Baita Temple Area (Baita Temple Cultural Line)

---

Overview of the Baita Temple Area

The Baita Temple (白塔寺) area is located within Beijing’s Xicheng District inside the Second Ring Road, roughly around the Xisi—Fuchengmen area. It forms an urban cultural corridor that seamlessly connects life from the Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Republic eras to the present day. Centered visually and historically on the Miaoying Temple White Pagoda (妙应寺白塔), it extends eastward to the Lu Xun Museum and the east-west alleys of Gongmenkou, stretches north-south to Qianchaoshou Hutong, Su Luobo Hutong, and Fuchengmen Inner Street, and southeastward connects cultural landmarks such as the Imperial Ancestral Temple (历代帝王庙), Guangji Temple (广济寺), Zhengyang Bookstore (正阳书局), Honglou Public Library (红楼公共藏书楼), and Xishiku Church (西什库教堂). Many locals call it the "most chill citywalk route in Xicheng."

Historical and Cultural Context

• Yuan Dynasty Religious Landmark: Miaoying Temple White Pagoda
  The Miaoying Temple White Pagoda was originally built in the 8th year of Zhiyuan in the Yuan Dynasty (1271) and was designed and constructed by the Nepalese monk and craftsman Anige (阿尼哥). It is the oldest and largest extant stupa of the inverted bowl style in China, standing about 50.9 meters tall, with 36 wind chimes hanging around its body. It was one of the most important Buddhist buildings in the Yuan capital, predating the Forbidden City by over a century, and is the only large-scale Yuan dynasty building preserved intact above ground. The temple underwent multiple renovations during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now known as "Miaoying Temple," though locals commonly call it "Baita Temple." Besides the White Pagoda, the temple complex includes the Seven Buddhas Hall, Three-Life Buddha Hall, and Heavenly Kings Hall, housing national treasures such as the Nine Dragons and Twelve Phoenixes gold-leafed caisson ceiling and a Ming dynasty gilt bronze Thousand-Armed Guanyin. The custom of "circumambulating the pagoda clockwise three, five, or seven times to pray for blessings" (known as “turning the pagoda” or “绕塔”) continues to this day.

• Hutong Texture and Old Beijing Life
  The network of hutongs around the White Pagoda is key to understanding the charm of this area. On the east side of Baita Temple, Baita Temple East Alley (白塔寺东夹道) and Qianchaoshou Hutong (前抄手胡同) form the classic “red walls + white pagoda + deep hutong” scene, a popular “celebrity photo spot” used by stars like Yi Yangqianxi, Guan Xiaotong, and Zhu Zhu. On the west side, Su Luobo Hutong (苏萝卜胡同), Gongmenkou Third Alley (宫门口三条), and Anping Lane (安平巷) preserve many old walls, century-old door panels, Western-style gate towers, and everyday residential scenes from the late Qing and early Republic periods: stone doorstops, clothes drying poles, utility poles, small shop signs, bicycles and cars parked side by side, presenting a vivid snapshot of authentic old Beijing street life.

• Lu Xun and the New Culture Movement
  Another important cultural thread in the area is Lu Xun and the New Culture Movement. The Lu Xun Museum and Former Residence at No. 19 Gongmenkou Second Alley (宫门口二条19号) is the only museum in China systematically showcasing Lu Xun’s life, with over 20,000 manuscripts, books, and artifacts. Between 1924 and 1926, Lu Xun lived here and wrote major works such as Hua Gai Ji (华盖集), Hua Gai Ji Continued (华盖集续编), Grave (坟), Wild Grass (野草), and Wandering (彷徨), while editing magazines like Yusi (语丝) and Mangyuan (莽原). This was also the period when A Brief History of Chinese Fiction (中国小说史略) and Hot Wind (热风) were published. In recent years, the area has hosted events themed around “Reading Lu Xun, Celebrating the New Year” and “Reading Lu Xun and Walking Around Baita,” including Lu Xun cultural markets, a “Sanwei Book House” replica, “Letters Between Two Places” installations, Lu Xun-themed salons, and cultural huts, bringing literature from the page into the hutong space and creating a unique “literature + hutong + festival” atmosphere.

• Ming and Qing Imperial Sacrificial and Religious Complexes
  Alongside the Yuan dynasty White Pagoda and Lu Xun culture are the Ming and Qing imperial sacrificial and religious sites: the Imperial Ancestral Temple (历代帝王庙) served as the place for worshipping emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and, together with the Imperial Ancestral Temple (太庙) and Confucius Temple (孔庙), is known as one of the “Three Great Imperial Sacrificial Temples” of the Ming and Qing. Its main hall features 60 golden nanmu wood pillars, with architectural standards comparable to a “small Forbidden City.” The Guangji Temple (广济寺) is one of Beijing’s four famous temples and the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of China, originally built in the Jin dynasty, with solemn official Qing architectural style. The Xishiku Church (西什库教堂), with its Gothic spire alongside Chinese glazed tiles and ancient pagodas, forms a unique Sino-Western religious landmark. Adding to this are hybrid spaces like the Yuan dynasty Wansong Elder Pagoda inside Zhengyang Bookstore (正阳书局) and the Honglou Public Library (红楼公共藏书楼), combining bookstores, historic sites, and public reading spaces. Within just two or three kilometers, the Baita Temple cultural line condenses multiple historical layers from the Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic, to contemporary times.

• Contemporary “Hutong + Coffee + Creative Culture” Lifestyle District
  Since 2015, the Baita Temple historical and cultural protection zone has been continuously revitalized. By 2025, the Gongmenkou East-West Cultural Street will officially open, densely populated with coffee shops, bakeries, craft beer bars, creative boutiques, and intangible cultural heritage experience spaces. It has been dubbed the “Coffee Street” and the “Xicheng version of Wudaoying Hutong” by visitors. Today, the Baita Temple area is not only a trendy neighborhood for tourists to snap photos of the “red walls and white pagoda” and check in at popular coffee terraces but also a family-friendly weekend destination for locals to take children for study tours, exhibitions, stamp collecting, and intangible cultural heritage markets. It is also a top choice for photography enthusiasts, culture lovers, and solo travelers seeking the “relaxed vibe of old Beijing.” Compared to the highly commercialized and crowded areas like Nanluoguxiang and Qianmen Street, the foot traffic here is relatively gentle, with a stronger sense of everyday life. It’s perfect for spending half a day to a full day strolling slowly, soaking in the city’s true texture amid red walls, gray tiles, the white pagoda, and the aroma of coffee.

