Beijing isn’t all mega-clubs and towering new buildings. For those looking to connect with an older Beijing, these spots and hikes described in this article are essential. Beijing isn’t all massive tourist attractions either. The below areas are popular with locals and, in the case of some of the hikes, barely populated at all. Whether you’re a backpacker, looking to get away from your tour group or a longtime Beijing resident – if you’re looking to escape the cookie-cutter modernity and the maddening crowds – these are the places for you.

Nanluoguxiang 南锣鼓巷

Located in Dongcheng District, Nanluoguxiang is one of the oldest blocks in Beijing. A long time favorite of local expats, NLGX is quickly becoming a tourist destination in its own right. It can be reached by bus 815 or 107.

Pass By Bar

Recommendations:
1)  Pass By Bar: Highly recommended in the Lonely Planet, this bar is a place where backpackers hang out and swap travel stories.
2)  Magpie Cafe: This cafe is filled with old Beijing memories.
3)  Grifted Design Shop: This shop is run by a New York designer selling modern Chinese crafts.
4)  Creative T-Shirt Shop: A fascinating clothing store that sells t-shirts perfect for visitors and locals alike.
5)  Letiantaoshe: Traditional Chinese pottery. You can also make your own pottery here.
6)  Guitar Bar: This is the best place for live music in Nanluoguxiang. Performances are held every night.

Nanchizi and Beichizi 南池子、北池子–The Ultimate Imperial Beijing Experience
Formerly the exclusive residence of the royal family, Nanchizi is one of the few places were you can still see Old Beijing architecture in all of its glory. With one side facing the Forbidden City and the other full of lively hutongs, you can experience all the splendor of Beijing’s imperial culture while seeing how ordinary people live.  

Recommendations:
1)  Changpu River Park – A wonderful little park on the rivers that flows through the Forbidden City.
2)  Grandma’s Kitchen – The only hutong restaurant that serves American breakfast. Experience a rare blend of ancient China and the west.
3)  Shiyiqiju – Beijing’s smallest cafe is tucked into a small hutong near the Forbidden City.
4)  Xihuamen Dajie – See Beijing life up close and personal.
5)  Beiping Hostel – This siheyuan courtyard-style hostel is a backpacker’s paradise.

Dongsi Hutongs 东四胡同
Dongsi Hutong – a maze of narrow alleys through Beijing’s old neighborhoods – has over 700 years of history and is still full of a sense of the past.

Recommendations:
1) Longfusi Snack Shop – Eat classic Beijing snack food in the place that locals have frequented for generations.
2) Liugongzhufu – The largest courtyard in Dongsi once housed several important government officials.
3) Daxin Clothing Store – One of the best places in the city to get tailor-made clothes.
4) China Art Museum – China’s largest art museum houses both classic works of art and modern pieces.
5) Ruizhenhou Restaurant – A centuries-old laozihao (time honored brand) that serves Muslim food. 

Special Focus: LOHAS Beijing, Summer 2009 

 Houhai 后海–Beijing’s Restless Hutongs

Houhai

Houhai has a history stretching back over 1000 years and is Beijing’s best place to enjoy a lakeside environment. Full of the former residences of famous Chinese and members of the royal family, Houhai is also one of the most happening bar districts in Beijing.

Recommendations:
1)  Golden Sail Yacht Club – You can relax on a boat in the middle of Houhai Lake.
2)  Jiumen Snack Restaurant – One of the most famous snack restaurants in Beijing, Jiumen gives you a chance to relive Beijing’s past.
3)  Bojin Clothing Store – The best place to find traditional Chinese clothing infused with modern fashion styles.
4)  Wupeng Boats – Pass a romantic Beijing evening on Houhai Lake while listening to live music.
5)  Wing Bar – One of the best places for BBQ in Beijing, Wing Bar stands out for its unique style among the dozens of Houhai bars.
6)  Wenfengtang Craft Shop – Some of the most creative and skilled Chinese craftsmen sell their wares here.
7)  Hutong Pizza – Tucked away in a hard to find hutong, Hutong Pizza serves up the most authentic slice of pizza in Houhai. 

Special Focus: LOHAS Beijing, Summer 2009
 

Related Links
Beijing's Top 5 Live Music Venues
Houhai—The Poetic Beauty of Old Beijing
Top 5 Most Unique Restaurants in Beijing (Part 1)

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