What is the best time to visit Dashilar?

Late afternoon is ideal. You can see the historic architecture in daylight and then witness the street come alive with neon signs and lanterns as evening falls.

Is Dashilar worth visiting for first-time visitors to Beijing?

Yes, it is highly recommended. It provides a more authentic commercial history than the modern Wangfujing Street and is conveniently located right next to Tiananmen Square.

Can I find authentic souvenirs in Dashilar?

Absolutely. Look for 'Laozihao' (time-honored brands) like Nei Liansheng for traditional cloth shoes or Ruifuxiang for silk. These are considered high-quality, authentic Beijing products.

Is the Dashilar walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

The main pedestrian streets are flat and paved, making them very accessible. Some smaller, older shops have steps at the entrance, but the general area is easy to navigate.

Do I need a ticket to enter the Dashilan area?

No, the Dashilan and Qianmen areas are public commercial districts and do not require tickets. You only need tickets if you choose to enter specific attractions like the Zhengyangmen Watchtower.

What are the must-see shops in Dashilar?

The 'Big Three' are Ruifuxiang (silk), Tongrentang (medicine), and Nei Liansheng (shoes). Zhang Yiyuan Tea House is also a significant historic stop.

How do I get to the start of the Dashilar walk?

Take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station. Use Exit A to find yourself directly in front of the Zhengyangmen Gate, where the route begins.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the bustling world of the Qing Dynasty with this self-guided walk through Dashilar, Beijing's oldest and most famous commercial street. Located just south of Tiananmen Square and the majestic Zhengyangmen Gate, this neighborhood has served as the city's primary marketplace for over 500 years. This walking route invites you to explore the 'Laozihao'—the time-honored brands that have provided silk, tea, and traditional medicine to emperors and commoners alike for centuries. As you navigate the narrow alleys, you will encounter a unique architectural blend where traditional Chinese storefronts meet early 20th-century Western-style facades. The journey begins at the imposing Zhengyangmen, the 'Front Gate' that once guarded the entrance to the Inner City. From here, you will transition from the grand imperial scale to the intimate, human-centric energy of Dashilan Street. You will discover Ruifuxiang, the legendary silk merchant whose fabrics were chosen for the first national flag of the People's Republic of China, and Tongrentang, the pharmacy that served the imperial court for eight generations. This neighborhood stroll isn't just about shopping; it is a deep dive into the merchant culture of old Beijing, where every storefront tells a story of resilience and craftsmanship. In recent years, the area has undergone a sophisticated revitalization. The final portion of this walking route takes you through the Beijing Fun development, where traditional hutong layouts are reimagined with contemporary aesthetics. Here, you can experience how modern Beijingers engage with their history, culminating at the stunning Page One bookstore, which offers some of the best architectural views in the city. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this walking tour Beijing experience offers a sensory-rich look at the capital's commercial soul, independent of the crowds found in more modern shopping districts.

Highlights

The massive Zhengyangmen Gate, a survivor of the ancient city walls

Ruifuxiang's Baroque-style facade and world-famous Chinese silk

The aromatic halls of Tongrentang, the legendary imperial pharmacy

The vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture of Dashilan Street

Panoramic views of the old city from the modern Page One bookstore

Tour Stops (5)

Zhengyangmen (Qianmen)

Standing at the southern end of Tiananmen Square, Zhengyangmen, or the 'Front Gate,' was once the most important entrance to Beijing's Inner City. Built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty, it was the only gate that the Emperor's carriage was allowed to pass through on his way to the Temple of Heaven. While most of Beijing’s city walls were demolished in the mid-20th century, this massive structure remains a testament to the city's former defensive grandeur. Look up at the gray brickwork and the traditional watchtower; this gate has survived fires, foreign invasions, and the rapid modernization of the capital, serving as a silent witness to the end of the imperial era.

Ruifuxiang Silk and Fabrics

Step toward the ornate, Baroque-style storefront of Ruifuxiang. Established in 1862, this is one of China’s most famous 'Laozihao' or time-honored brands. While the exterior looks European—a popular style for ambitious merchants in the late Qing Dynasty—the soul of the shop is pure Chinese tradition. Ruifuxiang is renowned for its high-quality silk, wool, and traditional qipao tailoring. A point of pride for the shop is that its silk was used to sew the very first national flag of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Even if you aren't looking for a custom suit, the interior's wooden counters and rolls of vibrant fabric offer a glimpse into a 19th-century luxury shopping experience.

Tongrentang Pharmacy

As you approach Tongrentang, you might notice the faint, earthy scent of herbs. Founded in 1669, this is the most prestigious name in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For nearly 200 years, Tongrentang was the sole supplier of medicinal herbs to the imperial family of the Qing Dynasty. The store’s motto, 'No matter how complex the processing, no labor shall be spared,' reflects a commitment to quality that has lasted centuries. Inside, you will see rows of wooden drawers containing everything from dried roots to goji berries. It is more than a pharmacy; it is a living museum of a medical philosophy that has shaped Chinese life for millennia.

Dashilan Street

You are now walking down the main artery of the merchant district. The name 'Dashilan' literally means 'Big Fence,' referring to the barriers erected here in the 15th century to keep out thieves during the night. Historically, this was the entertainment and commercial heart of the city, home to Beijing’s earliest cinemas and opera houses. Notice how the narrow side alleys, or hutongs, branch off like veins. These alleys were historically organized by trade—one for jewelry, one for money changers, one for food. Today, it remains a vibrant pedestrian zone where you can find traditional snacks like 'tanghulu' (candied hawthorns) alongside modern souvenir shops and tea houses.

Page One Bookstore (Beijing Fun)

To conclude your walk, enter the contemporary world of Page One at Beijing Fun. This award-winning bookstore represents the modern face of the Dashilar area. The interior is a masterpiece of light and geometry, featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and large windows that frame the ancient Zhengyangmen Gate like a living painting. It is a perfect spot to reflect on the layers of history you have just traversed. The building sits within the Beijing Fun complex, an 'open cultural block' that uses traditional gray brick and hutong-inspired layouts to house modern art galleries and design shops, proving that Beijing’s merchant spirit continues to evolve in the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions

A leisurely walk through Dashilan Street and the surrounding Beijing Fun area typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. This allows time to browse the historic shops like Ruifuxiang and enjoy the views from Page One.