2026 Beijing Travel Guide: Strolling Yangmeizhu Slant Street Hutong

Tired of crowded tourist spots? Want to experience authentic old Beijing life? Then, Yangmeizhu Slant Street near Qianmen is definitely worth adding to your Beijing itinerary.

This 600-year-old “slanted street” (a hutong not aligned with the cardinal directions) once served as Beijing’s publishing hub, home to seven renowned bookstores, including World Bookstore and Kaiming Bookstore.

Today, it seamlessly blends historical charm with modern creativity: quiet residents coexist alongside scattered design studios, creative boutiques, and cafes. Unlike the crowded Nanluoguxiang or the overly commercialized Wudaoying, it retains a warm, relaxed “hutong vibe,” perfect for strolls and exploration. Next, we’ll introduce several must-see highlights along this alley.

1. Cai Ci Fang: Artistry on Ancient Porcelain Shards

This shop transforms ancient porcelain fragments into treasures. Artisans meticulously reassemble shards from different eras and kilns into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

•  Stunning Piece: The shop’s blue-and-white porcelain qipao is its most famous creation. Each dress reportedly requires about 1,000 meticulously inlaid porcelain shards, perfectly blending two iconic symbols of Chinese culture.
•  Signature Items: You’ll also find exquisite jewelry and decorative pieces crafted from antique porcelain shards, including the character “FU”(meaning “good fortune”) and auspicious phrases intricately assembled from shards.

2. Qiankun Space: A Microcosm of the Universe

The shop’s entrance bears the characters “Qiankun,” meaning “heaven and earth,” hinting at a hidden world within.

• In-Store Experience: Though unassuming from the outside, stepping inside feels like entering a treasure trove of cultural creativity. Old Beijing maps, distinctive canvas bags, fridge magnets, prints, and more fill the space with a unique artistic flair.
• Unique Atmosphere: Attracting many Chinese and foreign tourists, the goods blend the city’s ancient charm with modern design, embodying a concept of diverse and inclusive cultural space.

3. Jingwei Shiguang: Recapturing Old Beijing Memories

This shop is a paradise for nostalgia enthusiasts, specializing in recreating memories of life in old Beijing.

• Signature Collection: The most striking feature is an entire wall of enamel mugs, each printed with classic motifs like vintage bus stop signs, Beijing dialect phrases, or the White Pagoda of Beihai Park.
• Instagram-Worthy Courtyard: Hidden behind the shop, a charming courtyard awaits. Several staggered glass windows create a kaleidoscope-like perspective, making it a popular social media spot (Note: Entry to the courtyard typically requires a purchase).

Vibrant Human Scenes in the Hutongs

Beyond the shops, the area captivates with its lively, everyday atmosphere.

You might encounter an elderly man carving seals by the roadside, his cart brimming with assorted stamps. Alongside traditional “leisure seals,” he carves numerous pet motifs like kittens and puppies
—a personal passion that’s especially popular with young people. He operates on an intriguing principle: carve first, let the customer pay whatever they wish after receiving and approving the seal.

Casually, you’ll also spot ingeniously crafted couplets on residents’ doors. One example cleverly incorporates ten auspicious phrases—from “smooth sailing” to“ perfect in every way”—counting from one to ten, showcasing the charm of the Chinese language and people’s aspirations for a blessed life.

Travel Tips

• How to Get There: The most convenient way is to take Metro Line 2 to Qianmen Station. Exit via Exit C and walk approximately 400 meters to reach the eastern entrance of the hutong.
• Best Experience: Allow 2-3 hours to slow down, not only browsing shops but also observing the architectural details and daily life within the hutong.
• Spending Note: Some specialty shops or trendy courtyards may require a minimum purchase to enter. Check before stepping inside.

In short, Yangmeizhu Xiejie is a cultural alley where you can temporarily escape the hustle and bustle, get up close to the pulse of old Beijing, and discover fresh creativity. Here, history and the present weave together seamlessly, waiting for you to uncover them through strolls.