Nanluoguoxiang is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing, known for its well-preserved courtyard houses. Running north to south, Nanluoguoxiang is approximately 800 meters long, flanked by eight orderly hutongs on each side. From south to north, the eight hutongs on the west side are Fuxiang Hutong, Suoyi Hutong, Yu’er Hutong, Mao’er Hutong, Jingyang Hutong, Shajing Hutong, Heizhima Hutong, and Qian Gulouyuan Hutong. On the east side, the eight hutongs are Chaodou Hutong, Banchang Hutong, Dongmianhua Hutong, Beibingmasi Hutong, Qinlao Hutong, Qian Yuan’en Temple Hutong, Hou Yuan’en Temple Hutong, and Juer Hutong.
Nanluoguoxiang is also a distinctive bar street in Beijing, with its bars housed in traditional courtyard buildings. The bars are marked by small red lanterns hanging at their entrances and feature a traditional, simple decor that complements the courtyard atmosphere and style. Unlike the bustling areas of Sanlitun and Houhai, the bars in Nanluoguoxiang are generally quieter, more harmonious, and natural, offering a respite from the city’s clamor while staying close to everyday life.
Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, Nanluoguoxiang has been home to many notable figures, from Ming generals to Qing princes, and from literary masters to prominent painters. Each hutong here bears traces of a rich historical past.
Travel Information about Nanluoguxiang
Admission and Opening Hours
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours: Open all day
Transportation to the Scenic Area
- Location: Dongcheng District, extending from Gulou East Street in the north to Dianmen East Street in the south.
- Subway: Take Line 6 or Line 8 to Nanluoguoxiang Station.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Value: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Nanluoguxiang Lane
Sengge Rinchen’s Mansion & Central Academy of Drama
Entering Nanluoguoxiang from the south entrance, the first hutong on the east is Chaodou Hutong. Number 77 on Chaodou Hutong is Sengge Rinchen’s Mansion, which originally served as the residence of Sengge Rinchen, a Qing Dynasty prince. The mansion was quite large, with the front gate on Chaodou Hutong and the rear gate on Banchang Hutong, spanning two hutongs. The mansion was divided into three sections: central, east, and west, each with four courtyards. In addition to the main courtyard, the east section also had an eastern courtyard with four more courtyards, forming a vast architectural complex. Today, the site has been converted into the Lusheng Garden Hotel, a rare example of a tranquil and elegant courtyard-style hotel in Beijing.
Continuing north along Nanluoguoxiang, the third hutong on the east side is Dongmianhua Hutong. Not far to the north, you’ll find the renowned Central Academy of Drama, which, despite its modest size, has produced generations of famous theater and film stars.
Yu’er Hutong & Mao’er Hutong
Across the street from Dongmianhua Hutong lies Yu’er Hutong (雨儿胡同), where the renowned Chinese painter Qi Baishi once resided. His former home is now the Qi Baishi Former Residence Memorial Hall, which vividly recreates his later years and creative environment. In addition, Yu’er Hutong is home to several notable sites, including the Zhi Nian Flag Officer’s Residence, Dong’s Courtyard, and the former residences of military figures Luo Ronghuan and Su Yu.
Continuing north along Nanluoguoxiang, you will reach Mao’er Hutong (帽儿胡同) on the west side. Numbers 9 and 11 on Mao’er Hutong house the Koyuan Garden, one of Beijing’s most representative private gardens. Numbers 35 and 37 are the former residence of the last Empress Wanrong. Besides Wanrong, this hutong has also been home to many distinguished figures, including the Ming Dynasty general Hong Chengchou.
Mao Dun Former Residence & Ju’er Hutong
Mao Dun’s former residence is located at 13 Houyuanensi Hutong. It is a modest two-courtyard siheyuan (traditional courtyard house). The front courtyard features a bust of Mr. Mao Dun, and the surrounding rooms display exhibits on his life and work. The back courtyard includes a bedroom, living room, and study, arranged to reflect his living conditions during his lifetime.
