If you’re walking down Qianmen Street and see a shop called “中轴文苑” (Zhongzhou Wenyuan), step inside. It’s Beijing’s first pop-up store dedicated to university-designed souvenirs — and it’s only around for 45 days.
The store features original designs from 10 Beijing universities, including Renmin University, University of Science and Technology Beijing, and University of International Business and Economics. Products range from campus-themed merchandise to creative lifestyle items — think postcards, tote bags, stationery, and cultural gifts with a Beijing Central Axis theme.
The location: About 840 meters south of Zhengyangmen Gate, right on the main pedestrian street. The shop is part of Qianmen’s commercial district, which has been a shopping hub since the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Qianmen is one of Beijing’s most walkable streets. The 840-meter pedestrian stretch is lined with traditional architecture, red lanterns, and restored shopfronts from the 1920s. If you’re already in the area, here’s what else to check out:
The Qianmen area is best explored on foot, but if you want to see more of the surrounding hutongs and hidden corners, our Hutong Bike Experience is a great option. We pedal through the backstreets in Beixinqiao/Shichahai areas (just a few subway stations away from Qianmen), stop for local snacks, and show you the side of Beijing most tourists miss.
Late afternoon to evening is ideal. The street looks beautiful when lights are up, and many shops stay open until 10 PM. If you want to make the most of your day, join our Street Food & Wine Tour — we walk through Beixinqiao/Shichahai areas (just a few subway stations away from Qianmen), stop at local food spots, and pair them with Chinese wines. You can experience Qianmen street after our tour.
Qianmen Street is an 840-meter pedestrian shopping street lined with restored early 20th-century buildings. It’s known for its mix of century-old brands, modern shops, and traditional snacks. The street connects to the historic Dashilan shopping area and is one of the most walkable shopping streets in central Beijing. If you want to go deeper into the history and local life beyond tourist attractions, our Hutong Bike Experience takes you through the backstreets where the real stories live.
The best way to experience the real Beijing is on two wheels — through the hutongs, the ancient alleyways that make up the city’s historic heart. Walking is slow, and taxis skip the narrow lanes. Our Hutong Bike Experience takes you through the backstreets where locals actually live, past hidden temples, courtyard homes, and neighborhood food stalls. You’ll see the Beijing that doesn’t make it into guidebooks, at a pace that lets you actually feel the city. It’s the most authentic way to explore — and it’s a lot more fun than a bus tour.
Beyond the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, Beijing’s real charm is in its hutongs, local food, and everyday life. The best way to experience this is through guided experiences that take you off the main roads — like our Hutong Bike Experience, Street Food & Wine Tour, or Wild Great Wall Hike. Each one is designed to show you a different side of the city, from hidden snack spots to ancient alleyways and crowd-free sections of the Wall. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, we’ve got a tour that fits.
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— cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.
