6. Jinyu Hutong

Situated at the Dongcheng district, Jinyu Hutong connects Dongdanbei Avenue to the east with Wangfujing Avenue in the west. [Beijing.cn]

Situated at the Dongcheng district, Jinyu Hutong connects Dongdanbei Avenue to the east with Wangfujing Avenue in the west. Lying next to the commercial area of Wangfujing, the hutong lies next to big brand hotels and large shopping centers.

The Jixiang Theater is one of the most famous scenic spots in Jinyu Hutong. It was built as a tea house at the north gate of the old Dong'an market in 1906 and is considered a symbol of the Beijing Opera.

Travel tips:

Surrounding attractions: Wangfujing Avenue, St. Joseph's Wangfujing Church

Getting there: Bus 103, 104, 108, 111, 420, 614 to Dengshixikou;

Subway Line 5 to Dengshikou, Exit C.

5. Liulichang Street

Liulichang is located in the south of Xicheng district. [showchina. org]

As a famous cultural relics street, Liulichang is located in the south of Xicheng district. It is one of the largest antique markets in China and a great place to go for the traditional "four treasures of the study": calligraphy brushes, ink, paper and ink stones.

In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), many businessmen and vendors began to sell curios and old books there. Over the years, it was gradually replaced by a bazaar of calligraphy, painting, artifacts and so on. The China Bookstore, Rongbaozhai, Laixunge, and Yidege are the most famous antique stores in Liulichang.

Travel tips:

Surrounding attractions: Changdian, old house of Ji Xiaolan

Getting there: Bus 6, 102, 106, 109, 603 to Liulichang;

Subway Line 2 to Hepingmen, Exit D1 or D2.