---

---

Best Travel Seasons and Experience Highlights

The Baita Temple area (白塔寺片区) is suitable for all seasons, but the focus of experiences varies greatly depending on the time of year. You can choose the best period based on your interests.

Winter (Laba Festival to Lantern Festival): Old Beijing New Year Atmosphere + Lu Xun Culture

Winter, especially from Laba Festival to around the Lantern Festival, is the most distinctive "New Year flavor season" here. From December 21, 2025, to March 3, 2026, the area will host a series of Spring Festival events called "Reading Lu Xun, Touring Baita, Visiting Dongxi Cha, Celebrating Chinese New Year," typically including:

• Lu Xun cultural stamp collection, Lu Xun cartoon statues, Lu Xun-themed salons
• Intangible cultural heritage markets, "Under the Pagoda Community Theater" Yue Opera performances
• Year of the Horse zodiac and intangible cultural heritage creative markets
• Themed exhibitions such as "Galloping Horses Treading Beijing Rhythms, Intangible Heritage Welcomes the New Year"

During this period, the East and West Cha squares at the Gongmenkou (宫门口) will be decorated with red lanterns, giant orange cat sculptures, and Year of the Horse installations. The combination of "red silk wrapping the pagoda + walls full of 'Fu' characters + red lanterns in the alleys" creates a very festive atmosphere, perfect for night photography and lantern festivals. On sunny winter days, locals highly recommend sunbathing on terraces like Mengyinxiang Café, Baita Academy, and Light of Baita, or enjoying hot drinks, hotpot, and sugar-roasted chestnuts in the alleys as a traditional way to "get through winter."

Spring (March–May): Lilacs and Cultural Strolls

As temperatures warm in spring, locust trees and plane trees in the alleys sprout new leaves, and lilacs bloom inside the Lu Xun Museum courtyard, making it a highlight season for literature and photography enthusiasts. Around Gongmenkou Ertiao, literary installations like "Sanwei Study" and "Two Places Book" are recreated, ideal for planning a cultural route of "Reading Lu Xun + Hutong Walks." Visitor numbers are still below summer peak, making it a good time for quiet visits to the Lu Xun Museum, Baita Temple exhibitions, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and Guangji Temple. The soft light is also perfect for portrait and architectural detail photography.

Summer (June–August): Daytime Cooling, Evening Terrace Views of the Night Pagoda

Summer days can be hot, but the area offers plenty of indoor spaces to escape the heat:

• Baita Temple’s halls and exhibition rooms
• Lu Xun Museum
• Honglou Public Library and Zhengyang Bookstore

You can spend the day viewing exhibitions and reading in bookstores to avoid the heat. In the evening, enjoy the night view of Baita from the Dongxi Cha terraces, and have a drink at "day café, night bar" spots like Taer Café/Fang Bar and Firefly Café, experiencing hutong nightlife. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so it’s advisable to carry rain gear and monitor heat warnings, planning indoor and outdoor activities accordingly.

Autumn (September–November): The Widely Recognized Best Citywalk Season

Autumn’s dry and crisp weather is repeatedly praised in many travelogues as the "best citywalk season." Ginkgo and plane trees turn golden, and the golden leaves at Gongmenkou West Cha, ginkgo trees inside the Lu Xun Museum courtyard, and autumn colors in Su Luobo Hutong are extremely photogenic. Many writers complete a long walking route in autumn: "Fuchengmen Exit B – Lu Xun Museum – Baita Temple – Imperial Ancestral Temple – Zhengyang Bookstore – Xishiku Church – Jingshan Park," calling it their "favorite citywalk route to date." Autumn sunsets occur at a moderate time, making 3 PM until sunset the golden hour for photographing the red walls, white pagoda on East Cha Road, and various terraces.

Time Recommendations for Different Needs

• To experience "Old Beijing New Year Atmosphere + Lu Xun Culture + Intangible Heritage Markets": choose the lunar December to January, especially during officially announced Spring Festival events.
• To photograph hutong autumn colors, ginkgo trees, and soft light: recommend sunny afternoons in October–November.
• To avoid crowds and quietly visit exhibitions and read: choose spring weekdays or early summer weekdays, when museums and bookstores are less crowded and the atmosphere is better.
• For midsummer and midwinter: pay attention to heat protection/warmth, control outdoor walking time reasonably, and in winter, prepare hats, gloves, and hand warmers as the hutong winds can be strong.

---

Arrival and Transportation

The Baita Temple area is located within the 2nd Ring Road in Xicheng District, Beijing, situated between Xisi and Fuchengmen. Public transportation is extremely convenient here, and the recommended way to get around is by metro plus walking.

Metro

1) Line 2, Fuchengmen Station (Highly Recommended)

• Recommended Exit: Exit B
  Almost all local guides suggest exiting here. After exiting, walk east along Fuchengmen Inner Street for about 600–800 meters to reach the core of the area.

• Walking time from Fuchengmen Exit B (approximate):

  • To Lu Xun Museum (No. 19 Gongmenkou 2nd Alley): about 8–10 minutes
  • To Baita Temple South Gate (Chexingmen bus stop): about 8–10 minutes
  • To Baita Temple East Alley / Yao Coffee area: about 10 minutes
  • To Gongmenkou East-West Fork Central Small Square: about 10 minutes

2) Line 4, Xisi Station

• Recommended Exit: Exit D
  Suitable for itineraries connecting east to west: "Xisi — Baita Temple — Lu Xun Museum." After exiting Exit D, walk north then west along Xisi North Street for about 10–15 minutes to reach Guangji Temple and the Temple of Emperors of Past Dynasties, then continue into the Baita Temple area.

