Nanluoguxiang

Nanluoguxiang, also named South Luogu Lane, is one of the oldest alleyways in Beijing, and included in the 25 protected areas of the old town in planning. It is a 786 meters long, 8 meters wide and north-south alley, from Gulou Dongdajie (East Drum Tower Street) in the north, to Di’anmen East Street in the south. Built during the same period as Yuan Dadu (1267), it is a traditional residential area in checkerboard pattern with largest scale, highest grade, most abundant resources. It is also the residential area that completely preserves the framework of Hutong and courtyard of Yuan dynasty.

Now Nanluoguxiang is near Drum Tower North Street in the north, Di’anmen East Street in the south, Di’anmen Outer Street in the west, and Jiaodaokou South Street in the east. This rectangular area surrounded by these 4 blocks was exactly two residential areas of Yuan dynasty. Nanluoguxiang was the dividing line between them. The east part was called “Zhaohuifang,” while the west part was called “Jinggongfang”.

NanLuoguxiang has attracted the attention of fashionable individuals and foreign tourists in the recent years, for the reason that many bars appeared in this old street unnoticed from the beginning of the new century. Now it has become another bar street in Beijing after Sanlitun and Shichahai.

Some people say that Sanlitun Bar Street is colorful, the Shichahai Bar Street is dark red, and Nanluoguxiang Bar Street is emerald. Such comments may not only refer to the natural color, but also the different cultural connotations. Every alley here has a profound cultural accumulation, and every house tells an old story.

Address: Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District

Transportation: Bus No 107, 124