Top 5 Beijing City Walks That I Love Most

City walks have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer a unique way to explore a city's heart and soul. You can uncover hidden gems and experience local life. This is something you can't do from a car window or a tour bus.

Beijing, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods, is an ideal destination for city walks. From ancient temples and bustling hutongs to modern art districts and serene parks, there's something for everyone.

As someone who enjoys exploring the city on foot, I often wander these streets on weekends, discovering new spots and revisiting old favorites. Below, I've curated five of my favorite walking itineraries, each with its own unique charm and character.

Lily Shang

10+ Years as a Local Guide in Beijing

Hi, I'm Lily, a tour guide in Beijing. I have lived in Beijing for nearly twenty years, and in my heart, it has become my second hometown. I deeply love this city. I used to live in a hutong, but I have now moved into an apartment building, witnessing the changes in Beijing over the past twenty years. From the magnificent Forbidden City to the bustling Tiananmen Square, every corner of Beijing hides endless stories.

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• 1. From Yonghe Temple to Drum Tower
• 2. From Shichahai to Forbidden City
• 3. Around the Olympic Green
• 4. From Tianning Temple to the Nearby Neighborhood
• 5. From Dongjiaomingxiang to Yangmeizhu Xiejie

1. From Yonghe Temple to Drum Tower: The Most Authentic Beijing Experience

• Itinerary: Yonghe Temple - Wudaoying Hutong - Jianchang Hutong - Fangjia Hutong - Beiluoguxiang - Nanluoguxiang - Drum Tower
• Best Time: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of the hutongs.
• Duration: 3-4 hours

This route is perfect for those who want to experience authentic Beijing, with its rich history and lively atmosphere. Walking this route feels like stepping back in time.

Yonghe Temple, a grand and ancient Lamaist temple, is a must-see in Beijing, known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.

Yonghe Temple

From here, you'll meander through narrow hutongs, where you can peek into the daily lives of locals. Wudaoying Hutong is particularly charming, with its mix of traditional courtyard houses and trendy cafes.

Wudaoying Hutong

As you continue, you'll find hidden shops selling traditional snacks and handicrafts. The highlight of this walk is Nanluoguxiang, a bustling alley filled with vibrant street food stalls and quirky boutiques.

Nanluoguxiang

End your journey at the Drum Tower, where you can climb up and enjoy a panoramic view of the old city.

Our guests visited the Drum Tower

2. From Shichahai to Forbidden City: The Most Romantic Walk

• Itinerary: Shichahai Lake - Yinding Bridge - Houhai Bar Street - Beihai Park - Jingshan Park - Forbidden City
• Best Time: Autumn or winter, especially when the leaves turn golden or the lake freezes over.
• Duration: 2-3 hours

This route is a feast for the eyes, perfect for those who love beautiful scenery and want to capture stunning photos. The golden ginkgo leaves on the ground and the red walls create an intoxicating atmosphere.

Start at Shichahai Lake, a picturesque area surrounded by ancient architecture and lush greenery. You can rent a boat or simply stroll along the lake's edges. Yinding Bridge, with its elegant arch, is a great spot for photos.

Shichahai Lake

Continue to Houhai, where bars and cafes line the street.

Houhai Bar Street

Beihai Park, with its tranquil lakes and ancient pavilions, offers a peaceful retreat. If you visit in winter, you can try ice skating on the frozen lake; in autumn, the golden leaves create a magical experience.

Beihai Park

Climbing up Jingshan Park rewards you with a breathtaking view of the Forbidden City. If you plan a family trip to Beijing, check out our 5-Day Beijing Family Tour to explore more of Beijing.

Our guests visited Jingshan Park

Panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

3. Around the Olympic Green: The Most Scenic Walk with Modern Landmarks

• Itinerary: Olympic Forest Park - Bird's Nest Stadium - Water Cube
• Best Time: Anytime, but especially in spring or autumn
• Duration: 3-4 hours

The Olympic Green is a beautiful path lined with trees and flowers, offering a peaceful escape from the city. This route is great for anyone who wants to experience the modern side of Beijing while still enjoying the beauty of nature.

Olympic Forest Park is a vast natural area with lakes, hills, and walking trails. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Olympic Forest Park

Another highlight of this route is the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube. These architectural wonders are even more impressive up close. Every time I bring my tour group here, I see children practicing roller skating with their coaches, and I feel that China's sports future is bright.

Visit in the evening to see the Bird's Nest and Water Cube illuminated. It's a sight you won't forget.

Our guests visited Bird's Nest Stadium

Water Cube

4. From Tianning Temple to the Nearby Neighborhood: Discovering Beijing Life

• Itinerary: Tianning Temple - Old Community - Xuanwu Art Garden - Hongfangzi Hutong - Kites Museum.
• Distance: Around 3 kilometers

This route, handpicked by China Highlights, is very close to local residents' lives. You will encounter very few tourists along the way, making it feel authentic and natural. You will explore a community and learn about ordinary people's lives, including their religious beliefs, hobbies, housing issues, and retirement situations.

Your exploration will begin with the local residents' religious beliefs. Your guide will take you to Tianning Temple, home to Beijing's oldest pagoda, sharing the temple's history and explaining the religious activities people engage in.

Tianning Temple

As you walk through residential areas built in the 1990s, you'll gain insight into Beijing's housing development.

Visit Xuanwu Park, where you can see elderly people exercising and even join them for a game of shuttlecock kicking or dancing. Retirement life in China may differ significantly from that in your country.

Xuanwu Park

At the end of your tour, you will visit a hutong that sees very few tourists, allowing you to witness authentic hutong life. If you are interested in this route and want to get into the lives of local people, see our Half-Day Beijing Walking Tour in a Neighborhood.

Hutong

5. From Dongjiaomingxiang to Yangmeizhu Xiejie: A Classic Blend of East and West

• Itinerary: Dongjiaomingxiang - Xixinglong Street - Xianyu Kou - Qianmen Dazhalan - Yangmeizhu Xiejie
• Distance: Around 3 kilometers

Start at Dongjiaomingxiang to admire Western-style architecture; it's a great spot for photos, especially with locals taking pre-wedding photos in traditional outfits.

Next, head to Xixinglong Street to experience the fusion of traditional and modern.

Explore Xianyu Kou and Dazhalan for famous old brands.

Xianyu Kou food street

Goubuli steamed buns shop on Dazhalan Food Street

Finally arrive at Yangmeizhu Xiejie, a quaint street filled with artistic flair. Here, you'll find numerous cafes and interesting shops, such as a quirky brooch store and a fridge magnet shop featuring antique porcelain fragments, each with its own little story.

Yangmeizhu Xiejie

No matter which route you choose, a city walk in Beijing promises to be an unforgettable experience. Each itinerary offers a glimpse into the city's rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern life. So lace up your walking shoes and start exploring the secrets of Beijing with us.