3) Other Transfer Stations

• Ping’anli Station (Lines 4/6): Good for extending trips from Baita Temple — Xishiku Church — Huguo Temple Street, ending at Ping’anli Station for return.
• Jingshan Park, Xidan, etc.: Many longer city walks go from Baita Temple all the way to Jingshan Park or Xidan, then take Line 1, Line 6, or others back.

Bus

There are multiple bus stops along Fuchengmen Inner Street, suitable for locals or visitors nearby who prefer not to take the metro:

• Baita Temple Stop, Fuchengmen Inner Stop
  Served by buses such as 38, 101, 102, 103, 409, mostly running along Fuchengmen Inner Street. After getting off, it’s a 2–5 minute walk to enter the hutong areas like Baita Temple East Alley and Gongmenkou 3rd Alley.

Walking Starting Points and Typical Routes

Since the area is very walkable, many guides combine "arrival + sightseeing" into one route:

• Short Loop (2–3 hours)
  Metro Line 2, Fuchengmen Exit B → Gongmenkou 2nd Alley → Lu Xun Museum → Gongmenkou East/West Fork → Baita Temple East Alley → Baita Academy → Baita Temple South Gate → return to Fuchengmen or continue east.

• Xisi Cultural Route (4–6 hours)
  Fuchengmen Exit B → Lu Xun Museum → Miaoying Baita Temple → Temple of Emperors of Past Dynasties → Guangji Temple → China Geological Museum → Zhengyang Bookstore → Red Mansion Public Library → Xishiku Church → Huguo Temple Street → Ping’anli Metro Station.

• Baita Temple — Xidan Route
  Baita Temple → Gongmenkou East-West Fork → Temple of Emperors of Past Dynasties → Guangji Temple → China Geological Museum → Red Mansion Public Library / Zhongshuge Bookstore → Xidan → Ethnic Culture Palace area.

Driving and Parking

The hutongs around Baita Temple are narrow and mostly residential, with very limited parking and strict traffic controls. Local authors generally recommend:

• Avoid driving into the area; instead, use metro plus walking or cycling.
• If driving is necessary, park in underground garages near Fuchengmen office buildings or shopping malls (e.g., Financial Street area), then walk into the area.
• Although there are small parking lots near Baita Temple South Gate, they are mostly private or have limited spaces, so don’t expect to find convenient parking right at the hutong entrances.

Cycling and Electric Scooters

Shared bikes and e-scooters are very convenient in the city, but in the Baita Temple area please note:

• It’s recommended to park vehicles at official parking spots along main roads like Fuchengmen Inner Street, under Fuchengmen Bridge, and Xisi North Street;
• Avoid riding deep into the hutongs to prevent disturbing residents or being asked to leave by management;
• Hutong roads are narrow and crowded with pedestrians, so slow down and ride carefully for safety.

Important Transportation and Opening Tips

• Baita Temple, Lu Xun Museum, Temple of Emperors of Past Dynasties, and others are generally closed on Mondays. Be sure to avoid Mondays when planning your visit to prevent arriving and finding them closed.
• Baita Temple tickets can be purchased on-site or online via platforms like Alipay. Some promotions (e.g., free admission for the first 200 visitors on Wednesdays) require advance booking on designated platforms (see ticket info section for details).
• During holidays like Spring Festival and National Day, temporary traffic controls or restrictions may be implemented around Gongmenkou East-West Fork. It’s recommended to prioritize metro plus walking for entry.

---

Overview of Tickets and Opening Hours

The Baita Temple Cultural Line covers multiple temples, museums, and public cultural spaces, offering excellent value overall, with many venues free to visit. The following information is based on publicly available data and travel notes from recent years (around 2025–2026). Please refer to on-site notices and official platforms for the most accurate details.

Miaoying Temple White Pagoda (Baita Temple Museum)

• Ticket Price:
  • Full ticket: ¥20 per person (~$3 USD)
• Discount Policies:
  • Free for minors under 18 and seniors over 60
  • Undergraduate and below students: 50% off (with valid student ID)
  • Beijing Trade Union members: can get free tickets via the union platform (must apply in advance on designated platform)
• Wednesday Free Quota System:
  • Every Wednesday, there are 200 free tickets available;
  • 100 tickets are for online reservation: usually booked on Monday via Alipay or the official mini-program;
  • Another 100 tickets are for on-site collection: arrive early on Wednesday to queue and get tickets;
  • Suitable for visitors with flexible schedules who want to save on ticket costs.
• Opening Hours:
  • Regular: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, last ticket sold/admission at 4:30 PM;
  • Closed on Mondays (adjustments during holidays follow official announcements);
  • Summer may have extended evening hours until 7:00 PM, check current year notices.
• Ticket Purchase and Reservation:
  • Tickets can be bought directly at the venue without prior reservation;
  • Also available for same-day purchase via Alipay by searching “妙应寺白塔” (Miaoying Temple White Pagoda) or related mini-programs;
  • Some event periods may require reservation of visit time on Alipay, so check the latest instructions before your trip.

Lu Xun Museum (including Lu Xun’s Former Residence)

• Tickets: Free
• Reservation Method:
  • Real-name reservation via the “Beijing Lu Xun Museum” WeChat official account;
  • Or scan QR code on-site to register ID information and exchange for entry ticket.
• Opening Hours:
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, last admission at 3:30 PM;
  • Closed on Mondays (special arrangements during public holidays follow museum announcements).
• The museum offers various free stamp seals for visitors, and during some festivals, Lu Xun-themed check-in maps and stamp cards are distributed.

Temple of Emperors Through the Ages

• Ticket Price: ¥20 per person (~$3 USD)
• Reservation and Ticket Purchase:
  • Tickets can be bought on-site without advance reservation;
  • Online reservation of visit time is also available via official platforms.
• Opening Hours:
  • Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last ticket sold at 4:30 PM);
  • Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Some days offer free guided tours, usually 1–2 sessions daily; check notices after entering.

