Most people go to Beijing , China to see the Great Wall, Summer Palace and other famous historic sites such as Tianamen Square and Forbidden City. I went to Beijing to see the same things too until I asked Chandler, our Beijinger tour guide in Great Wall about other interesting places in Beijing and he immediately said, “Check out Nanluoguxiang”.
Nanluoguxiang is just a three bus stop away from where we were staying. The first sign that you’re near Nanluoguxiang is the increasing number of quaint novelty shops that you’ll pass by.
On our left we immediately noticed flock of young Beijingers walking towards this street and so there it was.
Nanluoguxiang is said to be famous for it’s hutongs and courtyards. There were courtyards there that used to be former residences of some imperial officials.
Now, what used to be a residence of Beijingers is now a small district full of shops, restaurants catering to locals and foreign tourists alike.
At first glance you might think that it’s just another tourists trap that will drain your cash away. But once you go inside Nanluoguxiang you’ll realize that it’s a perfect place to observe the lifestyle and culture of the young Beijingers. People watching is a good activity without emptying your wallet from buying thousands of possible souvenirs.
My first impression was, its like Harajuku of Tokyo minus the Cosplayers that you’ll see on the alleyways.
How to Get Here:
It’s just a kilometer away from Zhang Zi Zhong Lu Subway Station. The cheapest way to be to go is by bus (1 Yuan), ask your hostel receptionist about the bus number that goes to Nanluoguxiang from where you’re staying.
Photo Credits: Pics by Frameless World
i want one of those stuff bunnies!ü Miss u!
sure
I’ll bear this in mind Flip, I plan on visiting Beijing later this year (but will probably move it to early next year)
this is a nice place to visit to observe the life of local beijingers
nice find Flip, always nice to go beyond the well-trodden path
it’s a nice place to relax and do people watching
although it can be crowded sometimes…
okay ito ahhh. agree with claie nice find nga
i visited one of the hutongs but i’m not sure which hutong it was, its near the drum tower
medyo mukha ng shopping area ang mga ganyang hutong mas gusto ko yung hindi popular kasi dun mo makikita paano yung buhay ng mga locals
you’re right, shopping area talaga sya kaya ma o observe mo life ng mga kabataan nila
para sya harajuku street sa tokyo minus yung cosplayers on the streets