Is the Shichahai walking route free?

Walking through the hutongs and around the lakes is free of charge. However, specific landmarks like Prince Gong Mansion and the Bell and Drum Towers require paid entry tickets if you wish to go inside.

What is the best time to visit Houhai and the hutongs?

Late afternoon is ideal, as you can see the historic architecture in daylight and then watch the area transform as the lakeside bars light up at dusk. Avoid midday in summer due to the heat.

Can I see the Bell and Drum Towers and Shichahai in one day?

Yes, they are within easy walking distance of each other. This route connects them seamlessly, starting from the southwest at Prince Gong Mansion and ending at the towers in the north.

Is the Shichahai area accessible for wheelchairs?

The main paths around the lakes and the major streets are flat and accessible. Some smaller, traditional hutongs may have narrow passages or high stone steps at entrance gates, but the primary route is manageable.

Are there places to eat along this walking route?

Absolutely, the area is a culinary hotspot. Yandaixie Street offers traditional snacks, while the streets surrounding the Drum Tower are famous for authentic Beijing dishes like Zhajiangmian (noodles with bean sauce).

Where is the best place to start a hutong walk in Beijing?

The Shichahai area in the Xicheng district is widely considered the best starting point. It offers a mix of royal history, scenic lake views, and well-preserved residential alleys.

What should I wear for a walking tour in Beijing?

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the route involves about 2-3 kilometers of walking. In summer, bring sun protection; in winter, wear layers as the wind off the lakes can be quite cold.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the skyscraper-lined avenues and into the heart of old Beijing with this self-guided walk through the Shichahai district. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of the city’s past, where the narrow alleys known as hutongs preserve a way of life that has vanished elsewhere. Your journey begins at the opulent Prince Gong Mansion, the best-preserved Qing Dynasty residence in China, offering a glimpse into the lives of the imperial elite. From there, the route leads you toward the shimmering waters of Shichahai, a series of three lakes that once served as the northern terminus of the Grand Canal. As you explore independently, you will cross the historic Yinding Bridge, where locals have gathered for centuries to admire the Western Hills reflected in the water. The path then winds through Yandaixie Street, one of Beijing’s oldest commercial thoroughfares, shaped like a giant tobacco pipe and now filled with artisan shops and traditional snacks. This walking route is more than just a sightseeing trip; it is an immersion into the 'vibe' of old Beijing. You will witness the rhythmic contrast between the peaceful morning tai chi sessions by the lake and the vibrant energy that takes over as the sun sets. This neighborhood is a living museum. Unlike a standard guided tour Beijing, this audio walk allows you to linger in a quiet courtyard or stop for a tea break whenever you choose. The experience culminates at the towering Bell and Drum Towers, the ancient timekeepers of the city. For anyone seeking a walking tour Beijing experience that balances royal history with local charm, this route through Xicheng’s hutongs offers the perfect itinerary. Whether you are interested in the architectural nuances of siheyuan (courtyard houses) or the legends of the Mongol-era city planning, these streets have a story to tell.

Highlights

The opulent gardens and 'Fu' character stele at Prince Gong Mansion

Panoramic views of the lakes from the historic Yinding Bridge

Shopping and snacks on the ancient Yandaixie 'Tobacco Pipe' Street

The rhythmic history of the ancient Bell and Drum Towers

A peaceful walk along the willow-lined banks of Houhai Lake

Authentic hutong architecture and traditional courtyard houses

Tour Stops (6)

Prince Gong Mansion

Start exploring with Zigway at the Prince Gong Mansion, the largest and best-preserved mansion of the Qing Dynasty. Built in 1777, it was originally the residence of Heshen, a famously corrupt official. Later, it was granted to Prince Gong, who served as a key diplomat for the empire. Notice the intricate 'Siheyuan' layout and the legendary 'Fu' stele in the garden, which features the calligraphy of Emperor Kangxi. The mansion's gardens are a masterpiece of Chinese landscaping, blending rockeries, ponds, and pavilions that reflect the status of its royal inhabitants. It is a perfect example of how the elite lived during Beijing's imperial twilight.

Yinding Bridge (Silver Ingot Bridge)

As you reach the narrow neck of water connecting Qianhai and Houhai lakes, you are standing on Yinding Bridge. Named for its resemblance to a traditional silver ingot, this small stone bridge is one of the most famous scenic spots in the city. On a clear day, look toward the west; this is the famous 'Viewing Mountains from Yinding Bridge' vista, once considered one of the eight great sights of Beijing. Today, it is a bustling crossroads where the traditional life of the hutongs meets the modern energy of the lakeside cafes. It is the perfect place to pause and watch the world go by.

Yandaixie Street (Tobacco Pipe Lean Street)

Step into Yandaixie Street, a 232-meter-long alley that dates back nearly 800 years. Its name comes from its peculiar shape, which resembles a long-stemmed tobacco pipe, and its history as a hub for tobacco sellers during the Qing Dynasty. Today, the street is a vibrant mix of old and new, lined with shops selling traditional paper-cutting art, silk, and local snacks like 'tanghulu' (candied hawthorns). Look up at the architecture; many of these buildings still retain their original wooden facades and gray brickwork, offering a glimpse into the commercial heart of the old city.

Beijing Bell and Drum Towers

Standing tall at the northern end of the city's central axis are the Bell and Drum Towers. For centuries, these structures served as the official timekeepers of Beijing. The Drum Tower, painted in a striking vermillion, once housed 25 drums that were beaten to mark the hours, while the bronze bell in the neighboring tower would ring at dawn. Their presence defined the rhythm of life for everyone from the Emperor to the common merchant. The square between the towers is a local favorite, where you might see residents playing shuttlecock or practicing ballroom dancing in the shadow of these ancient giants.

Houhai

Continue your neighborhood stroll along the banks of Houhai, the largest of the three lakes in Shichahai. This area was once the residential quarter for high-ranking officials and scholars, evidenced by the many grand mansions still tucked away in the surrounding hutongs. Today, Houhai is famous for its weeping willows and the neon-lit bars that line its shores. During the day, it remains remarkably peaceful. You might see elderly swimmers taking a dip even in winter, or small boats drifting across the water. It is a place where Beijing’s past and present coexist in a beautiful, sometimes chaotic, harmony.

Drum Tower

Your self-guided adventure concludes at the Drum Tower itself. Reaching nearly 47 meters in height, this structure has survived fires and wars since it was rebuilt in 1420. The tower's architectural significance lies in its massive multi-eaved roof and its role in the city's 'Central Axis,' a concept of urban planning that dates back to the Yuan Dynasty. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the flat, gray expanse of the hutong rooftops, a view that has remained largely unchanged for generations. It is a fitting end to a journey through the whispers of old Beijing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walking route typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to stop for photos at Yinding Bridge and a quick walk through Yandaixie Street, but does not include an extensive inside visit to Prince Gong Mansion.