Guangji Temple

• Tickets: Free, no reservation required.
• Opening Hours: Open year-round 7:00 AM–4:30 PM (subject to change during major religious events or special circumstances, see temple notices).
• Visitors can freely light incense; free vegetarian meals may be offered on the 1st and 15th of lunar months. Please keep quiet during visits and avoid close-up photography of Buddha statues.

Xishiku Church

• Tickets: Free, no reservation required.
• Opening Hours (based on recent years):
  • Weekdays: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM;
  • Sundays: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM;
  • Usually closed for a period during midday.
• The church interior may occasionally be closed for maintenance or religious activities, with only external viewing possible. It’s recommended to check the latest announcements or ask staff on-site before visiting.

China Geological Museum (Optional Extension)

• Ticket Price: About ¥15 per person (~$2 USD).
• Opening Hours: Generally open during daytime; check official website or WeChat for specific hours and holiday schedules.
• Usually closed during the Spring Festival; if your trip is during this holiday, you may consider skipping this site.

Bookstores and Public Reading Spaces

• Honglou Public Library

  • Tickets: Free;
  • Function: Public reading and study space with free access;
  • Opening hours: Generally daytime to evening, check on-site notices.

• Zhengyang Bookstore (including Wansong Elder Tower)

  • Tickets: Free;
  • Visit includes bookstore and courtyard, Yuan Dynasty Wansong Elder Tower, and various Beijing local literature exhibitions;
  • Usually open daytime to evening, suitable to combine with Temple of Emperors and Guangji Temple visits.

• Baita Academy / Baita Study Room

  • Nature: Exhibition + bookstore + tea space;
  • Fees: Most permanent exhibitions are free, some special exhibitions or experiences may charge;
  • Special service: free stamp seals, popular with stamp collectors.

Spring Festival “Read Lu Xun and Visit Baita” Stamp Collection & Market (Time-Sensitive)

• Event Period (Reference 2025–2026):
  • Approximately December 21, 2025 – March 3, 2026.
• Main Content:
  • Lu Xun-themed 20 stamp collection points, including “Sanwei Study Room” replica, “Hundred Herb Garden” installation, “Two Places Book” themed space, “Lu Xun Cultural Cabin”, etc.;
  • Intangible cultural heritage market, “Under the Pagoda Society Play” Yue Opera performances, Lu Xun-themed salons, Shaoxing yellow wine “One Yuan Tavern”, etc.;
  • Some locations offer Lu Xun-themed cultural products and specialty drinks.
• Costs and Rewards:
  • Stamp collection booklets are free; markets and exhibitions mostly free or low-cost;
  • Some years’ rules: collect 12 stamps to redeem one Baita Temple ticket, collect 6 stamps to exchange for a metal badge, etc.;
  • Specific rules may vary annually, follow official announcements.

Reservation and Information Tips

• Use the “Beijing Lu Xun Museum” WeChat official account to reserve Lu Xun Museum visits;
• Search “妙应寺白塔” (Miaoying Temple White Pagoda) on Alipay for ticket purchase and Wednesday free ticket reservations;
• Follow official platforms like “Wenlv Beijing” for the latest opening info on Temple of Emperors, Guangji Temple, Xishiku Church, and others;
• During holidays and winter-spring events, check each venue’s official WeChat or website 1–2 days in advance to avoid disruptions from unexpected closures or capacity limits.

---

---

Recommended Duration and Depth of Visit

The visiting time for the Baita Temple (白塔寺) area can be flexibly adjusted based on interest and stamina, ranging from a 2-hour light stroll to a 6–8 hour in-depth cultural route. Proper time management helps balance photography, exhibitions, and coffee breaks without rushing.

2–3 Hours: Quick Check-in and Light Citywalk

Suitable for: Visitors with limited time, first-timers, or those mainly wanting to photograph the “red walls and white pagoda” and experience the hutong atmosphere.

• Typical itinerary:
  • Shoot the white pagoda and red walls from the south gate vehicle entrance of Baita Temple;
  • Take photos of the “celebrity-favorite” red walls and white pagoda spot at the east alley of Baita Temple;
  • Brief stop at Baita Academy, enjoying the unique composition of “white pagoda + siheyuan courtyard” inside or at the entrance;
  • Choose a café casually at the east or west fork of Gongmenkou (宫门口) for a short rest to end the trip.
• Walking distance: about 1 kilometer.
• Best time: Afternoon or dusk, when the lighting is better for photography.

4–5 Hours: Standard Half-Day Cultural Route

Suitable for: First-time visitors who want to balance historical architecture, literature, and hutong life.

• Typical pace:
  • Reserve 1 hour for the Lu Xun Museum (including the former residence and exhibitions);
  • Reserve 1–1.5 hours for inside Baita Temple (including walking around the pagoda for blessings and main halls);
  • Stroll for 30–40 minutes through Qianchaoshou Hutong, Suluobo Hutong, and others to feel old Beijing life;
  • Spend about 1 hour at the Temple of Emperors (历代帝王庙), extend if free guided tours are available;
  • Spend 20–40 minutes each at Guangji Temple (广济寺), Zhengyang Bookstore (正阳书局), and Honglou Public Library (红楼公共藏书楼);
  • Include one coffee or light meal break.
• Step count estimate: about 15,000–20,000 steps.
• Best season: Clear autumn or winter days, or spring weekends, when lighting and temperature are comfortable.

6–8 Hours: Full-Day In-Depth Cultural + Coffee + Bookstore Experience

Suitable for: Enthusiasts interested in history, architecture, literature, and coffee culture who want a systematic experience of the “Baita Temple cultural route.”

• Morning:
  • Lu Xun Museum (including stamp collection and literary installations);
  • Lu Xun-themed spots and cafés at the east and west forks of Gongmenkou;
  • Baita Temple interior visit and pagoda blessing walk;
  • Lunch or afternoon tea at Baita Academy / Baita Study Room.
• Afternoon:
  • Photo session at the east alley of Baita Temple;
  • Leisurely stroll along the coffee street at the east and west forks of Gongmenkou;
  • Visit the Temple of Emperors, Guangji Temple, Zhengyang Bookstore, Honglou Public Library, and Xishiku Church in sequence;
  • If energy allows, extend to Jingshan Park for sunset viewing.
• Step count estimate: about 25,000–30,000 steps; wear comfortable shoes and allow multiple rest breaks.

