As we all know, in Beijing, "hutongs" serve as a special city card with unique charm. This architectural complex, with a history of approximately 750 years, is distributed across multiple urban districts of Beijing, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience its local customs and traditions.
Among the numerous well-known hutongs, there lies a hidden gem—Shijia Hutong. Its name has been preserved since the Yuan Dynasty over 700 years ago. Many former residences of celebrities that have been preserved here embody the essence of traditional quadrangle courtyard architecture in old Beijing. Standing out among numerous hutong areas, it is distinctive and shines brightly.
Hello, I'm Nancy. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the stories of Beijing. As I grew up, I finally set foot on this land and became a cultural communicator. The hutongs here exude the warmth of time, while the Forbidden City speaks to the depth of history. Beijing has long taken root in my heart, and I hope that through my efforts, more people can experience the true charm of this city.
Content Preview
- What Can I See in Shijia Hutong
- Is Shijia Hutong Wheel Chair Friendly
- How to Get to Shijia Hutong
- What to Do After Visiting
What Can I See in Shijia Hutong
Vermilion—painted wall in Shijia HutongThe saying "One hutong, half of China" truly holds. Normally, it takes us 30 minutes to an hour to stroll along this historic hutong. However, if you want a more in-depth experience, such as visiting key former residences of celebrities, the Hutong Museum, or participating in some cultural experience activities, it will take longer—around half a day.
Entering Shijia Hutong is like stepping into a time corridor. With grey bricks, blue tiles, and vermilion—painted gates, it doesn't seem like a commercial tourist area but is full of a strong flavor of daily life. When getting off at Dongsi South Street and walking in, you will hear the laughter of children coming from the side.
Along the way, several courtyards were once the residences of various Chinese historical celebrities.
- The No. 24 courtyard in the middle section is now the location of the Shijia Museum. It is the first hutong museum in Beijing. When you enter this traditional Chinese courtyard, you will find that it is like a miniaturized stage of Chinese history, showcasing the unique charm of old Beijing.
Listening to the explanations of your tour guide along the way, you might get lost in thought for a moment. When you come to your senses, it will feel as if a hundred years have passed.
You'll see some old furniture in the museum.Shijia Hutong Museum:
The opening hours are from 09:30 to 16:30, Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
- The Courtyard No. 53 was once the residence of an official. Later, it belonged to General Zhang Zizhong. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was taken over by the All-China Women's Federation. Today, it is a foreign-related hotel named "Haoyuan", where visitors can view its exterior architecture.
- The Courtyard No. 59 was once the site of the ancestral hall of Shi Kefa, a national hero of the late Ming Dynasty, and also the starting point of modern Chinese education. It is now Shijia Primary School. Visitors can visit certain areas of the campus on the school's open days or with the consent of the school authorities, experiencing the historical atmosphere.
Is Shijia Hutong Wheel Chair Friendly
It can be a bit inconvenient for wheelchair-bound tourists to visit Shijia Hutong, but there are still some accessible areas. Generally, the courtyard houses in Shijia Hutong have thresholds, which can pose obstacles to wheelchair passage.
However, the Shijia Hutong Museum has some barrier-free facilities, allowing wheelchair users to enter and visit. If Shijia Hutong is not suitable, the following hutongs are more accessible for wheelchair-bound tourists:
- Dongjiaominxiang: The road is relatively flat with not too many steps or thresholds. It used to be the embassy area, and there are many Western-style buildings, such as St. Michael's Church and the former site of the French Post Office.
- Guozijian Street: The Confucius Temple and the Imperial College Museum have installed barrier-free passages, barrier-free elevators, and also provide wheelchairs for free use by those in need, making it convenient for wheelchair access.
The surrounding Guozijian Street also has road conditions suitable for wheelchair travel. While visiting the historical sites, tourists can enjoy the antique hutong scenery.
Guozijian Street- Wudaoying Hutong: It is near the Yonghegong (Lama Temple). The street is relatively flat and wide. There are many characteristic shops and restaurants in the hutong. Wheelchair users can easily move around and feel the artistic atmosphere.
Wudaoying HutongHow to Get to Shijia Hutong
Shijia Hutong is located in Dongcheng District, Beijing. You can take Subway Line 5 and get off at Dengshikou Station. Exit from Exit A, walk 400 meters north and then turn east to enter Shijia Hutong.
Taking a taxi is more convenient and direct, allowing you to reach the vicinity of Shijia Hutong directly.
We can provide private tours for you to explore Hutongs and other popular sites in Beijing. Your private driver and English-speaking guide offer a relatively affordable and satisfyingly flexible way to enjoy your visit. You can simply trust our expertly designed Beijing tour itineraries if you want to do minimal planning, or just contact us for more information.
Shijia Hutong can be reached by car or taxiWhat to Do After Visiting Shijia Hutong
After visiting Shijia Hutong, there are quite a few places worth seeing nearby, such as Dongsi Hutongs, which are quite close to Shijia Hutong.
There are many well-preserved courtyard houses and traditional hutong architectures here, such as the hutongs from Dongsi San Tiao to Ba Tiao, exuding a strong old Beijing flavor. The Dongsi Hutong Museum, with a modern interior design, is full of artistic and cultural charm.
Here is a route I personally enjoy for a city walk, for your reference:
- Start from Shijia Hutong and walk to Dongsi North Street. Along the way, you can visit characteristic stores such as Luhui Bakery, the No. 0 Daoxiangcun Store on Dongsi North Street, Hongxing Qianjin Bakery, and the Xinhua Bookstore Café.
If the above information is not enough for you to plan your Beijing tour, feel free to contact us. Our specialists will help you maximize your travel experience by suggesting the optimal trip based on the time you have available and the things you love to do.
