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Dongjiaominxiang is a historical street with ancient architecture, offering a glimpse into Beijing's traditional culture. Visitors can explore the old courtyards, enjoy the street food, visit local markets, and admire the well-preserved architecture. It's also a great place for photography, especially for capturing traditional Beijing life.
Jiaominxiang Lane stretches 1,552 meters, stretching from Tiananmen Square East Road in the west to Chongwenmen Inner Street in the east. In modern times, it was a famous embassy district. In 1959, all embassies relocated to the Sanlitun area outside Chaoyangmen. Jiaominxiang Lane is a protected cultural relic district in Beijing, and the Western-style buildings lining the lane still bear witness to its past.
You can sit quietly in St. Michael's Church and make a wish, or visit the former site of the Japanese Embassy and the French Post Office.
Most of the buildings are no longer open to the public. Some have become offices for state agencies and only the exterior can be visited.
The temperate monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.
1-2 hours
No tickets required
All day
Dongjiaominxiang is a historically significant area in Beijing known for its traditional hutongs and ancient buildings. It has been a part of the city since the Ming Dynasty and is famous for its old shops, restaurants, and residential buildings, offering visitors a unique view of traditional Beijing life. The area is also close to several key landmarks in the city center.
Dongjiaominxiang is located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, close to Tiananmen Square. You can easily access it by metro (Line 1, Qianmen Station or Tiananmen East Station). Buses, taxis, and walking from nearby areas like Wangfujing are also convenient options.
Since Dongjiaominxiang is an outdoor street, it is open 24 hours a day. However, the best time to visit is during the daylight hours when the shops and restaurants are open. The morning and early afternoon are less crowded, making it ideal for a relaxed visit.
There is no entrance fee for Dongjiaominxiang as it is a public street. However, costs may arise if you decide to shop, dine, or visit nearby attractions.
No booking is required for Dongjiaominxiang itself. You can visit freely without advanced tickets. However, if you plan to visit nearby attractions or dine at popular restaurants, it's a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak times.
Exploring Dongjiaominxiang fully would take about 1 to 2 hours. You can stroll through the street, visit local shops, sample food, and take photographs. If you're visiting multiple nearby attractions, you may want to allocate more time.
The must-see highlights in Dongjiaominxiang include:
Guided tours are available for the area, but they are not always offered at Dongjiaominxiang specifically. However, you can find guides in Chinese or English for surrounding historical sites. Audio guides may also be available through local tour companies or smartphone apps.
The best photography spots in Dongjiaominxiang include:
Start at the entrance of the street and take a leisurely walk down the lane to explore the traditional architecture and local shops. Afterward, you can stop at a street food stall to sample local snacks. For more exploration, head to nearby landmarks such as Qianmen Street or Tiananmen Square.
Dongjiaominxiang is a public street, so it can be visited at night. While there are no specific light shows, the street offers a charming atmosphere at night with illuminated signs and local activity. Special nighttime walking tours may be available through local tour companies.
There are local shops offering a variety of goods, including traditional Beijing snacks and souvenirs. Rest areas may be available near some of the cafes and restaurants, but toilet facilities may be limited. It’s recommended to visit nearby malls or public areas for more facilities.
Dongjiaominxiang is a traditional street with narrow alleys and uneven surfaces, so it might be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to navigate. However, the area is accessible for children, and there are plenty of rest spots nearby.
Cash is still accepted in many small shops and street vendors in the area. However, mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in most modern restaurants and shops.
There are several local eateries and street food vendors offering traditional Beijing snacks. Nearby, you can also find modern restaurants and cafes in Qianmen and Wangfujing, offering both local and international cuisine.
There are vegetarian and vegan options at some of the street food stalls, including dishes like vegetable dumplings. For halal food, you can find a few restaurants nearby that specialize in halal cuisine, particularly in the Dongcheng District.
There are several hotels near Dongjiaominxiang, including:
Nearby attractions include:
There are souvenir shops in the area selling traditional artifacts, crafts, clothing, and snacks. Popular items include jade jewelry, ceramic figurines, and silk scarves.
After visiting Dongjiaominxiang, you can easily take the metro (Line 1 or 2), a taxi, or bus to other nearby attractions such as the Forbidden City, Wangfujing, or Temple of Heaven.
