Recently, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism launched 10 winter-themed tour routes under the theme of "Warm by the Stove, Savor the Tea; Ignite Your Passion, Live Your Best Life". Among them, Xicheng District offers the route "Tea at Bookstores, Strolling in Hutongs", which connects Niujie Street, Fayuan Temple, Lanman Hutong, Nanbanjie Hutong, Dajixiang (also known as Daji Alley), and Xuannan Bookstore (Liulichang Branch). Visitors are invited to experience the cozy warmth of Xicheng, where ancient architecture, traditional hutongs, and the fragrance of books and tea come together.

Duration: One Day

Recommended Ways to Explore: Cycling, Walking

Niujie Street

Cultural spaces, old courtyards, and cultural & creative stores line both sides of Niujie Street. Small exhibitions at some courtyard entrances introduce the block’s history and folk customs.

Time-honored eateries such as Jubaoyuan Hot Pot, Hongji Snacks, Baiji Rice Cakes, and Yibao Steamed Lotus Leaf-Wrapped Zenggao offer authentic local flavors, perfect for sharing.

Fayuan Temple

A short walk east from Niujie Street leads to Fayuan Temple—one of the oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Beijing, first built in 645 AD. It is recommended that visitors enter through the Mountain Gate and visit the main halls in sequence along the central axis. Pay attention to architectural details such as eaves, bracket sets (dougong), and polychrome paintings to appreciate the exquisite artistry of traditional Chinese architecture. Traditional courtyards and cultural-creative shops cluster around Fayuan Temple, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Lanman Hutong

Lanman Hutong retains its traditional guild halls and siheyuan courtyards, now mixed with cafés, teahouses, and independent bookstores. The gate towers and brick carvings of the guild halls are well worth a closer look. Some courtyards host small exhibitions on guild hall culture and stories of scholars in the Xuannan area.

Continue south along Lanman Hutong, and you will reach Nanbanjie Hutong, once a hub of guild halls. Today, many courtyards have been transformed into public cultural spaces hosting small exhibitions. The hutong also features community book corners and art spaces, which often host small exhibitions, reading sessions, and handicraft workshops. In addition, it boasts popular photo spots such as the "Peking Opera Kitten" sculpture and the "Rose Wall".

Dajixiang

Dajixiang stands out for blending historical architecture with modern commercial spaces. The block hosts art exhibitions, cultural salons, and themed markets from time to time, making it an ideal place for photography, socializing, and family activities.

A diverse range of dining options, from specialty coffee and creative cuisine to light meals and desserts, can be found in and around the block. Some venues offer outdoor seating where visitors can enjoy the warm winter sunlight.

Xuannan Bookstore

Near Liulichang, Xuannan Bookstore features themed displays centered on Beijing culture, Xuannan heritage, and ancient architectural art. It emphasizes reading experiences and public cultural services, regularly holding themed book fairs, meet-the-author sessions, and parent-child reading activities.

The bookstore also makes a good starting point for exploring the time-honored shops selling scholars' supplies and cultural spaces on Liulichang East Street and West Street. Photography enthusiasts can capture the unique scenes where ancient architecture harmonizes with modern design, both inside and outside the bookstore.

(Source: Xicheng District People's Government of Beijing Municipality)