Wudaoying Hutong
Wudaoying Hutong, Beijing’s bohemian enclave, weaves 600 years of history with contemporary cool in Dongcheng District. Originally a Ming Dynasty military camp, it transformed into a Qing-era residential lane for officials and merchants. Today, its narrow lanes buzz with indie boutiques, craft coffee roasters, and art galleries, preserving traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan) while embracing modern creativity.
Historical Overview
The hutong’s roots trace to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when it served as a barracks for the “Five Military Camps” (wudaoying). During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), it became a hub for ethnic Manchu officials, with families like the Gūwalgiya clan building grand siheyuan. After 1949, it fell into disrepair until a 2000s revival turned it into a trendsetter for urban renewal. Now, it’s a UNESCO-recognized model for balancing heritage and modernity.
Structural Layout
The 636-meter hutong runs east-west, flanked by:
Siheyuan Courtyards: Traditional homes with wooden courtyard gates (liuyipai) and moon gates.
Archways: The Ming-era “Zhenfang Arch” and the modern “Wudaoying” stone tablet.
Drainage Ditches: Remnants of the Yuan Dynasty’s “dragon veins” water system.
Key structures include the Guangji Temple (Ming Dynasty) and the Red Gate Gallery (housed in a 1920s courtyard).
Major Attractions
Indie Boutiques: Shop handmade leather goods, ceramic art, and “socialist-chic” souvenirs at Naive Collector.
Craft Coffee: Sip single-origin espresso at Metal Hands Coffee (a converted 1950s repair shop).
Art Galleries: The Red Gate Gallery exhibits avant-garde sculptures in a Ming-era courtyard.
Courtyard Bars: Enjoy craft beers at Jumping Jack’s or “hidden” cocktail dens like M.
Street Art: Pose at the “Love Wall” mural (near East Entrance) or the Yue Space concert venue.
Guangji Temple: A 15th-century Buddhist temple with a 500-year-old ginkgo tree.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1 hour):
West Entrance → Indie Boutiques → Metal Hands Coffee → Love Wall → Exit via East Entrance.
- Culture Route (2 hours):
Add Guangji Temple, Red Gate Gallery, and a courtyard calligraphy demo.
- Nightlife Route (3 hours):
Bar-hop from M to Jumping Jack’s, catching live jazz at Yue Space.
Ticket Purchase
Online: No tickets required for the hutong; book workshops via “Wudaoying Hutong” WeChat.
On-Site: Free access; some galleries/bars require reservations (¥50–¥150 cover charges).
- Prices:
Coffee/tea: ¥30–¥60 per drink.
Craft workshops: ¥100–¥200 for 2-hour sessions.
Transportation
Subway: Line 2 to Yonghegong Station (Exit D), 5-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 13, 116, 117, or 684 to Yonghegong Bridge Stop.
Taxi: Direct to West Entrance (near Yonghegong Lama Temple).
Best Time & Tips
Crowds: Avoid weekends; visit weekdays (10 AM–noon or 6–8 PM).
Weather: Spring (Apr–Jun) for cherry blossoms; autumn (Sep–Oct) for crisp evenings.
Essentials: Wear comfy shoes (cobblestones); carry cash for street vendors.
Prohibited: Biking inside courtyards, loudspeakers, and commercial photography without permits.
Wudaoying Hutong Scenic Spots Guide
