{"id":17579,"date":"2022-01-12T00:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-11T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/?p=17579"},"modified":"2022-04-06T19:36:18","modified_gmt":"2022-04-06T11:36:18","slug":"top-10-walking-routes-downtown-beijing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/beijing-travel\/top-10-walking-routes-downtown-beijing","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Walking Routes Downtown Beijing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Downtown Beijing has limitless options for wonderful walks through hutongs, streets, markets, parks and along imperial, common and modern sites. Beijing is a boon for a walking enthusiast who are planning Beijing wal<\/a>king t<\/a>ours<\/a>. If you prefer Beijing hiking tours outside Beijing, check out Top 10 Beijing Hiking Trails<\/a>. Here are the top 10 suggested walking trails in downtown Beijing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 1: Beijing Axis Walks (1)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Trail: Yongdingmen Gate \u2013 Temple of Agriculture \u2013 Temple of Heaven \u2013 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (Dazhalan) \u2013 Tiananmen Square
Walking Distance: 3 km
Walking Time: 2 Hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beijing Central Axis<\/a>, which is interpreted as a royal line. The emperors in ancient China believed that they were the center of the world, so all of their palaces should be built on the axis or alongside the center from south to north of Beijing. As the core of old Beijing city, the Central Axis of Beijing also show us the ingenious urban planning in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as China today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Central Axis of Beijing<\/a> is 7.8km long from Yongdingmen Gate in the south and Bell Towert in the north, passing through Qianmen Gates, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Hill Park, Dianmen Gate ( non-extent ), Drum Tower and Bell Tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beijing Axis Walk can be divided into two walking tours below:
Beijing Axis (1) Yongdingmen Gate \u2013 Temple of Agriculture \u2013 Temple of Heaven \u2013 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (Dashilan ) \u2013 Tiananmen Square;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beijing Axis (2) Tiananmen Square -Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of the Land and Grain \u2013 Forbidden City, Jingshan Park \u2013 Dianmen Gate ( non-extent ), Drum Tower and Bell Tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 2: Beijing Axis Walks (2)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Trail: Tiananmen Square -Imperial Ancestral Temple and Altar of the Land and Grain \u2013 Forbidden City, Jingshan Park \u2013 Dianmen Gate ( non-extent ), Drum Tower and Bell Tower.
Walking Distance: 4.5 km
Walking Time: 3-4 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Central Axis of Beijing was first laid out in 1403 in Ming Dynasty that can be traced even further back to the Mongol that Beijing was served as the capital Dadu. Today the Central Axis is still intact though some original buildings and gates are non-existent. Now the Central Axis of Beijing is on the tentative list for UNESCO cultural heritage, which was submitted in Sept 01, 2013 by National Commission of the People\u2019s Republic of China for UNESCO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 3: Old North City Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Trail: Lama Temple \u2013 Chengxian Street, Bell Tower, Yandaixiejie (Yandai Byway) and Shichahai (Houhai)
Walking Distance: 3.5 km
Walking Time: 2-3 hour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The old north city walking tour allows you to explore the old and traditional area on the northern Beijing and starts with Chengxian Street ( some part of the street is also called Guozijian Street), west of Lama Temple; passing by the Confucius Temple and Guozijian (Imperial College); an outside look at the Drum and Bell Towers; stroll through the 800 year old Yandai Byway amd Yinding Bridge; experience some typical hutongs in the Shichahai area like Da Jinsi Hutong Tao, the most famous hutongs keeping the original layout of Hutong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 4: Old South City Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Trail: Hepingmen Subway Station \u2014 Walk along South Xinhua Street ( avenue ) \u2014 Liulichang East and West Street (antique street) \u2013 Tieshu Byway (old hutongs ) \u2013 Dazhalan West Street ( old hutongs ) \u2013 \u2013 Dazhalan Commercial Street ( renovated old commercial street ) \u2013 Qianmen Street ( renovated old commercial street ) \u2013 The southern end of Tiananmen Square.
