Hutong Tour - Shichahai

A place of echoes, memory, and resilience. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in 1800 under the Qing, the Drum Tower stands as a timeless sentinel over the city. Its sturdy base—a massive platform nearly four meters high—features three arched gateways on the front and rear, with one on each side. Above rises the majestic tower itself, five bays wide, crowned with a double-eaved hip roof layered in classic gray tiles. For centuries, this was the heartbeat of the capital: the drums echoing from here marked the hours for all during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Yet it also witnessed moments of national anguish—in 1924, it was renamed the “Shame-Awakening Tower,” housing artifacts of China’s humiliation during the invasion by the Eight-Nation Alliance. Even today, you can see scars of that history: bulging marks and blade cuts left by foreign soldiers, still visible on its ancient walls.

A place of echoes, memory, and resilience. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in 1800 under the Qing, the Drum Tower stands as a timeless sentinel over the city. Its sturdy base—a massive platform nearly four meters high—features three arched gateways on the front and rear, with one on each side. Above rises the majestic tower itself, five bays wide, crowned with a double-eaved hip roof layered in classic gray tiles. For centuries, this was the heartbeat of the capital: the drums echoing from here marked the hours for all during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Yet it also witnessed moments of national anguish—in 1924, it was renamed the “Shame-Awakening Tower,” housing artifacts of China’s humiliation during the invasion by the Eight-Nation Alliance. Even today, you can see scars of that history: bulging marks and blade cuts left by foreign soldiers, still visible on its ancient walls.

Start your evening in Nanluoguxiang, a historic hutong with over 700 years of history. Taste authentic old Beijing zhajiangmian at Fangzhuanchang No. 69, sample local snacks, and explore unique shops and creative boutiques. Walk through residential alleys to experience the real life of Beijingers.

Start your evening in Nanluoguxiang, a historic hutong with over 700 years of history. Taste authentic old Beijing zhajiangmian at Fangzhuanchang No. 69, sample local snacks, and explore unique shops and creative boutiques. Walk through residential alleys to experience the real life of Beijingers.

Start your evening in Nanluoguxiang, a historic hutong with over 700 years of history. Taste authentic old Beijing zhajiangmian at Fangzhuanchang No. 69, sample local snacks, and explore unique shops and creative boutiques. Walk through residential alleys to experience the real life of Beijingers.

Stroll along the lakeside at Houhai, admire the willow-lined shores, and see historic mansions and celebrity residences. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and watch wild ducks or pedal boats on the water.

Stroll along the lakeside at Houhai, admire the willow-lined shores, and see historic mansions and celebrity residences. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and watch wild ducks or pedal boats on the water.

Stroll along the lakeside at Houhai, admire the willow-lined shores, and see historic mansions and celebrity residences. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and watch wild ducks or pedal boats on the water.