Beiluoguxiang is very different from the bustling Nanluoguxiang, with a leisurely atmosphere. Beiluoguxiang has fewer people, making it suitable for walking and taking photos. There are many small shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can quietly enjoy an afternoon tea.
Due to the names of the Confucius Temple and the Imperial College, Guozijian Street also has several temples and four archways here, making it the best place to explore history and culture.
Wudaoying Hutong is over 600 meters long and is adjacent to Guozijian Street. It is a new favorite among young people. There are not many people in the hutong, and most of them are very leisurely, wanting to spend an afternoon here or come to take photos as a memento. Due to early investments in Wudaoying by foreigners, there are various cafes, bars, and Western restaurants here. It is a gathering place for Beijing's petite bourgeoisie and one of the most popular places for foreigners to live. Some shop owners from Nanluoguxiang and Drum Tower have also come here to open branches or new stores.
Liulichang Ancient Culture Street
There are many old pen shops, bookstores, and the largest bookstore in China, 'China Bookstore', all located here. As early as the early Qing Dynasty, officials and gentry often gathered at Liulichang to browse books, attracting booksellers from all over to set up stalls, build rooms, and sell a large number of books. During the late Qing Dynasty, literati and poets often gathered here, and the older generation of calligraphers and painters such as Yu Youren, Zhang Daqian, Wu Changshuo, and Qi Baishi also frequently visited Liulichang to purchase brushes, ink, and inkstones.
