Dongsi (东四), located in the central part of Dongcheng District, Beijing, lies on the east side of Dongsi North Street. In the Yuan Dynasty, it was called Shizi Street. During the Ming Dynasty, a four-pillar, three-story wooden archway was built at each of the four corners of the intersection. Since it was located to the east of the Imperial City, it was named Dongsi Archway, later simplified to Dongsi. Although the archways have long disappeared, the name Dongsi has been used ever since to refer to the area encompassing Dongsi South Street, Dongsi North Street, Dongsi West Street, and the intersection with Chaoyangmen Inner Street and its surrounding areas. Major historical buildings and relics in this area include the Prince Fu Mansion, Chongli Residence, Nanxincang, the architectural remains of Daci Yanfu Palace, and the Duan Qirui Residence.
The southern end of Dongsi North Street is part of the Dongsi Commercial Circle, while the northern end is part of the Beixinqiao Commercial Circle. The Dongsi area boasts some well-preserved Siheyuan (traditional courtyard residences), as well as notable landmarks such as the Overseas Chinese Building and Longfu Plaza, making it a worthwhile destination to visit.
Travel Information about Dongsi Hutongs
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: No entrance fee is required; some specific attractions may require individual tickets.
- Opening Hours: Open all day. Specific attraction opening hours are subject to the site’s announcement.
Best Time to Visit
Dongsi and its surroundings have a rich historical ambiance and are suitable for visiting in all seasons.
Transportation to the Area
- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing.
- Subway: Take Line 5 and get off at Dongsi Station or Zhangzizhong Road Station to enter the Dongsi Hutong area.
Attraction Ratings
Cultural: ★★★★
Unique: ★★★★
Leisure: ★★★
Scenic: ★★★★
Romantic: ★★★
Exciting: ★★
Highlights of Dongsi Hutongs
National Art Museum of China
The National Art Museum of China is currently the largest art museum in the country and the only national museum of visual arts in China. In June 1963, Chairman Mao Zedong inscribed the museum’s name.
The main building of the National Art Museum of China is designed in the style of an ancient pavilion, featuring a large roof with yellow glazed tiles and surrounded by corridors and pavilions, showcasing a distinct traditional Chinese architectural style. The museum houses a collection of over 110,000 art pieces and hosts a wide variety of activities, including solo and group exhibitions, photography exhibitions, calligraphy exhibitions, children’s art exhibitions, and folk art exhibitions, with events taking place frequently.
Former Residence of Lao She
Lao She, a renowned Chinese writer, lived in ten different places in Beijing. His residence at No. 10 Fengsheng Hutong, Naizifu (now No. 19 Fengfu Hutong, Dengshikou West Street) was where he lived after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This place was his longest residence, where he achieved his greatest accomplishments and spent the final years of his life.
At this residence, Lao She hosted many famous artists and friends from both China and abroad. He wrote over 20 works here, including “Dragon Beard Ditch,” “Teahouse,” and “The Divine Fist.” The courtyard features two persimmon trees that Lao She personally planted. Every late autumn, the trees are laden with red persimmons, creating a picturesque and poetic scene. Visiting the Former Residence of Lao She, one can deeply feel his profound affection for Beijing.
Shijia Hutong
Shijia Hutong starts from Chaoyangmen South Street in the east and extends to Dongsi South Street in the west, connecting with Dongluoquan and Xiluoquan Hutongs to the south, and adjacent to Neiwubu Street Hutong to the north. The entire hutong is spacious and bright, with neat buildings on both sides, most of which are large, deep courtyards. During the Ming Dynasty, it belonged to the Huanghua Fang, and in the Qing Dynasty, it was part of the Bordered White Banner. In 1965, during the reorganization of place names, Jinghua and Guanxue Dayuan were incorporated, and it was temporarily renamed Ruijin Road 18th Lane before reverting to its original name. A notable landmark is the Shrine of Shi Kefa.
Shijia Hutong is not only rich in history but also home to many notable figures, exuding a strong literary atmosphere. Many famous scholars and intellectuals of modern China, such as Mei Yiqi, Zhao Yuanren, and Hu Shi, began their illustrious careers in Shijia Hutong.
Nanxincang Culture and Leisure Street
Nanxincang was the royal granary during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, used to store imperial grain and salary rice. It was built in the seventh year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1409) on the foundation of the Yuan Dynasty’s Beitaicang and has a history of over 600 years. This area embodies the industriousness, bravery, and wisdom of the ancient laboring people.
Nanxincang Culture and Leisure Street is characterized by “new within the old, fashion within history.” The street comprises the ancient Nanxincang granary complex, a group of buildings in an antique style, and the commercial ground floors of the Nanxincang Business Building. Currently, over 30 businesses operate here, divided into two main categories: culture and leisure, covering areas such as art culture, performance culture, and food culture. Cultural venues include art galleries, music centers, film and television clubs, cultural media studios, a Kunqu opera theater, and clubs. Leisure venues feature restaurants offering both Chinese and international cuisine, bars, and tea houses.
Stories of Dongsi Hutongs
The most renowned aspect of Dongsi is undoubtedly its hutongs, which have witnessed different historical periods. Standing here, one can almost see the flowing past.
Dongsi Toutiao: Due to the construction of the original Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, Dongsi Toutiao was cut in half, becoming a “half hutong.” Courtyard No. 1 of Dongsi Toutiao once served as the dormitory for the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Renowned literary figures such as Qian Zhongshu, Yang Jiang, Ge Baoquan, Bian Zhilin, Yu Guanying, and Luo Niansheng lived here, supporting half of the new Chinese literature scene. The former residence of the famous cross-talk master Hou Baolin is at No. 19.