Ju’er Hutong (菊儿胡同) is situated at the northernmost end of Nanluoguoxiang on the east side. The renovated section in the middle-northern part of the hutong features two to three-story buildings with black tiles and white walls, forming small courtyards. This design combines the elegance of Jiangnan residential architecture with the charm of old Beijing siheyuan, harmonizing well with the surrounding architectural style.
Architect Wu Liangyong oversaw the renovation of the dilapidated buildings in Ju;er Hutong. The transformed hutong received the “Asia Architecture Award” from the Asia Architecture Association in 1992 and was honored with the “World Habitat Award” in 1993.
Visitor Guide for Nanluoguxiang Lane
Food
Although Nanluoguxiang is just a few hundred meters long, it is filled with a variety of unique dining options from north to south.
Wenyu Cheese Shop (No. 49, Heizhima Hutong, Nanluoguxiang) is a renowned cheese shop known for its unique and mild imperial court cheese. Their red bean double-skin milk is also highly recommended. The homemade chilled sour plum soup is refreshingly sweet and perfect for cooling down.
Guo Ke (No. 108, Nanluoguxiang) is a popular hangout for young travelers who value freedom and exploration. It is famous for its unique pizzas and Nepalese-style snacks. The self-created lamb skewer pizza and Kung Pao chicken pizza are exceptional.
Xiyangguozi (No. 29, Zhonglou Bay Hutong) is well-known for its puddings. The small mountain pudding, peach rice pudding, and caramel pudding are all worth trying.
Han Xiang Guan (No. 128-1, Xiang’er Hutong) offers a distinctive taste of home-style Korean cuisine in Nanluoguxiang. It features authentic flavors, with stone pot bibimbap, squid salad, and grilled beef being standout dishes.
In addition, there are several other notable dining spots such as Jishiguo (No. 47, Nanluoguxiang), Nanluo Grilled Fish (No. 27, Nanluoguxiang), Zamo Bar (No. 106, Nanluoguxiang), Ni Ai 3A07 (No. 16-2, Nanluoguxiang), Jinboting Osaka Takoyaki (No. 89, Nanluoguxiang), and Lu Zhu Huoshao (No. 41, Miao’er Hutong).
Shopping
Nanluoguxiang is home to many unique shops where you can experience its distinctive charm.
Shishu Zhaji Hanzi Wenli Pavilion (No. 91, Nanluoguxiang) is a unique cultural store that mainly sells cultural gifts. Here, you can also experience traditional Chinese movable type printing.
Nanluo Post Office (No. 89-1, Nanluoguxiang) combines the old Beijing culture with postal and letter-writing traditions. It offers a variety of themed postcards and stamps, and is very popular among young people. There is a mechanical wild goose outside the post office that flaps its wings.
Entertainment
The bars in Nanluoguxiang are generally quite tranquil, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being close to the action. The clientele primarily includes international tourists, students from the Central Academy of Drama, and seasoned bar enthusiasts. Here, visitors can enjoy the ambiance of traditional Beijing courtyards, relaxing away from the noise, whether reading a book, working on a laptop, catching up with friends, or even conducting business meetings.
Notably, the bars in Nanluoguxiang are often reasonably priced, and many offer a range of delicious snacks, both Western and Chinese. The owners and staff are friendly and approachable, creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
Accommodation
Nanluoguxiang and its surrounding areas offer several unique lodging options, with many of the inns featuring traditional courtyard-style residences that capture the essence of old Beijing.
Du Ge Courtyard (26 Qian Yuan’en Temple Hutong) was once part of the Suo Family Garden, a residence of a Qing Dynasty official from the 18th century. It has been thoughtfully and elegantly transformed into an art boutique hotel. With only six rooms, the hotel exudes a homely and intimate atmosphere.
Wei Ming (38A Baochao Hutong) is set in a well-preserved courtyard house that was once the residence of a third-rank military officer from the mid-Qing Dynasty. The antique courtyard is serene and refined, with displays of traditional instruments and art, allowing guests to play or enjoy them at leisure. Each room is decorated with a unique musical instrument, providing a distinctive and memorable stay.