Nanluoguxiang

Located several kilometers north of the Forbidden City and just east of Houhai Lake is Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷), an 800-meter long north-south alleyway filled with cafes, bars, and shops all designed in classical Chinese 'Hutong' style.

This heavily renovated hutong is a heaven for backpackers. Popular spots include the Passby Bar(Western and Chinese food, gin and tonics, lovely courtyard atmosphere.), eateries like Paper, cheeky Beijing-themed T-shirt vendor Plastered 8 (www.plastered.com.cn), gig venue MAO Livehouse and the late night snack outlet Fish Nation.