Mao’er Hutong
Mao’er Hutong, located in Beijing’s Dongcheng District, is one of the city’s oldest and best-preserved traditional alleyways. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (13th century), it stretches 585 meters from east to west, flanked by Qing Dynasty-era courtyard houses and brick-carved gate towers. Renowned for its blend of residential architecture and cultural heritage, the hutong has housed notable figures, including Puyi’s empress consort Wanrong and scholar Wen Yu. Today, it remains a vibrant symbol of old Beijing’s lifestyle, offering a mix of historic sites, cafes, and art studios.
Historical Overview
Mao’er Hutong’s history traces to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), when it was part of the capital’s northern residential district. During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), it became a hub for Manchu nobles and Han scholars. The hutong’s name, meaning “Cap Alley,” derives from a 17th-century shop selling ceremonial hats. In the early 20th century, it hosted Wanrong’s childhood home and Wen Yu’s “Keyuan Garden,” a rare private garden. Post-1949, it retained its layout, becoming a protected cultural heritage site in 2001. Recent renovations have balanced preservation with modern amenities, attracting both tourists and locals.
Structural Layout
The hutong runs east-west, with branches like Qianhai Hutong and Houhai Hutong. Key features include:
Residential Courtyards: Over 30 Qing Dynasty courtyard houses, with gray-brick walls, wooden doorframes, and tiled roofs.
Keyuan Garden (Wen Yu’s Mansion): A rare northern-style garden with pavilions, rockeries, and a lotus pond.
Wanrong’s Former Residence: A mid-19th-century mansion with intricate brick carvings and a traditional central courtyard.
Gate Towers: Several well-preserved “pai lou” (archways) marking family honors.
Major Attractions
Keyuan Garden: A Qing scholar’s garden, blending Jiangnan (southern) elegance with Beijing’s courtyard style.
Wanrong’s Former Residence: Now a museum showcasing photos and artifacts from the last empress’s life.
Brick-Carved Gate Towers: Over 10 Qing Dynasty gate towers with floral and animal motifs.
Mao’er Hutong No. 35: A restored courtyard house turned cultural studio, offering tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
Local Cafes: Modern coffee shops housed in traditional courtyards, blending old and new.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1–1.5 hours):
Start at Mao’er Hutong’s east entrance → Keyuan Garden → Wanrong’s Residence → Brick-Carved Gate Towers → Exit via Qianhai Hutong (connecting to Shichahai Lake).
Highlights: Core historic sites and traditional architecture.
- Cultural Deep Dive (2–3 hours):
Add: Mao’er Hutong No. 35 (cultural studio) → Local cafes (experience traditional tea) → Side lanes (explore hidden courtyards).
Highlights: Local lifestyle and interactive experiences.
Ticket Purchase
Keyuan Garden: ¥20 (adults), ¥10 (students). Free for children under 1.2m.
Wanrong’s Residence: ¥10 (adults), ¥5 (students).
Online: Book via WeChat mini-programs (e.g., “Mao’er Hutong Heritage”) up to 3 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at entrances; cash preferred for small sites.
Transportation
Subway: Line 8 to Shichahai Station (Exit A2), walk 5 minutes north.
Bus: Routes 5, 60, 82, 107, 124, or 635 to Shichahai Stop.
Taxi: Direct to “Mao’er Hutong Dongkou” (east entrance) or “Xikou” (west entrance).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit early (8:30–10 AM) or late (4–5 PM); weekends are busiest.
Season: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths).
Bring cash for small shops and street vendors.
Photography allowed (respect residents’ privacy).
Prohibited: Selfie sticks, drones, and loud noise.
Try local snacks like laba porridge (sweet rice porridge) from vendors.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
