How to Visit Beijing Hutong

Written by Matteo Updated Aug. 7, 2025

There are so many hutongs in Beijing that an old saying goes: there are 3,600 well-known hutongs, and countless unnamed ones like cattle and horses. Among them, Dongjiaomin Lane is the longest, while Yichi Street is the shortest. Walking through these hutongs, you'll escape the city's hustle and bustle and get close to Beijing's cultural vibes and rich sense of everyday life.

hutong
Hutong in Beijing

How to Explore the Hutongs in Beijing

There are three ways to explore hutongs: on foot, by bike, or in a rickshaw. But remember, only the hutongs in Xicheng District have rickshaws. If you visit the hutongs in the Dongcheng District, you can only choose to walk or ride a bicycle.

1. Walking

Hutongs are quite narrow, with widths generally ranging from 2 to 4 meters, and some are even as narrow as 0.4 meters. So, if you want to truly experience the unique charm of hutongs, walking is the best way.

You can stroll along the uneven cobblestone alleys, taking a good look at the courtyard gates that have weathered the years. You can also turn into the small lanes to search for hidden gates, sausages hanging up, and lazy cats lying around.

2. Rickshaw Rides

You can hop on an old Beijing rickshaw and weave through the narrow hutong alleys. The local rickshaw pullers will tell you interesting stories about life in the courtyards, the customs of doorposts and eaves, as well as the traditional tales behind the screen walls.

They might even take you along secret paths that lead to peaceful courtyards. One rickshaw can seat two people, and the cost is about CNY200.

3. Biking

At the exits of subway stations, you can find shared bicycles and shared electric scooters. They are convenient for riding between the subway station and the hutong entrance or for getting around different hutongs.

However, be aware that electric scooters are not allowed inside the hutongs. You need to park them in designated areas and then walk into the hutongs.

Differences Among the Three Ways

Comparison On Foot Rickshaw By Bike
Operation Time All Day 7:00-17:00 All Day
Price Free CNY200 CNY1.5/minute
Physical Exertion High Low Medium
Flexibility Can stop at any time. Fixed Route You can plan the route on your own.
Advantage You can deeply experience hutong life. Save time and effort You can explore more areas by bike.
Disadvantage It is easy to get lost. Short time It is not easy to park.
Target Group The young and those who like walking Family and the elder The young and those who like riding

Best Time to Visit Beijing Hutongs

When visiting Beijing's hutongs, it's best to choose spring or autumn and go in the morning or afternoon. Since hutongs are just narrow, open-air streets, Beijing's high temperatures and occasional rain in summer can seriously spoil your touring experience.

How to Get to Hutongs in Beijing

Nowadays, hutongs mainly serve two major purposes: one is for people to live in, and the other is for commercial operations. These areas are densely populated, so many hutongs are accessible by subway or bus.

1. Nanluoguxiang (South Luogu Lane)

South Luogu Lane
Nanluoguxiang

2. Wudaoying Hutong

wudaoying hutong
Wudaoying Hutong

3. Jinyu Hutong

4. Liulichang Street

5. Yandaixie Street

Yandaixie Street
Yandaixiejie

6. Bada Hutong

7. Dongjiaoaminxiang

8. Xijiaominxiang

9. Moaer Hutong

maoerhutong
Maoerhutong

10. Juer Hutong

11. Guozijian Street

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Go to Beijing Hutongs by Private Transfer

I recommend booking a private transfer with us! We'll arrange a driver to pick you up at the airport or train station. First, the driver will take you to the hotel to check in. After you've settled in, we'll send you directly to the hutongs you want to visit.

Once you've finished your tour, we'll take you back to the hotel or any other place you'd like to go. In short, our pick-up and drop-off locations are flexible. Just tell me where you want to get on and off, and leave the rest to us. You can just relax and enjoy your trip!

Beijing Hutongs Tour

Do you want to take a look at the courtyards in the hutongs? However, I must inform you with regret that many homeowners don't allow tourists to visit their homes, as it's their private space. However, you can book a Beijing hutong tour with us.

Our experienced local guides will lead you to the homes of hutong residents, where you can experience activities with Chinese cultural features, such as writing with a Chinese brush and paper-cutting.

A Half-Day Hutong Pedicab Tour

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