Beijing’s autumn isn’t just golden ginkgo leaves and bustling landmarks — it’s also the perfect season for slowing down. And what better way to do that than a citywalk in Beijing? Among the city’s many hidden gems, Chegongzhuang Street stands out. Once known mainly for its printing factories and quiet charm, it has now become a blend of history, art, and lifestyle. Walking here feels like opening a book: each block is a page, with stories written in brick walls and new cultural energy between them.
The name “Chegongzhuang” is said to come from “Chegulu Village,” either because of a medicinal plant called “chegulu grass” that grew here, or from the deep cartwheel ruts left by passing horse-drawn carriages. Over time, the name evolved into the more elegant “Chegongzhuang,” giving rise to today’s Chegongzhuang Street and Chegongzhuang West Street.
In the 20th century, this was the site of the large-scale Beijing Xinhua Printing Factory — where classics like the Xinhua Dictionary were printed. With the city’s development, factory walls gave way to creative parks, indie cafés, and theaters. Today, you’ll find new “cultural tenants” turning these old spaces into vibrant hubs.
Start your walk at Exit H of Chegongzhuang Subway Station. Here stands Xinhua 1949 Cultural Park, built on the ruins of the old printing factory. Red-brick walls shaded by ginkgo trees make this a picturesque stop in autumn. Don’t miss the Happy Mahua A33 Theater, famous for immersive plays like Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. Even its on-site Mahua+Coffee serves drinks with witty names like “Strawberry Something” or “Red Carp Latte.”
📍 Address: 4 Chegongzhuang Street, Xicheng District
🕒 Open daily, free entry
A short walk away lies the historic Xinhua Bookstore (General Store) site, now home to an Urban Reading Room. Styled with old-school charm, it offers quiet reading corners, affordable study areas (RMB 20 for 4 hours), and occasional cultural events. Once a major distribution hub, it’s now a calm spot for book lovers seeking a slower pace.
📍 Address: 135 Beilishi Road, Xicheng District
🕒 Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00 | Sat–Sun 10:30–19:00
Further west is the Million Zhuang Community, one of New China’s earliest high-end residential neighborhoods, designed in the 1950s by architect Zhang Kaiji. Though once facing demolition, it was preserved as a piece of “20th-Century Chinese Architectural Heritage.” Today, walking through its quiet lanes feels like stepping back in time — a reminder of Beijing’s layers of memory.
At the intersection with Chegongzhuang West Street sits the Xinjiang Mansion, home to one of the city’s quirkiest drinks: Nang Coffee. Served with a piece of Xinjiang flatbread balanced on top, it’s more about the experience than the taste — but it has become an internet-famous must-try. Inside the lobby lounge, you can also find nang ice cream and other Xinjiang-style treats.
📍 Address: 7 Sanlihe Road, Haidian District
🕒 Daily 10:00–22:00
For something more modern, head to the International Communication Cultural Park, where new creative spaces have opened.
📍 Address: 36 Pingfang, International Communication Cultural Park
🕒 Mon–Fri 08:30–19:00 | Weekends 09:30–19:00
Finally, don’t miss the International Bookstore, founded in 1949 as China’s first import-export bookstore. With foreign-language books, children’s titles, and IP collaborations (yes, even Harry Potter and Doraemon corners), it mixes global culture with local warmth. The bookstore café is known not for fancy lattes, but for RMB 12 Tianjin shaved ice — and if you’re lucky, one of the resident cats might curl up in your lap.
📍 Address: 35 Chegongzhuang West Road
🕒 Daily 10:00–21:00
Q: Is Chegongzhuang Street good for a citywalk in Beijing?
A: Yes! It combines old printing houses, cultural parks, indie cafés, and bookstores — perfect for a laid-back stroll.
Q: How long should I spend here?
A: Half a day is enough to explore the main highlights, though you could spend longer reading, sipping coffee, or catching a theater show.
Q: Is it crowded like Nanluoguxiang?
A: Not at all. Chegongzhuang offers a quieter, more authentic vibe — ideal for those who want to escape the typical tourist spots.
Q: What else can I do after a citywalk in Chegongzhuang?
A: Join one of Our Beijing’s experiences — like a Hutong Cycling Tour or Wild Wall Hike — to add adventure to your cultural stroll.
In Beijing, autumn isn’t about nostalgia but about discovery. Chegongzhuang Street is where history slows down and culture comes alive — a reminder that the best way to know the city is often on foot. So if you’re wondering where to citywalk in Beijing, let Chegongzhuang be your next stop.
👉 Ready to explore more hidden corners? Check out our Our Beijing Adventure & Chill Guides for hikes, cafés, and experiences that go beyond the obvious.