Suggested Time Planning with Nearby Attractions

• Combined with Xidan / National Ethnic Culture Palace: From Baita Temple → Temple of Emperors → Guangji Temple → Geological Museum → Honglou Public Library → Zhongshuge Bookstore, heading south to Xidan for dining, shopping, or exhibitions. Suitable for a full day.
• Combined with Huguo Temple Street (护国寺街): Walk from Xishiku Church to Huguo Temple Street to enjoy halal hotpot or Beijing snacks, then leave via Ping’anli Metro Station. Suitable for a half-day plus dinner plan.

Time Recommendations for Different Groups

• First-time visitors to the Baita Temple area: It is recommended to reserve at least half a day (4–5 hours) to cover Baita Temple, Lu Xun Museum, and the east and west hutongs.
• Photography and coffee lovers: Recommend a full day to capture the red wall light and shadow and the white pagoda night scenes at different times, with multiple coffee breaks for rest and photo selection.
• Families with parents or children: Choose a gentle, slower-paced route “Lu Xun Museum → Baita Temple → East and West forks → Guangji Temple,” about 2–3 kilometers total, within 3–4 hours to avoid fatigue.

---

---

Highlights and Must-See Attractions in the Area

The charm of the Baita Temple Cultural Line lies in its "high-density cultural nodes + strong local life atmosphere." Below are the key highlights worth focusing on during your visit. It’s recommended to choose and combine them according to your interests.

1. Miaoying Temple White Pagoda and Temple Treasures

• Yuan Dynasty Stupa with Inverted Bowl Design
  Built in the 8th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1271), designed by Nepalese craftsman Anige, it is the earliest and largest surviving inverted bowl-style stupa in China, standing about 50.9 meters tall. The pagoda body is surrounded by 36 wind chimes, which create an atmospheric sound when the wind blows through the alleyways. The White Pagoda is one of the most important Buddhist buildings in the Yuan capital and the only large-scale architectural relic from the Yuan Dynasty preserved intact above ground.

• Main Halls and Cultural Relics

  • Hall of Heavenly Kings: houses bronze statues of Maitreya Buddha, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the guardian deity Weituo;
  • Hall of Seven Buddhas: originally held seven gilded bronze Buddha statues, now restored with Yuan Dynasty-style Three Buddhas;
  • Hall of the Three Buddhas: features Qing Dynasty wooden carvings of the Three Buddhas, with a plaque inscribed “Possessing Six Supernatural Powers” written by Emperor Qianlong himself;
  • Nine Dragons and Twelve Phoenixes Gilded Caisson Ceiling: exquisitely carved and well-preserved, one of the temple’s most stunning details;
  • Ming Dynasty Gilded Bronze Thousand-Hand Guanyin: solemn in appearance and exquisitely crafted, classified as a national treasure.

• Circumambulation Blessing Ritual
  Tibetan Buddhism honors the right side, so walking clockwise around the pagoda is considered a sign of respect and admiration for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The inner walls of Baita Temple mark the direction for circumambulation. Locals usually walk 3, 5, or 7 clockwise laps while silently reciting their wishes, a practice called “turning the pagoda” or “circumambulating the pagoda.”

2. Classic Pagoda Viewing and Photo Spots

• Red Wall Spot in the East Alley of Baita Temple
  Located in the alley east of Baita Temple, near Yao Coffee and Baita Temple Pharmacy, this is the most iconic “red wall + white pagoda + alley depth” composition, known as the “celebrity photo spot.” Posing against the wall or candid walking shots work great here. Using a phone’s 0.6x wide-angle lens plus portrait mode can elongate proportions, perfect for portraits and street photography.

• South Gate Vehicle Entrance of Baita Temple
  At the vehicle entrance on the south side of Miaoying Temple White Pagoda, photographers can shoot from a slightly elevated spot at the parking lot entrance, capturing the red wall, white pagoda, and street all in one frame, creating a cinematic feel. Note this spot may be inaccessible on Baita Temple’s closed days (Mondays).

• Central Small Square between East and West Forks of the Palace Gate
  Located between the east and west forks of the palace gate, historically the Ming Dynasty Chaotian Palace mountain gate imperial road. From here, the pagoda appears to slowly “grow” behind the rooftops of the alleys. With the giant orange cat sculpture, Year of the Horse installation, and red lanterns in the square, it’s an excellent spot for pagoda viewing and capturing festive vibes.

• Suluobo Alley and the “White Pagoda London Plane Tree”
  Heading north or west from the East Alley leads to Suluobo Alley, mainly a residential area with small decorations and flower pots at the entrances. The west entrance features the “White Pagoda London Plane Tree” photo spot, especially photogenic in autumn when the leaves turn golden, ideal for capturing lively street scenes.

3. Pagoda Viewing Terraces and Unique Perspectives

• Light of the White Pagoda Youth Hostel/Café
  Located near the east fork of the palace gate, the three-story terrace offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the White Pagoda and alleys, regarded by many as the “best vantage point to overlook the White Pagoda.” The first floor is a café/bar space; upstairs is the viewing terrace. You can stay overnight or just come for a drink and photos.

• Yao Coffee (Baita Temple Yao Coffee)
  Situated at the entrance of East Alley, the first floor connects to Baita Temple Pharmacy, the second floor is the pharmacy, and the third floor is a café/bar terrace. At dusk, you can shoot the White Pagoda’s golden sunset dome and night view from the terrace. The shop also keeps a commemorative display of celebrity Yi Yangqianxi’s visit, making it a fan hotspot.

• JM Cafe / JM Cafe·Bakery
  Located at No. 7 Baita Temple Street and around the east and west forks, the second-floor terrace offers shots of “White Pagoda + red lanterns.” The red wall, white tiles, and arched doorway at the entrance provide an excellent backdrop. During festivals, decorations like giant Christmas bows and New Year snow globes enhance the atmosphere.

