic designs, a selection of ornaments displaying Chairman Mao’s image and some other unique Chinese-inspired gifts, South Luogu Lane will not let you down.
>> Recommended Beijing city tours:
Enjoy the Wide Variety of Food in Nanluoguxiang's Restaurants
Nanluoguxiang street is also an ideal place to taste plenty of diverse western and Chinese food. Here are several recommended eating and drinking establishments:
Wenyu Cheese Shop – offering the tastiest and purest cheese and plum juice.
Fish Nation – it is well-known for its British-style fish & chips, as well as pizza, pasta and very good beer.
Guo Ke Dining Hall at No.108 – serving tasty pizza and Nepal-style drinks.
Square Brick Factory No. 69 Fried Noodle: The noodles are chewy, the fried sauce has a rich aroma, and the side dishes are rich and diverse.
Wenyu Cheese: A popular dessert shop in Nanluoguxiang street. The signature cheese is sweet but not greasy. In addition to cheese, the store also offers various traditional dairy products such as double-layer milk pudding and milk rolls.
Peking Style Tripe: Freshly shredded tripe is quickly blanched in boiling water and then dipped in a special sesame sauce to make it taste fresh and crispy. In South Luogu Lane, there are many small stores selling popped tripe, so you can choose according to your taste.
Jinfang Snacks: This is an old-established snack shop that offers a wide variety of traditional Beijing food and snacks, such as Huoshao, donkey Roll, and Aiwowo.
And there are many more various restaurants in Nanluoguxiang providing Russian, Italian and Indian style delicacies. Strolling in the lane, experiencing the cultural atmosphere of a combination of Chinese and Western elements, you will enjoy a big feast for your eyes, stomach and mind in the meantime.
>> Related reading: Beijing Food and Restaurants
When to Visit
Nanluoguxiang is favorable for visiting all the year round.
How to Get to Nanluoguxiang
By Subway:
Take Subway Line 6 / 8 directly to Nanluoguxiang.
By Bus:
Take Bus 3, 13, 60,118 or 612 and get off at Nanluoguxiang Station.
Nanluoguxiang Hotels
Nanluoguxiang offers many different types of hotels for visitors to explore Beijing's hutongs, ranging from international five-star hotels, budget hotels, and courtyard hostels. Chinese Culture Holiday Hotel nanluoguxiang, Peking Youth Hostel, Citigo Hotel Chinese Culture Holiday Hotel nanluoguxiang, Peking Youth Hostel, Citigo Hotel, Nanluoguxiang Beijing, and Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing are some of popular options.
Travel Tips
1.You’d better wear comfortable shoes, because a lot of walking.
2.There’ s no parking in Nanluoguxiang street, so the best way to visit here is on foot, hire a rickshaw, or you can rent a bicycle and enjoy a biking tour in this classic Chinese-style alley.
3.Many special snacks can be found here, such as plum juice, crab dumplings in soup, rose pie, double-skin milk, sugar-coated haws on a stick, etc.
4.Nanluoguxiang hutong is very close to Shichahai, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park, therefore I would like to suggest that you can visit the Forbidden City in the daytime, and have some special snacks in Nanluoguxiang at night; or if you only like shopping, you can arrange a shopping tour of Nanluoguxiang & Shichahai.
