Side lanes
Fishbone pattern.
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A narrow historic lane in north-central Beijing about 800 m long, running from Gulou East Street in the north to Di'anmen East Street in the south, which gives its name to an old neighbourhood that keeps its traditional architecture. Smaller hutong lanes branch off either side in a fishbone pattern, lined with traditional courtyard houses, some of them once home to nobles and officials in imperial times. Today the lane is a lively tourist street of gift and craft shops, cafés, snack bars and sweet shops, while the side lanes keep their calm and their residents' everyday life. Wandering is free; it gets very crowded at weekends and on public holidays, so come on a weekday morning. Check food ingredients, and pair it with the nearby Drum and Bell Towers.
Fishbone pattern.
Traditional style.
Along the lane.
Dongcheng District, north-central Beijing
Shichahai and the HutongsA lovely historic area in north-central Beijing made up of three linked lakes, Q11 minutes walk
Jingshan ParkAn imperial park of 23 hectares directly north of the Forbidden City, once a pri17 minutes walk4.5
Beihai ParkA former imperial garden north-west of the Forbidden City, first built in the tw21 minutes walk4.6On a weekday morning, as it is very crowded at weekends and on public holidays; wandering is free.