Walking Distance: 2.5 km
Walking Time: 2-3 hour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring the historic district of the southern Beijing, the cradle of Beijing city development, home to old hutong and genuine local Beijingers. You see Liulichang antique street \u2013 the oldest street in Beijing. Liulichang is 800m long with a long history from Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tieshu Byward is the most interesting narrow alley flanked by the bungalow courtyards populated by locals. Dazhalan is a 1.26-square-kilometer area of 114 streets and alleys. Qianmen Street is one of the last remnants of the business centers of old Beijing. It has been transformed into a modern commercial pedestrian street, the second walking street after Wangfujiang Street in the downtown shopping district Beijing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 5: Old West City Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Trail: Fuchengmen Bridge \u2013 Former Residence of Lu Xun \u2013 The old building of the Assembly of God \u2013 White Dagoba \u2013 The Temple of Ancient Emperors \u2013 Guangji Temple
Walking Distance\uff1a2-3km
Walking Time: 2-3 hour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The old west city walk offers a rare chance to explore the former residence of celebrities, temples in additional to the old hutongs. Start with Fuchengmen (non-existent ancient gate), stroll along the old and traditional hutong area, visit the former residence of Lu Xun, the most famous Chinese writer and the biggest Tibetan-style Buddhist dagoba in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the temple of the former emperors, you will learn how the emperors judge on their previous emperors in the successive dynasties. Generally, the walking tour gives you a glimpse of the ordinary Beijingers\u2019 life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 6: Olympic Green Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Trail\uff1aBird\u2019s Nest \u2013 Water Cube \u2013 Olympic Forest Park
Walking Distance: 4 km
Walking Time: 2-3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The successful Beijing 2008 Olympic Games has left a deep impression on people\u2019s mind in the world though many years have passed. For many foreign visitors, the temptation is great to visit the Bird\u2019Nest (Beijing National Stadium ) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both Bird\u2019s Nest and Water Cube ( Olympic Sites ) are easily accessible through subway, cheap and fast. Take Subway Line 10 and get off at Beitucheng Station. Then interchange for Subway Line 8 and get off at Olympic Park ( Olympic Green ). Once you come out from the subway, you are inside the Olympic Park. The park is free to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 7: Wangfujing Area Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Trail (a loop walking route) : Beijing Hotel \u2013 Wangfujing Pedestrian Street \u2013 Wangfujing Traditional Food Street \u2013 Catholic Cathedral, St. Joseph\u2019s \u2013 Jinyu Hutong (Palace Hotel) \u2013 Dongdan Street \u2013 Oriental Plaza \u2013 Beijing Hotel.
Walking Distance: 2 km
Walking time: \u2013 2 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wangfujing Street is 1600 meters in length, running from south to north street. Now the part of it has been transformed into a pedestrian street since 1999. Its south starting point between Oriental Plaza and Beijing Hotel, and ends at National Art Museum of China in the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its 810-mter pedestrian section starts from south and finishes at the crossroad. East of the crossroad is Jinyu Hutong and west Donganmen Street ( where the Donganmen Night Food Market is located ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 8: Dongjiaomingxiang Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Route: Dong Jiao Min Xiang Alley
Walking Distance: 1.5 km
Walking Time: 2 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dong Jiao Min Xiang is a historic site worth your short stroll and glimpse of the European-style buldings left over by the late 19th century and early 20th centry foreign powers. Dong Jiao Minj Xiang ( or Dong Jiao Min Alley ) literally means \u201cEast Foreign Residents Alley\u201d, which is the longest alley ( hutong ) in Beijing with a total length of 1550 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the English travel guidebooks, Dong Jiao Min Xiang is polularly known as Former Legation Quarter. It was once home to the former 11 foreign embassies including UK, France, Germany, Japan, the US, Russia, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium and Dutch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 9: Chang\u2019an Avenue Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Route: From East Chang\u2019an Avenue to West Chang\u2019an Avenue
Walking Distance: 4 km
