Yannian Hutong Beijing Travel Guide: A unique scenery of trees growing among houses, how to get there and the best time to visit(Updated 2026)

If you’re traveling in Beijing, besides the Great Wall and Peking duck, the old hutongs tucked away in the depths of the city are also well worth a visit. Today, we take you into a small alley called Yannian Hutong. At just 248 meters long, it holds hundreds of years of history and some unexpected, amazing sights.

It’s quiet, off the beaten path, and devoid of Instagram-worthy hotspots, yet it harbors a rare sight of treehouses coexisting with nature—a spectacle seldom seen in Beijing.

Here, you’ll also find the high walls of Prince Qing’s Mansion and Li Lianying’s private residence; even its name evokes the warmth and charm of old Beijing.

When exploring Beijing’s hutongs in 2026, don’t just crowd into Nanluoguxiang—this quiet, story-filled alley will leave a lasting impression after just one visit.

Quick Facts: Yan’nian Hutong—At a Glance

• Location: Xicheng District, connecting Songshu Street and Deshengmennei Street
• Key Highlights: The unique sight of ancient trees growing through houses, Li Lianying’s private residence at No. 3, the northern high wall of the Prince Qing’s Mansion, and the memories of Lao Sanzi Hutong
• Historical Atmosphere: A residential area for the elite during the late Qing Dynasty, now a vibrant old neighborhood
• Visitor Tips: Great for photos; a leisurely 20-minute stroll is sufficient. Ideal for combining with visits to Deshengmen and Xihai

Best Way to Get There | Tested Shortest Route

① Subway (Recommended)

Line 2: Exit B at Jishuitan Station

Walk south for 6 minutes to Deshengmennei Street, then turn into the alley on the east side to reach Yan’nian Hutong—the entire route is steeped in old Beijing charm.

Line 19: Deshengmen Station

Just a 5-minute walk from the station—even easier.

② Direct Bus

Deshengmennei Station: Buses 22, 38, 47, 55, 88, and 409. Get off right at the entrance to the hutong.

③ Hidden Gem Itinerary

Yannian Hutong → Xihai Wetland Park → Deshengmen: A quiet route with few people, great photo spots, and rich history—completely avoiding the crowds.

From “Sanzi” to “Yannian”: The Name Change of a Hutong

Yannian Hutong is located in the Xicheng District of Beijing, connecting Songshu Street and North Deshengmen Street. In the Qing Dynasty, it was named “Sanzi Hutong” because there were workshops making sanzi here—sanzi is a traditional crispy fried pastry.

After 1911, the hutong was renamed “Yannian Hutong,” which means “good health and longevity,” and the name has been in use ever since.

The “Famous Residents” in the Hutong: A Prince’s Mansion and a Chief Eunuch’s Private Residence

Walking in Yannian Hutong, you’ll notice it abuts an exceptionally long and tall wall. This is no ordinary wall, but the north wall of Prince Qing’s Mansion.

A grand mansion bestowed upon Prince Yikuang by Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty, it is now a Beijing Municipal Cultural Relic Protection Unit and is used by the Beijing Garrison, so it is not open to the public. This single wall alone lets you feel the immense scale of the mansion in its prime.

There is also a special courtyard in the hutong—Courtyard No.3. It is said to be one of the private residences in Beijing of Li Lianying, the most powerful chief eunuch in the late Qing Dynasty.

Though the gate does not look particularly luxurious, a pair of carved stone drum gate piers at the entrance and the traces of a former screen wall (a traditional architectural wall used to block the line of sight) in the courtyard all reveal the exquisite details of its time, embodying the typical architectural style of folk residences in the late Qing Dynasty.

The Most Astonishing Wonder: Trees and Houses “Grow” Together

The most impressive sight in Yannian Hutong is a marvel on its eastern side. Due to urban renovation in the past, some simple residential buildings were built here, resulting in extremely cramped spaces.

Then a wonderful thing happened: the growing space of some trees was squeezed, yet they survived tenaciously and eventually became closely intertwined with the external walls of the houses and the small bungalows that were put up here.

Sturdy tree trunks press closely against the walls and grow upward, with some even piercing through the roofs or sheds. Instead of cutting down these trees, the residents hung various beautiful potted flowers and plants on the walls and trunks.

What you see then is a unique scene: old grey-brick walls and simple bungalows blend into one with vibrant green plants and twisting trunks, supporting each other.

This sight stirs a deep sense of wonder: for the sake of survival, the trees find a way to grow even in narrow corners, and the houses, accompanied by the trees, burst with vitality.

They are like an old pair of partners who have danced together for years, unable to do without each other.

This is not just a unique sight in the hutong, but also a reminder that life can always find its own way out and beauty in the most unexpected places.

Why I Love This Off-the-Beaten-Path Alley

It’s free of commercialism and noise, offering only the authentic daily life of old Beijing.

On one side stand the imposing high walls of Prince Qing’s Mansion;

On the other hand, Li Lianying’s unassuming private residence.

At its deepest point, trees and houses coexist in gentle harmony.

From the fragrant sesame twist workshop to Yan’nian Hutong, whose name symbolizes longevity, from the secret residences of late Qing dynasty dignitaries to the quiet lanes where ordinary people live peacefully today.

It tells you:

No matter how great the power, it will eventually fade; only life and daily living can continue gently, endlessly.

A Quick Reminder

This is a residential area. Please explore quietly, avoid making noise, and do not knock on doors.

The tree-house wonder is in the eastern section of the alley—you’ll only discover it if you take your time, so don’t miss it.

Be mindful when taking photos; respect the residents and their daily lives.

There are countless hutongs in Beijing,

but few like Yan’nian Hutong, which holds within it historical secrets, the former residences of the powerful, wonders of life, and the gentle warmth of everyday life.

In 2026, come here for a stroll, and you’ll see the quietest, most powerful side of Beijing.