Chinese Food Guide in Beijing Qianmen Street & Dazhalan
Beijing’s Qianmen Street and Dazhalan are must-visit destinations for travelers who love history and authentic Chinese food. These historic streets showcase Beijing culture, old shops, and traditional Chinese snacks. For anyone exploring Chinese cuisine or looking for unique Asian food experiences, this area is a treasure.
1. History of Qianmen Street and Dazhalan
Qianmen Street, located at the southern end of Beijing’s central axis, has been a hub of culture and Chinese food for centuries. Built in the Ming Dynasty, it was once the busiest commercial street in Beijing. Merchants, tea houses, theaters, and local Chinese restaurants filled the area with energy.
Next to it, Dazhalan (pronounced Dashilan) is only 200 meters long but packed with famous century-old shops. From silk stores like Ruifuxiang to tea brands like Zhangyiyuan, and traditional medicine from Tongrentang, Dazhalan reflects the roots of Chinese culture and Asian cuisine. These streets were also home to Beijing opera and folk art, making them living museums of Chinese tradition.
2. Chinese Food Experiences in Qianmen & Dazhalan
Qianmen Street and Dazhalan are perfect for exploring authentic Chinese food and Asian snacks. Forget the flashy “internet-famous” food streets—here you find real Beijing flavors.
- Tianxingju Fried Liver – A traditional Chinese breakfast with thick pork liver soup and steamed buns.
- Zhajiangmian Noodles – Handmade noodles with rich soybean paste, a must-try in Beijing Chinese cuisine.
- Baodu Man Tripe – Tender beef or lamb tripe dipped in sesame sauce, a true local Chinese snack.
- Donglaishun Hotpot – A legendary Chinese restaurant serving fresh lamb slices in copper pots since 1903.
- Huntunhou Dumplings – Thin-skinned wontons in clear broth, a comforting Asian food loved by families.
- Wuyutai Tea Ice Cream – A creative twist blending jasmine tea with creamy ice cream.
- Yinsan Fermented Mung Bean Juice – A bold Chinese drink called Douzhi, sour and refreshing.
- Qingfeng Baozi – Juicy pork and scallion steamed buns, simple yet classic Chinese food.
- Ziguangyuan Halal Dishes – Famous for roast duck and stir-fried egg with vegetables.
Each dish represents authentic Chinese cuisine and makes your Beijing trip unforgettable.
3. Cultural Landmarks and Old Shops
While enjoying Chinese food, explore Dazhalan’s cultural heritage:
- Ruifuxiang Silk – Known as the “Hermès of Silk” since 1862.
- Zhangyiyuan Tea – Famous for jasmine tea, the “coffee of China.”
- Tongrentang Medicine – A world-renowned Chinese medicine brand since 1669.
- Neiliansheng Shoes – Traditional handmade cloth shoes, once made for the Qing court.
- Sanqingyuan & Guangdelou – Historic theaters, now home to Peking Opera and comedy shows.
- Daguanlou Cinema – The birthplace of Chinese film in 1905.
Travel Tips
- Route: Start at Qianmen Street, taste fried liver, dumplings, and tea ice cream. Then head into Dazhalan for tripe, baozi, and old shops.
- Seasons: Try bean juice and ice cream in summer, hotpot and fried liver in winter.
- Culture: Visit the old shops, watch a Peking Opera or comedy show, and bring home tea or silk as souvenirs.
Conclusion
Qianmen Street and Dazhalan are not just landmarks of Beijing history but also the heart of Chinese food culture. From traditional hotpot and steamed buns to tea ice cream and unique drinks, every bite tells a story of old Beijing. Walk these historic streets, taste authentic Asian cuisine, and enjoy a journey through both flavor and history.
