Must-Visit Beijing Winter Spots: 6 Subway-Accessible Hidden Gems for Effortless Exploration

Winter’s chill can’t dampen the spirit of adventure! These six distinctive neighborhoods in Beijing, all accessible by subway, offer glimpses of old Beijing’s vibrant energy, European-style architecture, and the soothing charm of artsy boutiques.

Wrap up warm and stroll through them—every corner holds winter-exclusive surprises, making them worth revisiting time and again!

Unlike its bustling neighbor Nanluoguxiang, Beiluoguxiang feels like a quiet haven. Traditional courtyard houses with blue-gray tiles, neighbors basking in the sun, and laid-back cafes and bars blend the neighborhood’s warmth with a slow-paced, artistic vibe. Winter brings fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere here. Red lanterns cast warm light against gray walls, and a stroll leads you all the way to Drum Tower.

• Address: West side of Andingmennei Street, Dongcheng District; north end at Andingmen Xidajie, south end at Gulou Dongdajie.
• Direct Metro Access: Exit A from Andingmen Station (Line 2) or Exit A2 from Shichahai Station (Line 8).

Must-Visit Highlights:

• Sip hand-brewed coffee at VOYAGE COFFEE, where sunlight streaming through the glass walls creates a soothing atmosphere.
• Visit the Yellow-Tiled God of Wealth Temple for a photo of winter’s brightest splash of yellow in the hutongs.
• Explore courtyard restaurants tucked in hutongs for Western or Yunnan cuisine, with rooftop snow views from terrace seating.
• Catch a wall-projected movie at Seven Bar’s entrance at dusk, warmed by mulled wine.

This 1.6-kilometer-long alley is Beijing’s longest hutong. Once home to modern embassies, it hides a cluster of European-style buildings. Winter sunlight filters through red-brick arches, casting shifting patterns that evoke rich historical layers. Free from crowds, it’s perfect for quietly experiencing the collision of Eastern and Western cultures.

• Address: Near No. 4 Chongwenmennei Street, Dongcheng District
• Direct Metro Access: Chongwenmen Station or Qianmen Station (Line 2)

Must-Visit Highlights:

• Capture the vintage spire of St. Michael’s Catholic Church for winter-themed photos.
• Explore the China Court Museum within its striking red-and-white castle-like structure.
• Stroll through the former French Post Office to admire early 20th-century European architectural details.

This “living fossil” hutong, preserved since the Yuan Dynasty, takes its name from the Liao Dynasty Wansong Elder Pagoda at its eastern entrance. Literary figures like Lu Xun and Lao She once resided here. In winter, the bare branches of locust trees frame the blue-brick pagoda, blending everyday life with cultural charm—quiet yet rich in stories.

• Address: West of Xisi T-junction, Xicheng District
• Direct Metro: Line 4, Xisi Station

Must-Visit Highlights:

• Browse Beijing-themed archives at Zhengyang Bookstore while savoring hot tea.
• Visit Lu Xun’s Former Residence to experience the hutong life described by the literary giant.
• Walk to Happy Mahua Theater and chase away winter’s chill with a comedy show.

This newly popular hutong beside the Imperial Axis may only stretch 120 meters, yet it holds many delightful surprises. Its old blue-brick walls pair intriguingly with inflatable cats and interactive installations, offering both intangible cultural heritage experiences and artsy coffee. Courtyards bathed in winter sunlight feel especially soothing, making this a hidden gem free from crowds.

• Address: Northern part of Tianqiao Subdistrict, Xicheng District; bounded by Liuxue Road to the northwest and Puchenshi Hutong to the southeast.
• Direct Metro Access: Line 8, Tianqiao Station.

Must-Visit Highlights:

• Admire delicate polymer clay rabbit deities at Zhao Chunxiang’s Subtle Art Gallery.
• Experience Song Dynasty arrow-throwing games at Zhiruan Digital Art Gallery and color the Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains scroll.
• Sip a seasonal specialty coffee at Jiugang Coffee while watching snowfall through the windows.
• Browse Qingxiugé Creative Shop for handcrafted treasures.

This cultural district, named after the Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy, features streets shaded by locust trees. The gray-walled, gray-tiled courtyard houses exude a rich cultural atmosphere. In winter, the bustle fades, leaving red walls contrasting with bare trees. Strolling here offers the most authentic feel of old Beijing, perfect for quiet relaxation.

• Address: West of Yonghegong Temple, Dongcheng District
• Subway Access: Yonghegong Station (Line 2 or 5)

Must-Visit Highlights:

• Explore the Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy to immerse yourself in Confucian heritage.
• Browse cultural products inspired by ancient texts at neighborhood bookstores.
• Visit the century-old locust tree for serene winter photography.
• Browse traditional stationery shops for brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
• Explore nearby Wudaoying Hutong for a taste of artistic, slow-paced living.

This bustling food street brims with the authentic flavors of old Beijing, where warm winter snacks are especially tempting. Tucked among grey-tiled courtyard houses, dozens of time-honored shops offer the crispy sweetness of sugar-coated sesame cakes and the rich, mellow taste of roasted flour porridge—painting the quintessential picture of Beijing’s winter cuisine.

• Address: Huguosi Street, Xicheng District
• Nearest Subway: Line 4, Ping’anli Station

Must-Visit Highlights:

•  Grab freshly baked sugar-coated sesame buns at Lao Huihui Snacks, paired with a bowl of hot miancha.
• Visit the flagship Huguosi Snacks store to sample Beijing specialties like aiwowo and donkey rolls.
•  Browse intangible cultural heritage craft shops for unique souvenirs like Tuya figurines and paper cuttings.
•  Spend a winter afternoon basking in the sun at a street-side eatery while enjoying steaming snacks.