Yandai Xiejie: Beijing’s Timeless Hutong Experience
Nestled in the heart of Beijing, Yandai Xiejie is a 232-meter-long hutong that offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The street’s unique slanted layout resembles a traditional Chinese tobacco pipe, with the eastern end representing the pipe’s mouth, the narrow street acting as the stem, and the western end curving southward like the bowl.
1: Introduction to Yandai Xiejie
Yandai Xiejie dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and was originally known as “Daya Hall Slanting Street” due to its proximity to the Daya Hall, an official institution managing fishing activities. During the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed “Gulou Slanting Street,” and in the Qing Dynasty, it became known as “Yandai Xiejie” due to the prevalence of tobacco pipe shops in the area.
In the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period, the street earned the nickname “Little Liulichang” for its thriving antique and cultural market. Today, Yandai Xiejie has transformed into a bustling commercial and cultural hub, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
2: Immerse Yourself in History and Culture
Walking along Yandai Xiejie is like stepping back in time. The cobblestone pavement, traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan), and intricate wooden carvings showcase the architectural elegance of old Beijing. The street is also home to several cultural landmarks, including the Guangfu Temple and the Imperial Post Office (Daqing Postal Cabinet), adding to its historical charm.
Visitors can explore a variety of shops selling traditional Chinese crafts such as paper-cutting, sugar figurines, and clay figurines. Many artisans demonstrate their skills on-site, offering a hands-on cultural experience.
3: Must-Do Experiences on Yandai Xiejie
🛍️ Shopping Delights
Yandai Xiejie is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide range of traditional Beijing souvenirs. From Beijing opera masks and silk scarves to rattle drums and clay figurines, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the Daqing Postal Cabinet, where you can send postcards using vintage-style mailboxes.
🍜 Culinary Adventures
The street is lined with eateries serving classic Beijing snacks like candied hawthorn (tanghulu), fried tripe (baodu), zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and small pear soup (xiaodiao li tang). For a more formal dining experience, visit Qingyun Lou, one of Beijing’s oldest and most prestigious restaurants, offering traditional Shandong cuisine.
📸 Photographic Highlights
Capture the essence of old Beijing by visiting the gray stone archway at the eastern entrance, the Silver Ingot Bridge offering views of the Western Hills, and the Daqing Postal Cabinet with its vintage mailboxes. The traditional courtyard houses and wooden window carvings provide excellent photo opportunities.
🚤 Nearby Attractions
Just a short walk from Yandai Xiejie is Shichahai, a scenic area with lakes and traditional courtyard houses. In summer, you can enjoy boat rides on the lakes, while in winter, ice skating is a popular activity. The area also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and cafes.
🗺️ Practical Information
- Address: 48 Di’anmen Outer Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Opening Hours: Open daily; best visited in the afternoon or evening
- Transportation: Accessible via Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station (A1 or A2 exit), about a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, take Line 2 or 6 to Gulou Street Station or Beihai North Station, then walk to the street.
- Nearby Attractions: Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Nanluoguxiang, and Houhai Bar Street
