Dashilan

Introducing Dashilan

Dashilan is located in the heart of ancient Beijing and is an important part of the South Central Axis. It is located south of Tiananmen Square and west of Qianmen Street, with a total length of 275 meters from the east entrance to the west entrance.

It now also refers to an area including Dashilan Street, Langfang Toutiao, Liangliangdian Street, and Meishi Street. After more than 500 years of development, it has gradually developed into a commercial street with many shops.

Many authentic ancient buildings are preserved here, such as Ruifengxiang Silk Shop, Nei Liansheng Shoe Store, Beijing Silk Store, Liubiju Pickle Garden, etc., which are still crowded with customers. Many traditional handicrafts can be bought here. In addition, the world-famous "Eight Great Hutongs" are also in the Dashilan area. This is the best choice to experience Beijing culture and history.

Climate and best time to travel

The temperate monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

2 hours

Tickets

No tickets required

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Dashilan

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Dashilan has a long history as one of Beijing's oldest commercial streets, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Historically, it was the hub for merchants and is still home to many time-honored brands. The area has preserved traditional Chinese shopfronts, offering a glimpse into old Beijing's commerce and culture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Dashilan is located near Qianmen in central Beijing, just south of Tiananmen Square. You can get there via Qianmen Station on Line 2 of the Beijing Subway. It's also easily accessible by taxi or walking from Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Dashilan is an open street, so it’s accessible at all times. However, most shops are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee to visit Dashilan. However, if you plan to shop or dine, you will need to pay for purchases directly in the shops and restaurants.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No, there is no need to book tickets in advance as Dashilan is a public street. However, for some specific activities or events, it’s advisable to check in advance if you plan on visiting during busy periods.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to Dashilan can take about 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace. If you plan to shop and explore the nearby attractions, such as Qianmen Street and Tiananmen Square, you may spend more time in the area.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The highlight of Dashilan is its well-preserved traditional architecture and time-honored shops. Be sure to visit the famous Lao Beijing restaurant and the Hutong areas nearby for a deeper immersion into old Beijing life. The Qianmen Street nearby also adds to the historical charm of the area.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours may be available upon request, and some tours may provide English-speaking guides. Audio guides are not commonly offered, but you can find information from tour services or apps.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Dashilan itself offers excellent photography opportunities with its traditional street architecture. Best spots include the entrance to Dashilan, the old-style buildings, and the surrounding Hutongs. For more scenic views, head to nearby Tiananmen Square or Qianmen Street for broader cityscapes.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by walking along Dashilan to explore the shops, then visit the nearby Qianmen Street for more shopping and dining. Afterward, head to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City if you have more time to explore Beijing's historical landmarks.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Dashilan is accessible at night, and the street takes on a different atmosphere with lit-up shop signs and vibrant surroundings. While there are no light shows, walking through Dashilan at night is a pleasant experience. The nearby Qianmen Street and Tiananmen Square also offer beautiful night views.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Dashilan can get crowded, especially during weekends, public holidays, and the summer months. To avoid large crowds, visit in the early morning or on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are public toilets along Dashilan and plenty of food options, including traditional Beijing snacks and restaurants. Shops offer souvenirs, clothing, and antiques, and there are rest areas along the street where you can sit and relax.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Dashilan is relatively accessible, though the area can get busy. The street itself is flat, but there may be crowds and limited seating. Some of the traditional buildings in the area may not be fully accessible for disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted in Dashilan. However, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or traditional shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby restaurants include Lao Beijing, serving traditional Peking dishes, and Qianmen Roast Duck, offering famous Peking duck. There are also numerous small cafes and snack bars offering local street food.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many of the local restaurants. Some restaurants also cater to halal diets, particularly those near the Qianmen area, which is popular with the Muslim community.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels nearby, including Qianmen Hotel and Beijing Hotel, which are both centrally located and offer convenient access to Dashilan and other major attractions in Beijing.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Qianmen Street. These sites are all within walking distance of Dashilan and can easily be combined in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are many souvenir shops along Dashilan, selling traditional Chinese items like Peking opera masks, tea sets, silk scarves, and handmade crafts. You can also find local Beijing snacks and antiques.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Dashilan, you can continue your trip by taking the subway from Qianmen Station or Tiananmen East Station, or you can grab a taxi. Walking is also an option if you plan to visit nearby sites like Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City.