• Ta’er Café / Fang Bar, Firefly Coffee, You Shu sth.here, Youhang SLOWBOAT
  These shops, scattered around the east and west forks of the palace gate and at the foot of the pagoda, offer various pagoda views from rooftop terraces, second-floor balconies, and window seats:

  • Ta’er Café / Fang Bar: daytime coffee and nighttime drinks, rooftop terrace perfect for shooting the pagoda’s night view;
  • Firefly Coffee: second floor connected to tiled rooftops, with occasional cats, ideal for “rooftop + pagoda” shots;
  • You Shu sth.here: second-floor balcony with ancient trees and pagoda in one frame, very artistic;
  • Youhang SLOWBOAT: second-floor window seats offer close-up views with the pagoda, perfect for enjoying burgers and craft beer while admiring the ancient tower.

4. Lu Xun Cultural Line and Literary Spaces

• Lu Xun Museum and Former Residence
  Located at No. 19, Ertiao, Gongmenkou, it is the only museum in China systematically showcasing Lu Xun’s life and one of the earliest biographical museums in New China. The museum houses over 20,000 items including Lu Xun’s manuscripts and book collections, featuring important manuscripts like From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Study. The former residence is a small siheyuan courtyard with a lilac tree personally planted by Lu Xun, reflecting his most productive three years in Beijing.

• Spring Festival “Read Lu Xun, Walk to the White Pagoda” Theme Route
  During winter and spring, themed activities set up about 20 stamp collection points around the Lu Xun Museum alleys and the east and west forks, including:

  • 1:1 replica of the “Sanwei Study” scene;
  • “Baicao Garden” childhood memory installation;
  • “Lu Xun Cultural Cabin · Correspondence” letter-themed space;
  • “Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk” themed special drinks and installations;
  • “Joyful Chinese New Year” small courtyard theater, “Under the Pagoda Community Theater” intangible cultural heritage performances, etc.
    This deep integration of literature and alley space creates a distinctive “literature + festival + city walk” experience.

5. Gongmenkou East and West Fork Cultural Street

• Historical Background and Spatial Form
  The Gongmenkou East and West Fork stretches about 308 meters, historically the Ming Dynasty Chaotian Palace mountain gate imperial road, and is an important part of the Baita Temple historical cultural district. Officially opened in July 2025 as the “East-West Fork Cultural Street,” it has become the area’s most popular lifestyle street.

• Contemporary Businesses and Atmosphere
  The street hosts numerous cafés and restaurants including Yao Coffee, Light of the White Pagoda, JM, Ta’er Café, Firefly, Muse Coffee, FuFu, Mumeng, Polonio, SlyFox Coffee & Bar, Chun Ya Sweet Soup, Yewa Cat Yunnan Cuisine, Naisi NICECREAM, Dubai Jian Restaurant Bar, etc.:

  • East Fork: concentration of trendy shops and terrace photo spots, great for photos and coffee check-ins;
  • West Fork: relatively quieter, preserving late Qing and early Republic-era old walls, century-old doors, Western-style gatehouses, with a stronger sense of history and stories.

6. Other Important Cultural and Architectural Nodes

• Imperial Ancestral Temples
  Ming and Qing royal sacrificial sites, known alongside the Imperial Ancestral Temple and Confucius Temple as the “Three Great Imperial Sacrificial Temples of Ming and Qing,” enshrining 188 imperial tablets. The main hall features 60 golden Phoebe zhennan wood pillars, with architectural standards comparable to a “small Forbidden City,” making it a key place to understand Ming and Qing rituals and “imperial memory.”

• Guangji Temple
  One of Beijing’s four famous temples and the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of China, originally built in the Jin Dynasty as “Xiliucun Temple,” rebuilt and renamed “Guangji Temple” in the first year of the Tianshun era. The temple is a typical Qing Dynasty official-style building with a solemn layout and light incense, suitable for quiet visits and short rest.

• Zhengyang Bookstore and Wansong Elder Pagoda
  Inside Zhengyang Bookstore’s courtyard is the only surviving Yuan Dynasty dense-eave brick pagoda in urban Beijing—the Wansong Elder Pagoda. The bookstore sells only Beijing local literature and often hosts exhibitions of old Beijing folk artifacts and maps, making it a treasure trove for studying Beijing’s urban history and local culture.

• Honglou Public Library
  Converted from an old cinema, it features a giant book wall combined with Republican-era small building style, serving as a free public reading and study space. Quiet and comfortable, it’s perfect for a “daydream + reading” break during long walks.

• Xishiku Church (North Church)
  One of Beijing’s largest and oldest Catholic churches, also known as the “North Church,” a typical Gothic-style building juxtaposed with nearby Chinese-style ancient pagodas and glazed tile roofs, creating a striking East-West contrast. The stained glass windows inside are breathtaking when sunlight shines through, a must-visit for photography and architecture enthusiasts.

7. Niche Experiences and Hidden Gems

• Baita Temple Pharmacy
  The first floor sells traditional Chinese medicine and daily necessities; the second floor “Herbal Drink Shop” offers Chinese-style drinks like luohan guo American-style beverages. The stairwell features an old photo exhibition of the White Pagoda, making it a very local and niche space.

• “Under the Pagoda Community Theater” and God of Wealth Noodle Shop Installation
  During the Spring Festival, intangible cultural heritage performances like Yue Opera are staged on a recreated theater under the pagoda, offering a festive “watching opera under the pagoda” experience. Some small courtyards also set up fun installations like “Immediate Wealth,” where visitors can take photos and take home gold ingot ornaments for good luck.

• One Yuan Shaoxing Yellow Wine Bar
  A popular spot during the Lu Xun-themed activities, offering a “one yuan per cup” Shaoxing yellow wine experience, cleverly combining literature and taste memory.

• Alley Murals and Cat Culture
  There are many cute murals in alleys like Baita Temple East Alley and Anping Lane. Shops like Mengyinxiang Coffee, JM, and Firefly often have cats inside and outside, adding a relaxed and fun local detail to the cultural line.

