The Joy of Six: Nanluogu Xiang

This month, we’ve checked out all the stops on Line 6 to tell you about the gems that you shouldn’t wait to discover in our station-by-station Going Underground special.

SELLING POINT
The problem was never getting there but rather finding a way out. Now
you can time your night down to the minute the last train will bring you
back home: 11.37pm eastbound, 11.38pm westbound.

STROLL
Avoid the slow-moving tourist crowds by veering west out of Exit B and
north up Jiaodaokou Nanlu. After a bite at Dezhao Xiaoyuan, zigzag up
and down the alleys branching away from the trunk of the tourist tree. Get
a look at luxurious living at Prince Seng’s Mansion on Chaodou Hutong
or the Former Residence of Qi Baishi on Yu’er Hutong.

MEANDER
You’ve just finished up your meal at Ichigo Ichi, an itty-bitty sushi joint
on Ju’er Hutong. Your watch says it’s 9pm. There’s plenty of time to
wander down the main lane and check out the hottest sidewalk-market
fads (currently, it’s stuffed animal-adorned wallets) before grabbing
some churros for dessert. Drop into 12SQM where you can linger over a
nightcap until 11.25pm, when you can stroll across the street with plenty
of time to spare.

RUN
Alternately, if you’re willing to take a risk, knock back the pints at Great
Leap until 11.15pm. Then dash west out of the hutongs and through the
maze of traditional bridges and walkways in the renovated Jade Canal,
whose grey-brick styling will look familiar down below on the subway
platform. (Worth a stop if you can spare some time.) If your legs are fast
enough, you’ll make it in time for the 11.37pm train. If not, better luck
next time.

This article originally appeared on page 14 in the February issue of the Beijinger.

Photo: Lova