In Beijing, there is a hutong with a delightful-sounding name: Jinyu Hutong (Goldfish Hutong). You might wonder if there are goldfish in this hutong, and the answer is no. But it holds many stories far more interesting than the goldfish itself. But there are many stories here that are even…
Last Updated: Jul. 2026 The first time I stood at the eastern entrance of Zhuanta Hutong, I was actually a bit taken aback—not because of its width (it’s quite narrow, as expected), but because the first thing I saw was a tower.
Tucked away on the east side of North Deshengmen Street in Beijing lies a small alley named Shangqin Hutong. It is only 246 meters in length and may seem ordinary at first glance, yet behind its name lies an interesting piece of wordplay and a story of the rise and fall of…
The first time I stood in the middle of Lingjing Hutong, I was truly amazed—it completely shattered my preconceived notion of Beijing hutongs as “narrow, cramped, and low-ceilinged.” It’s not the kind of old alley where you have to walk sideways; instead, it’s a unique hutong wide enough for cars…
After exploring the bustling Nanluoguxiang, take a turn into the adjacent Mao’er Hutong for a stroll through time. This hutong connects to Di’anmenwai Street at its western end. Though short, it conceals numerous top-tier historical sites—from imperial gardens to the former residence of the last empress—making it a rich repository of…
If you visit Nanluoguxiang in Beijing, don’t miss the quiet, story-filled Yu’er Hutong next door. Like a“fishbone” on the western side of Nanluoguxiang’s “fish spine,” it hides centuries of history and the footprints of artistic masters. Quick Overview The Name and Location of Yu’er Hutong Yu’er Hutong connects to the…
If you enjoy exploring Beijing’s old neighborhoods, this narrow lane called Ouya Hutong is well worth a visit. Though absent from major tourist maps, it holds stories of ordinary life in old Beijing.
When visiting the Temple of Heaven, 90% of people head straight for the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, snap a few photos, and leave. I, however, prefer to venture into the quiet southwest corner—where a blue glazed-tile palace, the Zhaigong, stands as the only one…
When visiting Beijing, don’t miss Dengshikou—it’s a must-see alongside Wangfujing! This article provides an in-depth look at the history of the Ming Dynasty lamp market at Dengshikou, along with transportation routes, the best times to visit, budget tips, and nearby attractions, guiding you to this off-the-beaten-path, free destination in Beijing….
