Make a Touristy Afternoon Out of Gulou and Nanluo

A compilation of activities and locations all within 20-minute walking distances that make up a satisfying Beijing afternoon in Dongcheng district.

Daytime

Nothing beats an afternoon stroll around Dongcheng’s landmarks, particularly the Bell and Drum Towers, which are the perfect place for a self-guided tour. Once you arrive at each one, all you have to do is purchase an RMB 30 ticket via WeChat and you’re all set to climb. You don’t need a passport but you will need to give your passport number.

While both towers offer a spectacular view of Beijing, the Bell Tower has kept all areas around the bell open, thus providing a somewhat 360 degree view of the surrounding area. The Drum Tower on the other hand has all but one side of the surrounding watch platform closed, giving “only” a 180 viewpoint. I would argue that the Drum Tower view is the better of the two. When you first step out onto the platform you are greeted by an aesthetically pleasing view straight down Di’anmen Jie to Jingshan Park. On good air days, it also offers a landscape of new Beijing, old Beijing, and mountains. 

Bell and Drum Towers 钟鼓楼
9 Linzi(near Zhuyuan Hotel), Zhonglouwan Hutong
东城区钟楼湾胡同临字9号(竹园宾馆附近)

Snack Break

Leave the Drum and Bell Tower square North gate and take a 15-minute walk to the infamous Nanluoguxiang. Romanticize old Beijing. Enjoy the modernized traditional neighborhood. Stroll in and out of snack stands, small businesses, poster stores, and restaurants. Even if each member of your group wants something different (stinky tofu, anyone?), everyone has a chance to be satisfied.

For cheaper meals, stay on the streets just outside of Nanluo. You can’t miss the various shop owners calling out “hand-pulled noodles”, “best Beijing-Style noodles here!” every ten meters. With thousands of establishments selling the same eight or so bowls, one may be overwhelmed. But when it comes to noodles? As long as you make sure your bowl doesn’t cost more than RMB 25, you are usually guaranteed a full and sufficient meal. However, if a member of your party is craving good pan-fried dumplings (生煎包 shēngjiānbāo),it may just be worth it to venture into the higher priced stalls within Nanluo.

You’ll find yourself leaving the quaint alleyway with your; stomach filled with everything from Chuanr (串儿) to churros; hands full with keychains and gadgets; and pockets empty of money. Whether it is worth it or not is subjective, but personally? I’ll always love the thrill I get walking into the Nanluo Hutongs, as if it is my first year in Beijing all over again.

Park

In a city of 615 parks, it is not hard to find outdoor activities. Whether you belong to a family with smaller children or if you are looking for a nice outing with friends, Jingshan Park is arguably one of the most pictaresque places to start.

The most notable part of the park is the roughly 46 meters tall hill. The park includes the highest point of land inside the 2nd Ring Road, and the tallest pavilion looks out over bustling Gulou.

The park is open to the public with an entrance fee of only RMB 5. Restrooms are accessible throughout the park, as well as carts filled with selections of snacks, drinks, and even ice cream.

Jingshan Park 景山公园
44 Jingshan West Street, Xicheng
 西城区景山西街44号 (西门)

Afterhours

Don’t have kids? Still have some energy? Looking to blow off some steam? Unwind at Obstzimmer By MMC. This cocktail bar from the team behind the famed Maomaochang is hidden in plain sight. Just look for the door next to the artsy sign and sculpture-like installation and you’ll be taken into a sleek lounge.

Grab a drink, or two, or three. The beverages at Obstzimmer are top notch. Better yet, pair it with one of MMC's pizzas: any hutong-dwelling expat worth their salt will tell you it's an underrated gem.

Obstzimmer by MMC
140 Jiaodaokou South Street, Dongcheng
交道口南大街140号-1

READ: Beijing’s Best Rooftops and Terraces Pt.4

Images: Stella Stein