Savory smells of grilled pork and beef. Everyone from infants to young ladies to elderly men with canes popping in and out of shops. 900-year old stone hutong buildings mixed with modern Western architecture. All of this and more can be experienced in a single visit to Nanluoguxiang, a bustling street full of bars, cafes, small shops of clothing and crafts, and restaurants in Old Beijing. With more than a kilometer of things to do and places to explore, Nanluoguxiang is one stop you don’t want to miss when you travel with China Travels! Book a flight to Beijing today.
Food
No two cafes along Nanluoguxiang share the same atmosphere, but somehow they all have a quaint feel to them. One might be full of potted plants with its lights dimmed and Regina Spektor crooning through the sound system, while another might be well-lit and airy with two different levels of comfy chairs and heavy tables. Beijing’s only Tibetan café also makes its home here.
Depending on the restaurant, drinks and food might be slightly pricier than what you could find elsewhere, but service is generally fast and the menu choices are delicious.
Shopping
Those who love to shop can do so to their heart’s content! There is no end to the variety and number of small clothing and craft stores here. Visitors can find everything from amusing political T-shirts designed by foreigners to expensive, precious Pu’er tea in the shops at Nanluoguxiang. If you are looking for a new experience, I recommend a trip to the small Tibetan goods store.
Lodging
A number of hotels line the side streets of Nanluoguxiang. For more cultural immersion, consider staying in one of these hutong-turned-hotels for your trip to China. Not only do these hotels offer locations convenient for accessing all popular Beijing tourist attractions, they also give their lodgers a real feel for Old Beijing (not to mention perfect access to Nanluoguxiang)!
Other attractions
The Peking Downtown Backpackers Accommodation (No. 85 Nanlougu Alley, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China), boasting its own hookah bar, is a popular destination for foreigners. Visitors can sit near the open window, sip a wet drink and whittle the hours away. Customers are often spotted surfing the internet, getting lost in a book, or watching local fashionistas and tourists alike browse the shops. A quick search into the ratings of this hostel will reveal that lodgers speak highly of the accommodations.
All in all, your tour of Beijing will be replete without a visit to Nanluoguxiang. Take a break from the typical tourist attractions – don’t miss out!
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