Walking Time: 2 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chang\u2019an Jie (\u957f\u5b89\u8857) in Beijing is often regarded as the longest and widest street in the world. Chang\u2019an Jie, known as Chang\u2019an Avenue, literally means \u201c\u201dEternal Peace Street\u201d named after the ancient capital of Tang Dynasty which was the present city of Xian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original construction of Chang\u2019an Avenue started with the building of the Forbidden City in Ming Dynasty during the period of 1406 -1420 with over 600 years of history. The Chang\u2019an Avenue used to be only 4 km long centered on Tiananmen Square which divided Chang\u2019an Avenue into two sections \u2013 East Chang\u2019an Avenue and West Chang\u2019an Avenue. Now in a very broad sense, the present Changa\u2019an Avenue has been largely widened and extended, adding up to a total length of 45km starting from Beiyuan, Tongzhou District to the eastern gate of Shougang at Shijingshan District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk 10: Imperial Sites Walks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walking Route: Tiananmen Square \u2013 (south entry ) Forbidden City ( north exit) \u2013 (south entry) Jingshan Park (west exit) \u2013 (east entry) Beihai Park (north exit) \u2013 Houhai (Shichahai)
Walking Distance: 3 km
Walking Time: 3-4 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiananmen Square is flanked by the Gate of Heavenly Peace (the entrance to The Forbidden City) on the north, Chinese National Museum on the east, the Great Hall of the People (China\u2019s parliament) on the west and Qianmen (Arrow Tower) on the south. There are two entrances to the Forbidden City \u2013 the southern gate ( Meridian Gate \u2013 Wumen) and northern gate(Gate of Divine \u2013 Shenwu Men). The southern gate is linked to Tiananmen Square to the south. You have to enter Forbidden City from its southern gate and exit from its northern gate, which is officially set as a one-way south to north travel route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After finishing your visit of Forbidden City from south to north, you exit from Forbidden City\u2019s north gate. Raising your head, you will find a pavilion with three layered eaves perched on a hill. The hill is called Jingshan Hill ( Coal Hill or prospect Hill). Beihai Park is well known for its beautiful gardens, the maze in the stone cave, temples and pavillions. Atop the Jade Island in Beihai Park, the White Dagoba becomes an important landmark of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shichahai is composed of three lakes \u2013 Qianhai (front lake), Houhai (back lake) and Xihai (west lake). Sometime local people also use \u201cHouhai\u201d to refer to Shichahai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add On<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beijing Walking Tours
Top 10 Walking Routes Downtown Beijing<\/a>
Beijing Top 10 Biking Routes<\/a>
Top 10 Beijing Hiking Trails<\/a>
Beijing suburban Excursions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for Beijing guided tours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beijing Day Tour<\/a>
Beijing Tour Packages<\/a>
Beijing Winter Tour<\/a>
Beijing Autumn Tour<\/a>
Great Wall Tour<\/a>
Car Rental in Beijing<\/a>
Beijing Tours<\/a>
China City Tours<\/a>
China Tour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Readings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Best Time to Visit Beijing<\/a>
How to plan a trip to Beijing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 Attractions in Beijing<\/a>
How to Visit Forbidden City<\/a>
How to Visit Temple of Heaven<\/a>
How to Visit Summer Palace<\/a>
How to Visit Ming Tombs<\/a>
How to Visit the Great Wall of China<\/a>
How to Visit Tiananmen Square<\/a>
How to Visit Hutongs<\/a>
How to Visit Olympic Sites<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 Markets in Beijing<\/a>
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Beijing<\/a>
Beijing Shopping<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wangfujing Walking Street<\/a>
Qianmen Commercial Street<\/a>
Gui Jie ( Ghost Street) Food Street<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any questions, just drop a line.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tags: Great<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Downtown Beijing has limitless options for wonderful walks through hutongs, streets, markets, parks and along imperial, common and modern sites. Beijing is a boon for a walking enthusiast who are planning Beijing walking tours. If you prefer Beijing hiking tours outside Beijing, check out Top 10 Beijing Hiking Trails. Here are the top 10 suggested…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1853,19],"tags":[2940,2941,2942],"class_list":["post-17579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-self-service-tours","category-beijing-travel","tag-top-10-beijing-walks","tag-top-beijing-walking","tag-top-beijing-walking-trails"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17579"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17579"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17579\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31352,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17579\/revisions\/31352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}