🏘️ Beijing · Attraction
Drum Tower & Hutong Neighborhood鼓楼胡同
The soul of old Beijing — ancient lanes unchanged for centuries
The soul of old Beijing — ancient lanes unchanged for centuries
The hutong neighborhoods around Beijing's Drum Tower (built 1272) represent the most authentic surviving pocket of old Beijing. These ancient alleyways of traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan) offer a window into city life unchanged for centuries — a stark contrast to the gleaming modernity just blocks away. The area went viral internationally for this extraordinary contrast.
Hugely viral for its contrast of ancient alley life — featured by Kara and Nate, Lost LeBlancs
Address: Gulou East St, Dongcheng District, Beijing
The easiest way to reach Drum Tower & Hutong Neighborhood is by Didi (China's ride-hailing app, similar to Uber). Download the Didi app and link your international credit card before arriving in China. Show the driver the Chinese name: 鼓楼胡同.
Metro is also available for most attractions — check the city metro map and look for the nearest station. All metro signs in Beijing are bilingual (Chinese and English).
Citizens of 54+ countries including the USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, and Australia can visit China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa. Drum Tower & Hutong Neighborhood is fully accessible during a visa-free transit stay.
Read the Full Visa-Free Guide →600 years of imperial China in 9,999 rooms
The most scenic section — with a toboggan slide descent
Where emperors prayed for good harvests since 1420