Yandai Xiejie Hutong

Introduction to Yandai Xiejie Hutong (Beijing)

Yandai Xiejie is located near Nanluoguxiang one of Beijing’s famous Hutongs. Yandai Xiejie is 232 meters in length and is the oldest Hutong in Beijing. During the Qing Dynasty Yandai Xijie was famous for its sale of tobacco and pipes. Yandai Xiejie was redeveloped just prior to the Beijing Olympics, the Hutong was redeveloped for tourism and the subsequent renovations recovered some historical features. In 2010 Yandai Xiejie was awarded the Famous Street of Chinese History and Civilization by the Ministry of Culture and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. 

Yandai Xijie is now a top tourist attraction for visitors who want to purchase traditional handicrafts and of course tobacco pipes. Apart from souvenirs tourists can try out the traditional snacks on the streets or eat at some of the international standard restaurants which range from array of Chinese cuisine, Thai cuisine and Western cuisine. For tourists who need a place to chill out and take a break from shopping there are also coffee shops and bars available. 

Antique and Tobacco Pipe Stores

Yandai Xijie has a range of tobacco pipes which are made from different materials so depending on your budget you will find that there is a great range to choose from. The two most prominent tobacco pipe stores worth making a visit to are Heng Tai and Shuang Sheng Tai. Apart from tobacco pipe stores there are also antique stores which sell authentic antiques and of course lookalike items. Prior to the Second World War Yandai Xiejie was famous for selling authentic Chinese antiques due to the Manchu people selling off their possessions. 
 

Location

Yandai Xiejie Hutong, Xicheng District, Dianmenwai Street

Travel Information

Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open All Day
Best Time to Visit: Suitable to visit all year round.

Main Sights

Souvenir shops, antiques, traditional handmade crafts

Transportation 

1.Take Subway Line 2 getting off at Gulou Dajie Station, leave the station via Exit B and then walk 15 minutes to reach Yandai Xiejie Hutong.

2. You can take subway line 8 and get off at Shichahai and take exit A2. Taking a two minute walk from Shichahai station you will reach Yandai Xiejie

Travel Tips 

1. Taking a rickshaw tour of the Yandai Xiejie Hutong is always a more interesting way to tour the area. 
2. Avoid visiting during summer holidays and Golden Week in October.

Tour including Visiting Yandai Xiejie Hutong

Beijing Ancient Hutong Half Day Tour