Amid the labyrinth of hutongs near Shichahai Lake in Beijing lieDaxiangfeng Hutong and Xiaoxiangfeng Hutong, two ordinary yet story-rich lanes.

Nestled near Beijing’s Shichahai Lake lie two quiet, history-rich hutongs–Great Jinsi Hutong and Little Jinsi Hutong.

In the picturesque “Jinsitao” (Gold and Silk Set) hutong network of Beijing’sShichahai area, there is a street full of stories—Nan Guanfang Hutong (South Official Residence Hutong). Like its neighbor, Beiguanfang Hutong, its name originates from the Qing Dynasty.

Across from the bustling bar street in Beijing’s Shichahai area lies a quiet, story-filled place—Beiguanfang Hutong.

In Beijing’s Shichahai area, there is an ancient hutong named “Hounan Yan” (South Shore of Houhai). It runs east-west, slightly tilting northwards, starting from Yinding Bridge Hutong in the east and ending at Liuyin Street in the west, with a total length of about 230 meters.

In our previous visit, we walked through Ya’er Hutong. Today, let’s explore its immediate neighbor: Houhai North Bank (Houhai Bei Yan). These two lanes are back-to-back neighbors. Emerging from the narrow passageways of Ya’er Hutong, you’ll see the waterfront with willows brushing the shore—That’s Houhai North Bank.

Near Beijing’s Shichahai scenic area, aside from the bustling Yandai Byway, there lies a quiet yet storied lane—Baimi Byway (Baimi Xie Jie). Stretching 353 meters, it slopes from northeast to southwest, connecting Baimi North Lane and Lechunfang Hutong.

Within Beijing’s intricate network of hutongs (traditional alleyways), Ya’er Hutong stands out as a unique lane where history, literature, and the vibrant pulse of daily life converge.

Zhishanmen Street is located in the northeastern part of Beijing’s Xicheng District. It runs east from Jingshan West Street to the Zhishan Gate of Beihai Park, from which it gets its name.