• Free Stamp Collection Points
  The Lu Xun Museum, Baita Academy, Baita Temple cultural and creative shops (including the Nepalese cultural shop and Baita Temple cultural shop) all offer free stamps, a hidden treat for stamp collectors.

---

---

Practical Tips and Pitfall Avoidance Guide

1. Timing and Lighting Choices

• Golden Hours for Photography:
  • For the red walls and white pagoda at Baita Temple East Alley (白塔寺东夹道红墙白塔), it is recommended to visit around 3:00–5:00 PM, when the side lighting highlights the red walls and white pagoda with clear layers;
  • In winter, sunset comes early, so after 5:00 PM it’s easy to get backlighting; plan to arrive earlier accordingly.
• Tips to Avoid Crowds:
  • To have the East Alley “all to yourself” for photos, it’s best to arrive before 9:00 AM;
  • Weekdays have noticeably fewer visitors than weekends and holidays, ideal for those seeking a quieter experience.
• Night View Watching:
  • The white pagoda lights usually turn on shortly after sunset, around 5:00 PM or later in winter;
  • You can shoot night scenes from terraces like Baita Zhiguang (白塔之光), Yao Coffee (耀咖啡), and Ta’er Coffee (塔儿咖); be sure to confirm their opening hours and terrace availability in advance.

2. Clothing and Carry-on Gear

• The Baita Temple cultural route involves a lot of walking—easily over 10,000 steps a day—so be sure to wear comfortable sports shoes or shoes with good arch support;
• In winter, the hutongs can be windy; it’s advisable to bring a hat, gloves, scarf, heat packs, and a thermos—sipping hot drinks while walking is very practical;
• In summer, pay attention to sun protection and hydration; museums, bookstores, and cafes make great cool-down spots;
• For outfit style, vintage, artistic, and new Chinese styles all photograph beautifully against the red walls and white pagoda background—feel free to match according to your personal taste.

3. Closed Days and Common Pitfalls

• High Frequency of Monday Closures:
  • Miaoying Temple White Pagoda (妙应寺白塔, aka Baita Temple), Lu Xun Museum, and some other museums are mostly closed on Mondays, so visiting on Monday often means “finding the doors shut”;
  • It’s recommended to schedule the Baita Temple cultural route from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Special Opening Days for the Temple of Emperors (历代帝王庙):
  • Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open only Wednesday to Sunday until 4:30 PM;
  • Ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM, so arriving late may mean no entry.
• Unstable Opening of Xishiku Church Interior:
  • The church interior may be temporarily closed due to maintenance or religious activities; if you have a strong interest in visiting inside, it’s best to call ahead or inquire on-site.
• China Geological Museum Closed During Spring Festival:
  • Usually closed during the Spring Festival holiday; if your trip is concentrated around this time, consider allocating time to other spots.

4. Photography Etiquette and Safety

• Etiquette in Religious Sites:

  • At religious places like Baita Temple, Guangji Temple, and Xishiku Church, please dress appropriately and keep quiet;
  • Avoid close-up photos of Buddha statues, ancestral tablets, or worshippers in prayer;
  • When walking around the pagoda at Baita Temple, be sure to walk clockwise, following Tibetan Buddhist customs.

• Respect and Privacy in Hutong Residential Areas:

  • Su Luobo Hutong, Gongmenkou San Tiao, and others are mainly residential areas; avoid long-term filming focused on residents’ doors or windows;
  • Do not block doors, occupy passageways, or make loud noises near residents’ homes; please carry out your trash.

• Road and Personal Safety:

  • In winter, hutong roads may have snow or ice; be especially careful of your footing when stepping back for a shot to avoid slipping;
  • When taking cycling photos at intersections like Gongmenkou West Fork T-junction, always watch for vehicles and pedestrians; do not stand in the middle of traffic.

• Terraces and Elevated Spots:

  • When shooting on terraces like Baita Zhiguang, Yao Coffee, JM, Ta’er Coffee, and Firefly (萤火虫), do not stand too close to eaves or railings;
  • Terrace space is limited—please be courteous to others and avoid occupying spots for too long.

5. Cost Control and Time Management

• Ticket Cost-Effectiveness:

  • Combined tickets for Baita Temple + Temple of Emperors cost about ¥40 (~$6 USD);
  • Lu Xun Museum, Guangji Temple, Xishiku Church, Zhengyang Bookstore, Red Mansion Public Library, Baita Academy, and others are mostly free or partially free, offering excellent overall value.

• Wednesday Free Quota at Baita Temple:

  • If your schedule is flexible, consider visiting Baita Temple on Wednesday;
  • You can grab 100 free online tickets starting Monday via platforms like Alipay, or arrive early Wednesday to queue for 100 offline free tickets.

• Food and Coffee Budget:

  • Drinks at Dongxi Cha Café average about ¥30–60 per cup ($4.5–9 USD), with bread and desserts mostly ¥30–50 per serving ($4.5–7.5 USD);
  • If on a budget, you can choose affordable eateries and snack shops like Xingyuan Restaurant, Xinchuan Noodle House, and Imperial Crispy Beef Pie on Fuchengmen Inner Street or Fuchengmen Inner North Street, which offer friendlier prices.

6. Route Planning and Tools

• It’s recommended to set walking navigation in map apps in advance, e.g., “Lu Xun Museum—Baita Temple—Temple of Emperors—Zhengyang Bookstore—Xishiku Church,” to better grasp distances and timing;
• You can also refer to city walk routes on apps like “Xiaohongshu” and “Zhibei App,” then adjust based on your stamina and interests;
• If planning to participate in the Spring Festival “Read Lu Xun then Visit Baita” stamp-collecting activity, start at the “Sanwei Shuwu” replica point to get the check-in map; following the recommended order reduces backtracking.

