Beijing Winter Hutong Stroll Guide: Hidden Gems of Xianyukou Street and Xixinglong Street

Beijing’s winters are long, with cold temperatures, strong winds, and short daylight hours. Yet, in this season, a collection of cozy shops connects to form a charming hutong route perfect for a stroll.

Today, let’s explore two connected streets near Qianmen—Xianyukou Street and Xixinglong Street—a route especially suited for a slow, enjoyable winter walk.

 Starting Point: Xianyukou Street & Qianmen Reception Hall

Our walk begins at Xianyukou Street. Located near the bustling Dazhalan area, the street has been renovated, with some shops already open for business. It feels tidy, blending a sense of history with new energy.

Here, you’ll find a new popular spot—the Qianmen Reception Hall. Housed in a traditional Beijing courtyard, it features abundant red decorations and motifs of Beijing Swifts, creating a special pop-up space. It’s scheduled to remain open until 2027 and has become a new highlight along Beijing’s Central Axis.

The Qianmen Reception Hall hosts several lifestyle brands like GUBI, CHANGPHEL, and Xiaomianbao. From food to home decor, the space showcases a unique Beijing vibe, making it great for photos and appreciating design aesthetics.

 Going Deeper: Shops & Gifts on Xixinglong Street

Continuing east from Xianyukou Street leads to Xixinglong Street. This street has a more local life atmosphere and is dotted with hidden treasure shops.

If you enjoy browsing eclectic stores, PANGEAISM Pu is worth a visit. The shop is filled with interesting tableware and miscellaneous goods. The first floor has more jewelry and toys, while the second floor focuses mainly on tableware. The two-story wooden building facing the street has a distinctive look that easily catches the eye.

For picking out gifts during holidays or for friends, you can visit JollyJolly Gift Store. The shop is neat and bright, filled with cute and well-designed items—the kind of place you’d want to step into when passing by.

Taking a Break: Coffee & Local Eats

After walking for a while, you’ll naturally need a rest and some refreshments. Xixinglong Street has several cafes, such as Weishui, Fusan Coffee, and Big Small Coffee. These street-side shops might be small, but stopping for a coffee to warm up feels like a comfortable “comma” in your walking journey.

For a more authentic local taste, there’s a small eatery on the street that has made it onto Beijing’s food lists. It looks unassuming but is often full of people. The menu is simple, featuring guotie (pan-fried dumplings) and jiangrou (braised meat). The guotie are fried fresh after ordering—crispy on the outside with a juicy filling, offering particularly warm and delicious comfort in winter.

Indoor Visits: Interesting Stops

When it’s cold outside, there’s a great indoor spot at the eastern end of Xixinglong Street—the Central Gift and Cultural Heritage Management Center. Admission is free with advance booking. It displays gifts received and presented by China during diplomatic activities. These exquisitely crafted gifts, full of diverse international styles, are perfect for an insightful visit on a cold day.

Although not located directly on Xixinglong Street, the First Historical Archives of China is also worth including in your plan, as it’s not far away. It exhibits precious cultural relics like dragon cabinets and golden cases, a must-see for history enthusiasts.

 The Story of the Streets

Xixinglong Street itself is an old street with history, its origins tracing back to the water transport culture of the Ming Dynasty. Today, it has become a delightful street to explore in the Qianmen area. It retains the authentic, lively atmosphere of old Beijing while gathering many trendy restaurants and shops. This unique blend of old and new creates a distinctive character.

In summary, the route formed by Xianyukou Street and Xixinglong Street has a quiet atmosphere, allowing you to truly slow down. Look at the old residences lining the streets, browse the interesting little shops—the low houses and tidy roads feel peaceful and harmonious. A winter stroll can perfectly start here.

 Friendly Reminder: Please dress warmly for winter outings. For some venues, remember to check opening hours and booking requirements in advance.