If you’re visiting Beijing and don’t have much time, skip the usual checklist and try these two classic Citywalk routes instead. Each is short, walkable, and packed with culture—perfect as a self-guided tour. These are the paths locals love, offering the best of Beijing’s history, architecture, and street life.
👉 Print this guide and bring it along. Each route is mapped out step by step so you can simply follow the path on foot.
Route 1: A Perfect Blend of Ancient Architecture and Former Concessions
Feel the atmosphere of “Beiping” (old Beijing) where ancient temples meet early 20th-century institutions.
Stops (in walking order):
- The Palace Museum – Northeast Corner Tower Inside Forbidden City Walls, Dongcheng District A magnificent watchtower offering panoramic views from within the iconic Forbidden City, showcasing traditional Chinese imperial architecture and centuries of dynastic history.
- May Fourth Street Dongcheng District A historic thoroughfare in central Beijing named after the influential May Fourth Movement of 1919, lined with cultural institutions and significant landmarks.
- Red Building of Peking University (Beida Honglou) 29 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District The birthplace of China’s New Culture Movement and early Communist activities, this red-brick building served as Peking University’s original campus from 1918-1952.
- Songzhusi Temple Songzhuyuan W Ln, Dongcheng District A tranquil Buddhist temple tucked away in a traditional hutong alley, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
- Former Site of Sino-French University 15 East Zhangzizhong Road, Dongcheng District A historic educational landmark that once housed the prestigious Sino-French University (1920-1950), representing early international academic collaboration in China.
- National Art Museum of China 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District China’s premier art museum showcasing both classical Chinese artworks and contemporary exhibitions, housed in a striking building that blends traditional and modern architectural elements.
✨ Highlights: Classic Beijing courtyards, early modern educational buildings, and one of the most photogenic corners of the Forbidden City.
Route 2: 100% Authentic Old Beijing Hutongs
This is the essence of old Beijing—hutong alleys, courtyard homes, and temples where life hasn’t changed much for centuries.
Stops (in walking order):
- Temple of the Earth Park (Ditan Park) Andingmenwai Street, Dongcheng District A serene imperial park featuring ancient altars where emperors once performed earth worship ceremonies, now a popular spot for traditional Chinese exercises and cultural activities.
- Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District Beijing’s most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple, renowned for its stunning architecture and the world’s largest wooden Buddha statue carved from a single sandalwood tree.
- Imperial Academy – Guozijian 15 Guozijian Street, Dongcheng District China’s ancient highest educational institution where imperial examinations were held, featuring beautiful traditional architecture and peaceful courtyards steeped in scholarly history.
- Wudaoying Hutong Near Lama Temple, Dongcheng District A charming historic alley transformed into a trendy cultural street, lined with boutique cafes, artisan shops, and traditional courtyard homes blending old Beijing charm with modern creativity.
- Andingmen Inner Street Dongcheng District A bustling traditional street offering authentic Beijing street food, local markets, and a glimpse into everyday life in one of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
- Nanluoguxiang Alley Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District Beijing’s most famous hutong transformed into a vibrant pedestrian street, packed with trendy shops, cafes, bars, and traditional snacks in a perfectly preserved Ming Dynasty setting.
- Drum Tower East Street Dongcheng District A lively street connecting historic landmarks, offering traditional Beijing cuisine, local shopping, and easy access to the ancient Drum and Bell Towers.
- Shichahai (Houhai Lakes) Near Houhai, Xicheng District A picturesque lake district famous for its vibrant nightlife, traditional hutongs, boat rides, and waterfront bars, creating the perfect blend of historic charm and modern entertainment.
✨ Highlights: Small cafés in centuries-old courtyards, bustling hutong life, and a sunset stroll around Shichahai lake.
