8. Xijiaominxiang

Next to Tian'anmen and Qianmen, Xijiaominxiang is located in the southern part of Xicheng district. [hudong. com]

Next to Tian'anmen and Qianmen, Xijiaominxiang is located in the southern part of Xicheng district. Winding about 1,000 meters long and 10 meters wide, Xijiaominxiang is larger than the average hutong and has a unique history.

Xijiaominxiang was first built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but became prominent about 100 years ago when several domestic and overseas banks chose to open in that location, making it the city’s original financial street. Visitors can still see the architecture of old banks there, including the former sites of the Central Bank, China Agriculture and Industry Bank and Mainland Bank.

Travel tips:

Surrounding attractions: Tian'anmen Square, Qianmen Street, China Numismatic Museum

Getting there: Bus 9, 44, 67, 301, 608, 673, 901 to Qianmenxi;

Subway Line 2 to Hepingmen, Exit B1.

7. Dongjiaominxiang

Dongjiaominxiang, over 3,000 meters long, is the longest hutong in Beijing. [Beijing.cn]

Extending from East Tian'anmen Square Road in the west to Chongwenmennei Avenue in the east, Dongjiaominxiang, over 3,000 meters long, is the longest hutong in Beijing and was called Beijing's "Embassy Row" in the early 20th century.

After the Opium Wars in the 1840s, Britain, Russia, Germany and France established embassies along this road. Its unique history has left the area with unique buildings exhibiting diverse architectural styles. Dongjiaominxiang was Beijing's diplomatic center for over 170 years.

Travel tips:

Surrounding attractions: Tian'anmen Square, Dongjiaominxiang Church, Laoshe Tea House

Getting there: Bus 9, 673, 692, 723, 729 to Chongwenmenxi;

Subway Line 2 to Qianmen, Exit A.