Sometimes the best way to see Beijing is to just walk. Let Our Beijing introduce you a quiet, interesting slow walk in Beijing that shows you the city’s layers—old lanes, a peaceful lake, and traditional art, all in one morning.
Here is your simple walking route:
Start at Gulou Xidajie → Turn into Babukou Hutong → Stop at Chun’s Mansion → Walk west by Shichahai Lake → Cross the road to Xihai East Bank → Stroll around Xihai Wetland Park → End at Xihai Art Museum for coffee.
Start near the Drum and Bell Towers. These old towers are the heartbeat of this area. Then, walk along the Gulou Xidajie (鼓楼西大街) and turn into Babukou Hutong (八步口胡同). This gets you away from the main road noise.
Walk to the end of Babukou Hutong. A big, old gate will be on your left-hand side.This is Prince Chun’s Mansion (醇亲王府). It is not open to the public, but it’s important to see.Because this is where Puyi, China’s last emperor, was born. Right next door is Song Qingling’s Former Residence (宋庆龄故居). You can visit her beautiful garden, and it’s interesting to know this garden was once part of the Prince’s mansion.
Now, walk to the Shichahai lakeside. This is where you see real local life. In the morning or afternoon, you’ll see Beijing residents, often older gentlemen (“Beijing Daye 北京大爷”), doing their exercises, kicking shuttlecocks (踢毽子), playing Ping pong, flying kites, or swimming—even in winter! It’s a great place to people-watch.
As you walk, you’ll pass Houhai Jadao (后海夹道), a narrow lane. Listen carefully. You’ll likely hear the happy, loud sounds of children during recess from the Ya’er Hutong Primary School. It’s a cheerful sound that fills the whole alley.
Next, walk along Xihai East Bank (西海东沿). Cross the small road, and you’ll enter the Xihai Wetland Park (什刹海西海湿地公园). This is the quieter, more natural part of the famous Shichahai lakes.
The path here is perfect for a stroll. You’ll see reeds, birds, and willows hanging over the water. Follow the path until you see a small hill with a temple on top. This is Huitong Temple (汇通祠).
At Huitong Temple on the hill, look for the armillary sphere (浑仪) in the courtyard—a beautiful replica placed near the simplified instrument (简仪). You can examine it closely and see details like the four carved dragons at its corners
Your walk ends beautifully at the Xihai Art Museum (西海艺术馆). This building looks right over the lake you just walked around.
You don’t have to be an art expert to enjoy it. Just step inside to see the current exhibition, which often features Chinese calligraphy and ink wash painting (水墨画). The best part is the cafe inside. Grab a coffee and sit by the huge windows. You can look back across the lake at the park and the temple on the hill. It’s the perfect quiet spot to rest your feet and think about the mix of old and new Beijing you just saw.
Your Walk, Simplified:
This slow walk in Beijing isn’t about famous monuments. It’s about feeling the rhythm of a living city. You see history in the lanes, daily life by the water, and find a quiet moment with art at the end. It’s a perfect little adventure.
Want more fun ways to explore the city? Go beyond walking!
👉 Try Jian Zi Golf: Master the local shuttlecock game in a historic hutong courtyard. [Book Jian Zi Golf here]
👉 Join a Hutong E-Bike Tour: Glide through narrow alleys with ease and discover hidden corners. [Check details here]
Let Our Beijing turn your visit into a real adventure.