Yandai Xiejie, Preserved hutong street in Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Yandai Xiejie is a stone-paved hutong in Xicheng featuring traditional wooden storefronts, courtyards, and architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The street stretches roughly 230 meters with historic buildings framing both sides.
The street was established during the Yuan Dynasty and became known during the Qing era for its tobacco pipe shops. This commerce shaped its name and character through the centuries.
The street blends traditional Chinese craft workshops with modern eateries, creating a space where locals and visitors shop and dine side by side. This mix of old and new shapes how people use the area today.
The location sits south of the Drum Tower and is reachable by foot or via Line 8 to Shichahai Station. The best times to visit are early morning or weekday afternoons when crowds are lighter.
Many shops maintain the centuries-old practice of crafting and selling long-stemmed tobacco pipes, a specialized trade visible to visitors today. This tradition remains an active part of the street's economy.
Location: Xicheng District
GPS coordinates: 39.93769,116.38860
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
Beijing offers photographers a mix of imperial palaces, Buddhist temples, traditional hutongs, and contemporary architecture. The city combines the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Forbidden City with modern structures like the CCTV Headquarters and Bird's Nest stadium. Historic sites such as the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace stand alongside the 798 Art Zone and Sanlitun's bars. From the Bell and Drum Towers to the National Centre for the Performing Arts, this collection includes locations across multiple districts. Nanluoguxiang Hutong and Yandaixiejie Hutong showcase traditional alleyways, while Beihai Park and Jingshan Park provide elevated viewpoints. Temples like Yonghe and Fayuan, plus the ruins of the Old Summer Palace, add to the city's architectural variety for social media content.
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