Welcome to our Beijing Fun Travel Guide! Nestled beside Qianmen Street, Beijing Fun (also known as Beijingfang 北京坊) blends old Beijing charm with modern flair. From hidden hutongs to trendy cafes, this cultural hotspot offers a taste of the city’s past and present. Whether you’re into history, food, or design, there’s something here to surprise you. Ready to explore one of Beijing’s most unique districts? Let’s dive in!
1. Beijing Fun Overview
Tucked in the heart of the Dashilan Historic District, Beijingfang (北京坊) is where Beijing’s soul comes alive.
Once the bustling hub of old Beijing commerce, this open-air cultural district now tells a new story. Streets lined with 1920s-style architecture lead you through a maze of alleys and plazas. First, you’ll notice the elegant blend of tradition and trend. Then, as you wander deeper, art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops begin to reveal themselves.
Today, Beijing Fun (北京坊) is more than a place—it’s an experience. Locals call it “Beijing’s cultural living room.” And it fits. It connects the city’s past, present, and future in one walkable space.
At its heart, Beijingfang was designed to offer a “Chinese lifestyle experience.” And it delivers. Whether you’re here for culture, design, or food, this district invites you to slow down, explore, and feel Beijing—one step at a time.
2. How to Get to Beijing Fun | Beijingfang Location
Finding Beijing Fun is easy—and the journey is part of the experience.
This vibrant district sits right in the Dashilan Historic Area, between Qianmen Xiheyan Street to the north and Langfang Toutiao to the south. On the east lies Zhubaoshi Street; to the west, Meishi Street. A perfect crossroads of old Beijing charm.
First, take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station, Exit C. From there, walk just 3 minutes. Or, hop off Line 7 at Zhushikou Station, Exit A. You’ll reach Beijingfang in about 10 minutes on foot.
Next, explore the area. Just 2 minutes away is Qianmen Street, a century-old shopping road. A short bike ride brings you to the Forbidden City, only 1.5 kilometers north. Meanwhile, the artistic Yangmeizhu Xiejie hutong is just a 5-minute walk.
For magical views, come at dusk. The lights glow. The buildings shine. The whole district comes alive。
3. Beijingfang Architecture: A Time-Traveling Blend of East and West
Beijing Fun isn’t just a place—it’s a journey through time, told through architecture. Nestled within the vibrant cultural quarter of Beijing Fang (北京坊), Quanyechang (劝业场) is a captivating blend of old-world elegance and artistic innovation. Originally established in 1905, the building we see today was reconstructed in 1923 under the vision of architect Shen Liyuan. He reimagined the classic Baroque style with a fresh twist, drawing inspiration from the then-trending Art Nouveau movement.
As you stroll through the area, don’t miss the building’s standout features: graceful Ionic columns reminiscent of ancient Greece, vase-shaped balcony railings, and arched pediments that crown the façade with poetic symmetry. These carefully crafted elements give the building a unique personality — one that continues to charm visitors and passersby nearly a century later.
Around it, Beijingfang unfolds Ming and Qing elegance, and early 20th-century charm. First, you’ll notice the layout: one main street, three plazas, and a web of hutongs. It’s organized, yet full of surprises.
Just beside the historic Quanyechang in Beijing Fun (北京坊), there’s a quietly charming building that often escapes the crowds — the former Bao Heng Xiang Gold Shop, a little gem from the Republican era. Its gray brick façade and two-story brick-and-wood design are beautifully preserved, offering a glimpse into a time when East met West in the most unexpected ways.
The building features a three-bay storefront, with its European Baroque framework softened by delicate Chinese-style brick carvings — a truly elegant fusion of cultures that tells a story beyond words. It’s one of those places that invites you to slow down, notice the details, and imagine the hustle and bustle of the gold shop that once thrived here.
As you wander, old meets new. Gray brick walls and tiled roofs echo the Republic-era past. Meanwhile, glass facades and steel walkways speak of the future. Traditional courtyards sit beside European-style archways.
