Quick Info

🌍 Location: Central area of Beijing
🌤️ Best Visiting Seasons: Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November)
💳 Payment Methods: Mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay), cash, international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), UnionPay
📱 Essential Apps: Amap (supports English), Google Maps, DiDi (supports English), Discover Beijing
🚇 Transportation: Primarily subway, supplemented by buses and walking
⏰ Suggested Duration: 2-3 days (for an in-depth experience)

Featured Streets

Nanluoguxiang: The Renaissance of Old Beijing

🎯 Highlights

• A cultural street with 800 years of history
• Perfect blend of traditional architecture and modern commerce
• Creative shops and old brand snacks abound

💡 Visiting Tips

• Arrive before 9 AM to avoid the peak crowd
• Start from Exit A of Nanluoguxiang Subway Station to cover major attractions
• Allocate 3-4 hours for a thorough visit

798 Art District: Art Blossoms in Industrial Relics

🎨 Art Experience

• Over 400 galleries and art institutions
• Regular international art exhibitions
• Unique industrial relic architecture

🌟 Visiting Points

• Avoid weekends; weekdays are less crowded
• Check exhibition information on the official website in advance
• A paradise for photography enthusiasts; note that some galleries prohibit photography

Qianmen Street: A Microcosm of Old Beijing's Commercial Culture

🏮 Cultural Experience

• Gathering of century-old brands
• Traditional snacks and handicrafts galore
• Experience old-fashioned tram sightseeing

🎁 Shopping Tips

• Compare prices for traditional handicrafts
• Purchase specialties from reputable old brands
• Some items can be bargained for moderately

Practical Tips

Transportation

🚇 Subway : Covers major featured streets; consider purchasing a transit card
🚌 Bus : Low cost but be mindful of peak hour congestion
🚗 Ride-hailing : Avoid morning and evening rush hours; some streets have restrictions

Food Exploration

🍜 Food Map

• Nanluoguxiang: Old Beijing snacks, creative dining
• Qianmen Street: Century-old brands, traditional foods
• 798 Art District: Artsy cafes, Western light meals

Cultural Experience Suggestions

• Recommend booking an English-speaking guide for a deep dive into hutong culture (book via QR code)
• Participate in traditional cultural workshops like tea ceremonies and paper-cutting (English guidance available)
• Respect cultural taboos in residential areas: avoid loud noise and knocking on doors for photos
• Consider joining Old Beijing lifestyle experience projects to interact with local residents

Special Reminders

⚠️ Notices

• Hutong etiquette: Do not touch door gods or photograph residents' daily lives
• English guided tours available in the 798 Art District; pre-booking required
• Use Alipay International for transactions; most merchants do not accept foreign cash
• If facing language barriers, use a translation app or scan in-store QR codes

Seasonal Recommendations

Spring and Autumn (Best Visiting Period)

• Pleasant temperatures, ideal for walking exploration
• Street cultural activities
• Best outdoor café experiences

Summer

• Bring sun protection
• Avoid midday heat
• Opt for more indoor locations

Winter

• Keep warm; it’s windy and cold
• Shorten outdoor visit times appropriately
• Experience the unique culture of warm teas