Nanluogu Lane

It preserves many traditional Beijing residences

Nanluogu Lane is one of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods, with a history spanning over 740 years, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. It features many traditional siheyuan (courtyard houses) and hutongs (narrow alleys) from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, giving it a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. Visitors can explore sixteen hutongs that are steeped in cultural and historical significance, making it a highlight for those seeking an authentic Beijing travel experience.

Nanluoguxiang on a rainy day.

In Nanluoguxiang, you’ll find a variety of traditional Beijing cultural elements, such as snack stalls, hutong bars, and time-honored shops. You can sample authentic Beijing street food like zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), douzhi (fermented mung bean drink), and zha guan chang (fried sausages), each reflecting a long-standing culinary tradition. Additionally, the old-time shops in the area preserve traditional craftsmanship and techniques, offering a taste of old Beijing’s unique flavor and charm.

The convenience store in nanluogu lane.
The snack shop in Nanluoguxiang.

Nanluoguxiang is also a hub for art and creativity. Here, you’ll find a variety of small shops selling handmade crafts, design items, and cultural products. These unique goods are the result of local creative talent, and the area is filled with an artistic atmosphere. The traditional siheyuan courtyard houses blend seamlessly with modern art galleries and coffee shops, creating a distinctive urban landscape. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets and experience the blend of traditional charm and contemporary flair.

Tourists are walking through the entrance of Nanluoguxiang, with its striking red columns.
Nanluogu lane is covered in yellow fallen leaves in autumn.

In addition, Nanluoguxiang is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, as well as a wealth of snack stalls and teahouses. Visitors can enjoy delicious food while also gaining a deeper understanding of Beijing’s culinary culture and traditions.

A panoramic guide map of Nanluogu lane.

Table of Contents

How to Get to the Nanluogu Lane

By Bus

  • Buses to Nanluoguxiang include routes 104D, 104K, 108D, 113, 201N, 612, 758, Te11, 107D, 124, 204N, 204O, and 635.

By Subway

  • Line 6, Nanluoguxiang Station, Exit E: Directly leads to the archway of Nanluoguxiang, suitable for immediate exploration.
  • Line 8, Shichahai Station, Exit C: After exiting, you can stroll through the hutongs and walk to Nanluoguxiang.
A red paper is posted on the wall, with "Peace and Joy" written on it.

Attraction Information

Hours

  • Open daily from Monday to Sunday, all day.

Admission

  • No admission fee required.

General Amenities

  • Free restrooms
  • Vending machine

luggage Storage

  • Located about 50 meters from Exit F of Nanluoguxiang Subway Station, open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00.

Nearby Police Station

  • Jiaodaokou Police Station交道口派出所
    No. 7, Banchang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing
  • In China, the number to call the police is 110. If you have an emergency and need help, you can dial 110 at any time. Local police will usually arrive within minutes and will provide assistance with great care and responsibility.
The kitten is peacefully sleeping.

Practical Travel Tips

  1. Nanluogu lane has many interesting shops worth exploring, like the Time Vintage Shop, Blue and White Store, and Green Code Store.
  2. It’s recommended to take Line 6 of the subway to enter from the South Gate and exit from the North Gate after your visit.

How Visitors Rate the Nanluogu Lane

Local tourists from China

I’ve visited Nanluogu Lane twice, and each time feels different. The little shops are great for browsing, with plenty of food and drinks. The bamboo tube ice cream is surprisingly delicious! It has ice cream on top and milk tea underneath. We tried the jasmine flavor, which has a strong tea taste and isn’t too sweet—perfect for autumn. It’s only 35 yuan (about $5). There are also some interesting shops selling small souvenirs. I really enjoy the lively atmosphere of this neighborhood and plan to come back soon!
Chocolatebrain
I’ve been to Nanluoguxiang a few times, and it’s really changed—it’s now so much more charming. Walking through the alley, I found some beautiful qipao shops that make me feel like I’ve stepped back into early 20th-century China. The street food is abundant, and the bars have such a great vibe; sitting there at night is incredibly relaxing. Not only that, but Nanluoguxiang also has trendy bubble tea spots like "Hushang Ayi" and "Tianlala." And you can’t miss the pastry shops—every treat is soft and sweet, bringing happiness with each bite. What’s even better is that I haven’t had a bad meal here; especially the "Li Ji Baodu," which is delicious! The "Fangzhuan Factory Q Fried Noodles" is also fantastic, leaving me wanting more. I recommend going in the evening to eat while you stroll around; it’s cooler then, and if you get tired, you can relax at a bar, plus the prices are pretty reasonable!
Zhang
My first stop in Beijing was Nanluoguxiang, where my friend took me right after I got off the train. It felt like a vibrant street filled with snacks and shops. The sides of the street are lined with traditional courtyard buildings, and some private courtyards even have signs saying "No Trespassing." Haha! I visited in mid-August, just in time for the weekend, so there were quite a few tourists. Many traditional Beijing eateries, like Daoxiangcun, Quanjude, and Beijing Lu Zhu, have shops here too.
Foodie Wang