In addition, the revival of “Deng Jie” (Lantern Street 灯街) brings old Beijing’s night markets back to life. Delicate flower-brick façades and glowing lanterns light your path.
Every step here tells a story—of contrast, harmony, and a city always evolving.
4.Culture and Events at Beijing Fun | Beijingfang Highlights
Beijing Fun isn’t just a place to walk—it’s a place to feel, see, and create.
First, step into the cozy glow of PageOne Bookstore. It’s open 24 hours, so come anytime. Browse art books by day, sip coffee at midnight. Next, explore traditional intangible heritage workshops. Watch masters cut delicate paper designs or craft puppets for shadow plays—right before your eyes.
Meanwhile, art lovers can visit the Beijingfang Cultural Center, which hosts free exhibitions of contemporary Chinese art. The vibe? Fresh, bold, and full of local voices.
Then, dive into a dream at the Van Gogh Star Art Museum. Here, brushstrokes swirl across walls and floors. Lights move. Paintings breathe. It’s Van Gogh—like you’ve never seen him before.
In addition, the seasons bring festivals to life. Think Spring Festival temple fairs, glowing lanterns during Mid-Autumn, and open-air concerts in summer.
At Beijingfang, culture never sleeps. It celebrates all year round.
5. Eating & Staying at Beijingfang
Food and rest go hand in hand at Beijing Fun. Here, every corner tempts you with flavor.
First, slip into hidden alleys for traditional Beijing bites. Try Baodu Feng (爆肚冯) for tender tripe, or sink your teeth into the crisp Mending meat pie (门钉肉饼). These old brands carry the city’s taste of memory.
Next, switch moods. Grab a latte at Metal Hands, a beloved local café. Or settle upstairs at Starbucks Reserve, where vintage architecture meets rooftop views of Qianmen.
As evening falls, the vibe changes. Dine at Ms. Na, where imperial recipes meet playful twists. Then, wander to Alley Diagon, a craft beer bar glowing with energy. The night feels endless here.
Meanwhile, if you plan to stay at Beijingfang, check into the world’s first MUJI HOTEL BEIJING. Minimalist rooms overlook Qianmen Gate. Downstairs, a MUJI shop and café await; upstairs, a Japanese set meal completes your day.
Beijingfang tastes best when you linger.
6. Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips for Beijing Fun
Timing matters when you visit Beijing Fun. Each season tells a different story.
First, spring brings soft breezes and blooming flowers. Streets feel alive but not too crowded. Next comes summer. Even though the heat lingers, music festivals and night markets light up the plazas. Autumn, however, is perfect. The air turns crisp, the sky shines blue, and evening walks feel magical. Finally, winter wraps Beijing Fang in twinkling lights. Hot snacks in hand, you’ll feel the festive warmth.
In addition, aim for late afternoon. Stay through sunset. Lanterns glow, and buildings sparkle against the night sky. It’s the best time for photos.
Practical tips? Wear comfy shoes—alleys invite wandering. Bring cashless payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay. And don’t rush. Sit in a café, watch people pass, and let the atmosphere sink in.
At Beijing Fun, the secret is simple: come ready to slow down, and the district rewards you.
Beijing Fun feels like a living storybook. Each alley and shop hides a new surprise. First, you’ll sense the soul of old Beijing. Next, you’ll catch the rhythm of its modern heartbeat. Meanwhile, every corner whispers a memory, yet promises something fresh. In addition, light and shadow shift to create endless photo moments. So bring your camera, take your time, and let Beijingfang gift you a journey you’ll never forget.
🌟 Further Reading
Qianmen Street Beijing: Map, Food, Shopping & Hotels
Dashilan Street: Map, Food, Shopping & Hotels
Beijing Van Gogh Star Art Museum: A Visitor’s Guide
Xianyukou Street, Beijing: What to Eat, Shop & See Before You Go
Yangmeizhu Xiejie Street – A Hidden Gem in Beijing
Liulichang Culture Street Beijing – Your Complete Guide
How to Visit Tiananmen Square: A Complete Travel Guide
Caochang Hutongs in Beijing: Maps, Routes, Top Sights & Tips
