With a history of over 800 years, the Nan Luo Gu Xiang (Southern Gong and Drum Lane)is one of the Beijing`s oldest hutongs and has been one of Beijing's 25 cultural and historical protection areas since 1990. Located in the Dongcheng district of Beijing, this 800-meter long North-South alleyway is filled with bars, cafes, restaurants, artsy little shops, souvenir shops and cute boutiques. It is popular with a lot of tourists and expats. Some expats were attracted by the culture atmosphere in Nan Luo Gu Xiang and Beijing, settled down and opened their own stores and restaurants here. Thus, you can find authentic Indian food in a restaurant owned by real Indians, or shop for ceramics in a store staffed by a Philipina.

Nan Luo Gu Xiang is a perfect place to experience the favor of ancient Beijing. Here exists the typical Architecture style of ancient Beijing; along the street you can see the royal residence of Seng, Ke and Yuan. On entering the south entrance of the lane, you can see the first hutong that had the residence of the Seng Clan, which is now protected by the government. Ke Yuan or Ke Park was originally an artistic private garden finished in 1861, owned by Wen Yu who was an official of the Qing Empire. Compared with Hou Hai Bar Street, the bar street of Southern Gong and Drum Lane is more tranquil and less expensive, and bars in this lane have traditional Chinese decorations that match well with their surroundings. Strolling in the lane, you will forget the hustle and bustle of the metropolis Beijing immediately. Nan Luo Gu Xiang offers a creative way of changing and preserving traditions.

One of the most impressive parts in Nan Luo Gu Xiang is various distinctive shops. The famous residing establishment Pass by Bar at Nan Luo Gu Xiang was brought in by Xiao Biar since 1999. It combines a bar and a café 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 was founded by a traveling backpacker Englishman, Dominic Johnson-Hill two years ago. He visited Nan Luo Gu Xiang in 1993 and impressed by the culture atmosphere here. The T-Shirt of this shop is featured with the "Original Beijing Style" which boasts comfy cotton casual wear. All kinds of weekend activities also take place in Nan Luo Gu Xiang.