North Drum Tower Hutong: Peaceful Beijing Escape

1. Unique Shops & Hidden Gems

Just a short walk from the bustling South Drum Tower Hutong, North Drum Tower Hutong offers a quieter, authentic Beijing experience. Here, you’ll discover unique shops showcasing local craftsmanship and creative designs.

• Gentle Hands Studio: A designer collective with handmade jewelry, bags, artwork, and clothing. Each piece reflects the artisan’s dedication and offers a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
• Zero Waste Store: Promoting sustainability, selling eco-friendly daily essentials, and encouraging customers to bring their own containers.
• Indie Record Store: A paradise for music lovers, offering a wide selection of vinyl records for collectors and enthusiasts.

Overall, the shop quality is high and the prices are reasonable. Compared with South Drum Tower Hutong, you’ll find more creative, unique items with better value.

2. Cozy Cafes & Local Eats

North Drum Tower Hutong is also a food lover’s paradise. From local snacks to international flavors, there’s something for every taste.

• Pinp Bottle Shop Café: Encourages recycling—bring back coffee bottles for discounts.
• Coffee Tommy: Famous for signature cold brew, a favorite among locals.
• JM Café: Jay Chou-themed café, with coffee blends named after his songs, creating a unique experience for fans.

Local specialties include:

• Ban Ban Che Snacks: Guilin rice noodles, a taste of southern China.
• Ah Hui Taiwan Sausage: Handmade pure meat sausages, zero additives, multiple flavors.
• Pita Hut: Israeli-style pita sandwiches for a Middle Eastern twist in Beijing.

Most cafés and shops accept cash, credit card, and mobile payments, convenient for local and international visitors.

3. Tranquil Atmosphere & Cultural Charm

The atmosphere here blends traditional Beijing life with modern creativity.

• Historic Architecture: Retains Qing Dynasty charm, with gray brick walls, closed courtyard gates, and greenery spilling over walls.
• Local Life: Stroll through the alleyways to see locals playing cards, street vendors selling goods, and flowers peeking from courtyards.
• Seasonal Beauty: Each season brings unique charm—golden ginkgo in autumn, blooming roses and ivy in spring and summer, and serene winter scenes.

Compared with commercialized South Drum Tower Hutong, this area offers a more peaceful and authentic experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in old Beijing life.

Practical Information & Accessibility

• Location: North Drum Tower Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, from Andingmen West Street (north) to Gulou East Street (south).
• Transport:
  • Subway: Lines 6 or 8 to Nanluoguxiang Station, walk through South Drum Tower Hutong. Line 2 to Andingmen Station, then ~480m walk.
  • Bus: Routes 13, 623, 44, 800, 104.
  • Driving: Narrow alleyways, limited parking; better to park nearby and walk.
• Operating Hours: Hutong open all day. Cafés 10:00–18:00, restaurants till 21:30–23:00, bars may stay open late.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded and more relaxed.

Ideal Visitors

• Travelers seeking a peaceful escape from city noise
• Culture enthusiasts wanting to experience traditional Beijing
• Photography lovers capturing historic hutong charm
• Foodies exploring local and international flavors

Whether you want to relax, explore daily life, or enjoy creative shops and cafés, North Drum Tower Hutong offers a unique and memorable experience. From morning to night, the hutong preserves its authentic character, waiting for you to explore.