Dongsi Santiao: This hutong features both luxurious mansions and narrow alleys with mixed courtyards. Santiao to Batiao hutongs originated in the Yuan Dynasty, with streets strictly following the Yuan Dynasty’s rule of wide streets being 24 steps and narrow streets being 12 steps. Santiao is particularly impressive; it is said that in the Qing Dynasty, only four households lived on the north side of the street, all of them high-ranking officials. Peking Opera star Meng Xiaodong once lived at No. 65 Santiao.
Dongsi Liutiao: The residence of Chongli (a Grand Secretary during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty) at Liutiao is known as the “crown of the east city.” It is one of the most representative Siheyuan (courtyard houses) in Beijing and the only private residence listed as a national cultural heritage site. Sha Qianli, one of the “Seven Gentlemen” and a patriot, lived at No. 55 Liutiao.
Dongsi Batiao: Courtyard No. 71 of Batiao was the former residence of the famous educator Ye Shengtao. No. 111 was the residence of Zhu Qiqian, a prime minister during the Republic of China era. In 1929, Zhu founded China’s first private academic institution dedicated to the study of ancient native architecture, the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture, which included luminaries such as Liang Sicheng and Wang Shixiang, making significant contributions to the country. In 1954 and 1962, Premier Zhou Enlai visited Batiao twice to see Zhu and celebrate his 90th birthday.
Dongsi Jiutiao: No. 69 Jiutiao was the residence of Feng Gengguang, the president of the Bank of China during the Republic of China period. In 1924, Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang used this garden and pavilion as the exterior setting for the film “The Burial of the Flowers.”
Dongsi Shitiao: After its reconstruction, Dongsi Shitiao became a grand street. Heading east from Shitiao, one reaches the Beijing Workers’ Stadium, and heading west leads to Tieshizi Hutong, now known as Zhang Zizhong Road. Dongsi Shitiao Subway Station and the new Poly Plaza were respectively named among the “Top Ten Buildings of Beijing in the 1980s” and “Top Ten Contemporary Buildings of Beijing.”
Dongsi Shisantiao: The western section of Shisantiao was formerly known as Wangjia Hutong during the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, the famous calligrapher Wang Yudun, who wrote many poems and articles for Emperor Qianlong, lived here. After Wang’s death, Qianlong personally visited Shisantiao to pay his respects. No. 97 Shisantiao is the former residence of the famous poet Ai Qing.
Visitor Guide for Dongsi Hutongs
Food
Dongsi is very close to Wangfujing and Dongdan, both of which have many large shopping malls where you can conveniently find dining options. However, if you want to experience the charm of old Beijing, the Longfu Temple Snack Street near Dongsi is a must-visit. This is a hub for traditional Beijing snacks, offering a variety of local delicacies like authentic douzhi (fermented mung bean milk), jiaoquan (crispy fried dough rings), and lu zhu (stewed pork entrails), as well as various grilled skewers that are sure to satisfy your appetite.
Baimili (百米粒): Located at No. 23, Dongsi Ertiao, this is a well-known “artistic Hunan restaurant” in Beijing. Its signature dishes include Absolute Taste Duck, Copper Pot Rice, and Rice Tofu.
Ran Sushi (然寿司): Situated at No. 16-2, Qianliang Hutong, this understated sushi restaurant doesn’t even have a visible sign but is one of the top Japanese restaurants in Beijing.
Wu Shi (吾十): Located at No. 50, Dongsi Wutiao, this spot has recently become one of Beijing’s vibrant social hubs. The owner, Kasen, a seasoned media professional, has also opened a new bar, Wu Si (吾肆), at No. 54, Dongsi Wutiao, specializing in whiskey.
Accommodation
Near Dongsi Shitiao, there are many unique hotels that exude an old-world charm from the outside and offer delightful surprises within, reflecting the distinct and exquisite taste of their owners.
The Jingshan Garden Hotel: Located at No. 26, Weijia Hutong in Dongcheng District, this is one of Beijing’s most unique courtyard hotels and a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations with a distinctive character, perfect for those wanting to experience opulence. Its French restaurant is also exceptional, offering rich flavors and a light texture, with each dish resembling a work of art.
Beijing Yuewei Courtyard Hotel: Situated at No. 37, Dongsi Sitiao in Dongcheng District, this hotel is said to be one of Ji Xiaolan’s former residences. It features a traditional two-entry courtyard layout, furnished with classical furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Here, you can personally experience the lifestyle and aesthetic taste of old Beijing’s residential architecture.
Entertainment
Dongsi not only boasts many historical buildings but has also recently seen the emergence of many exquisite small shops and bars. Spending leisure time here is sure to be a delightful experience.
Fruity Shop: Located next to Hou Baolin’s former residence, this trendy shop doesn’t sell fresh fruit juice but rather the “juice of the mind”—music. Fruity Shop is one of the top vinyl record stores in Beijing and doubles as an avant-garde electronic music live house.
Panda Brew Pub: Situated at the entrance of Shique Hutong, this pub showcases contemporary Chinese youth’s selective embrace of trendy culture: it aims to be stylish and offers strong promotional tactics. As for the core flavor of the beer, it’s more about the experience than the taste.
Turandot Music Bar: Located near Dongsi Shitiao, this bar is a distinctly romantic and elegant Italian-style music café. Besides offering specialty coffee daily, it provides free music magazines, performance information, and introductions to various shows.