West Xinglong Street Walk
Posted inBeijing Photo Walks Beijing Travel Guide

West Xinglong Street Walk — Beijing Photo Walk by Ruqin

Walk with me from Ciqikou to Qianmen along West Xinglong Street, a quieter historic street just beyond the busy Qianmen area. I follow the late-afternoon light past tree-lined sidewalks, cafés, restaurants and hutong entrances, with an optional detour into the nearby Caochang hutongs. It’s an easy Beijing walk for street photography, everyday neighbourhood life and a slower look at this changing part of the old city.
Inside Tianleyuan Theatre on Xianyukou Street
Posted inBeijing Field Reports Beijing Travel Guide

Inside Tianleyuan Theatre on Xianyukou Street

I returned to Xianyukou Street expecting its usual restaurants and busy food stalls, but this time I stepped inside Tianleyuan Theatre — 天乐园大戏楼. Behind the old frontage, I found a small Peking Opera theatre, embroidered costumes, old programmes, and a lively introduction to traditional opera roles. It was an unexpected find on a street I had walked many times before.
Where to Stay on Qianmen Street in Beijing
Posted inBeijing Field Reports Beijing Travel Guide

Where to Stay on Qianmen Street in Beijing

I recently walked Qianmen Street again and counted four hotels located directly on the 800-metre pedestrian street. From No. 58 to No. 143, they offer a chance to stay among the old-style shopfronts, restaurants, evening lights, and everyday crowds of Qianmen. This field report looks at what I noticed, including one practical detail: taxis cannot drive directly to the hotel entrances.