When most people picture Beijing, they imagine the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. These sites are iconic, yes — but they’re also crowded, touristy, and not where the real rhythm of city life unfolds. At Our Beijing, we believe that the true spirit of Beijing is lived, not just seen. That’s why many of our local experiences begin in the city’s hutongs — the maze-like alleyways where time slows down, neighbors greet each other by name, and everyday life unfolds with quiet charm.
If you’re visiting Beijing for the first time — or even the third — here’s why skipping the checklist attractions and exploring the hutongs instead might just be the best decision of your trip.
Hutongs (胡同) are narrow alleyways formed by rows of traditional courtyard homes, or siheyuan. For centuries, they’ve been the living heart of the city — places where families cook, kids play, and neighbors gather to chat or play chess under a tree.
While high-rises and ring roads now define much of modern Beijing, the hutongs remain its soul — and they’re a core part of the experiences we curate for curious travelers who want to go beyond the ordinary.
Just steps from Yonghegong Lama Temple, Wudaoying is a charming blend of old architecture and new ideas. From courtyard cafés and plant-filled studios to slow fashion boutiques, this alley attracts locals and in-the-know expats alike.
🛎 Looking to dive deeper? Join our Cultural Workshops held in spaces just like this — where history meets creativity.
This historic hutong in the Dashilar area is a cultural goldmine. Along its restored façades, you’ll find printmaking studios, artisan tea shops, and experimental galleries tucked behind unmarked doors.
🌿 Perfect for a stop on our Walking Foodie Tours — where every bite comes with a backstory.
Nestled just behind the Confucius Temple and the Imperial College, Guozijian Street is one of the most elegant and lesser-visited hutongs in central Beijing. Lined with old scholar residences, leafy trees, and calm courtyards, this street offers a peaceful stroll through history — without the crowds.
You’ll find charming bookstores, tea shops, and one or two quiet cafés perfect for a summer morning break.
💡 Want a deeper look at this rhythm of daily life? Try our Bike Tours — we take you into hutongs like these at a local’s pace, often with surprise food stops and stories not found in guidebooks.
The big tourist sites will always be there — but they’ll rarely surprise you. Hutongs, on the other hand, are full of tiny moments that stay with you: a steaming baozi, a handwritten menu, a rooftop breeze.
And when you explore them with a local guide who grew up nearby, like those on our team at Our Beijing, you’re not just seeing — you’re connecting.
We design our Beijing Itinerary Experiences to show you this side of the city — human, historic, and full of character, whether you’re a solo explorer, couple, or family.
So skip the turnstiles, and take a turn down an alley instead.
You might just discover the version of Beijing you didn’t know you were looking for.