7. Depth of Experience and Common Misconceptions

• Many visitors only take photos outside Baita Temple without entering; if you’re interested in history and Buddhist art, it’s highly recommended to visit inside the temple—the ¥20 ticket (~$3 USD) is well worth it;
• The East Fork of Gongmenkou is busier with more shops, while the West Fork is quieter and preserves more old architectural details; it’s best to walk both sides to avoid missing out;
• The essence of the Baita Temple cultural route is not just the “red walls and white pagoda,” but also the reading and exhibition spaces like Zhengyang Bookstore, Red Mansion Public Library, and Baita Academy; it’s recommended to set aside time to sit quietly rather than just rushing through for a quick check-in.

---

---

Nearby Food and Coffee Guide

The dining options around the Baita Temple (白塔寺) area are extremely diverse, ranging from hutong small eateries and time-honored home-style dishes to new-style Chinese desserts and specialty coffee shops. It’s perfect for citywalking while enjoying food and drinks. Below is a categorized and area-based guide to help you choose conveniently along your route.

1. Gongmenkou East-West Fork & Baita Temple Surrounding Restaurants

1. JM Bread / JM Cafe·Bakery

• Location: No.7 Baita Temple Street (白塔寺街7号) and the Gongmenkou East-West Fork area.
• Signature & Highlights:
  • Cinnamon Roll: Praised by many diners as “king-level,” topped with pecans and hazelnuts, each layer coated with cinnamon frosting, rich in aroma;
  • Bagels: Filled and chewy but not tough, great for brunch;
  • Occasionally offers a New Year limited “Tanghulu” bread, combining great looks and creativity;
  • Staff recommend microwaving the cinnamon roll for 30 seconds at home for better taste.
• Ambiance:
  • Red walls and white tiles with arched doorways, guarded by small fireworks and cat sculptures at the entrance, adding to the bread aroma;
  • Thoughtful Christmas and New Year decorations make it a popular spot for photos and takeout.
• Average Price: About ¥40–70 (~$6–10 USD).

2. Yewa Cat Yunnan Cuisine (野瓦猫云南菜)

• Location: Mid-section of Gongmenkou East-West Fork.
• Opening Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:30.
• Recommended Dishes:
  • Tree tomato rice cake stewed with native chicken;
  • Shiping fermented tofu;
  • Yunnan mixed tofu pudding with rice noodles;
  • Mixed grilled mushrooms;
  • Pair with a bottle of Beibingyang Beer (北冰洋啤酒) for a unique Beijing + Yunnan flavor fusion.
• Dining Tips:
  • Expect queues during peak hours; it’s best to avoid peak times or arrive early.

3. Xinjingxi Hot Pot (新京熹涮肉)

• Location: Inside a siheyuan courtyard in Baita Temple alley, within walking distance from Baita Temple and East Alley.
• Dish Highlights:
  • Specializes in copper pot hot pot, perfect for a winter “hutong stroll + hot pot” combo;
  • The sugar oil cake is highly praised by diners as “a must-try,” crispy outside and soft inside, great with hot tea or drinks.
• Suitable For:
  • Family gatherings, friends meetups, or replenishing energy after a winter citywalk.

4. Baita Academy / Baita Study Room Dining

• Location: Mid-section of the alley east of Baita Temple, just a wall away from the temple.
• Dining Highlights:
  • New-style Chinese aesthetic dining space, with dishes and drinks echoing Baita culture;
  • Must-try dessert: “Old Beijing Ice Cream Sugar Oil Cake” (warm sugar oil cake paired with cold ice cream, a hot and cold sensation);
  • Signature drinks: “Dadu·Miaoying Crisp Tea” and other themed teas;
  • Main dishes like “Baita Roast Duck North-South Style” and “Kung Pao Surf and Turf” combine Beijing flavors with creativity.
• Best Time to Visit:
  • Lunch or afternoon tea while gazing up at Baita Temple.

5. Baita Temple Pharmacy & Herbal Drink Shop

• Location: Entrance of East Alley, same building as Yao Coffee, with a traditional Chinese medicine shop on the first floor.
• Drinks & Experience:
  • The second-floor “Herbal Drink Shop” offers Monk Fruit Americano and other Chinese herbal coffee blends;
  • Stairwell features old photos of Baita Temple, perfect for browsing while waiting for drinks;
  • Also sells sachets and small cultural creative gifts, great as souvenirs.

6. Gongmenkou Steamed Buns

• Location: Hutongs around Gongmenkou, near Lu Xun Museum and East-West Fork.
• Features:
  • Offers a variety of stuffed steamed buns, considered a “must-eat” by many locals;
  • Ideal for breakfast or a snack on the go, affordable and easy to take away.

2. Local Small Eateries and Home-style Flavors in the Hutongs

1. Eryouju Meat Pie (二友居肉饼)

• Location: Hutongs around Baita Temple, near Fuchengmen Inner Street.
• Dish Highlights:
  • Famous for meat pies, thick and juicy with plenty of meat and juice;
  • Affordable, a favorite local neighborhood eatery.
• Suitable For:
  • Visitors wanting to experience local daily food on a budget.

2. Erjie (Halal Time-Honored Brand)

• Location: Hutongs near Baita Temple.
• Signature Snacks:
  • Vegetarian Meatballs: About ¥10 per jin (~500g), golden crispy with distinct edges, carrot shreds wrapped in savory batter, a popular snack for locals to eat while walking;
  • Also offers various halal main dishes and stir-fries.

3. Najian’er Noodle House (那尖儿面馆)

• Location: Near the west fork entrance of Gongmenkou.
• Recommended Dishes:
  • Da Lu Noodles: Rich sauce with wood ear mushrooms, daylily, and large meat slices; noodles are chewy and not sticky; both sauce and noodles can be refilled;
  • Freshly made jianbing (savory crepes) at the door are also popular.
• Suitable For:
  • Quick lunch or evening snack, perfect for a fast energy boost during a walk.

4. Lianglukou Sichuan Restaurant

• Location: Baita Temple surrounding blocks, near Fuchengmen direction.
• Dish Highlights:
  • Fish-flavored shredded pork rice bowl: A local Sichuan food lover’s repeat order, every grain of rice soaked in sweet, sour, and spicy sauce with ample meat slices;
  • Kung Pao Chicken rice bowl, stir-fried liver tips, and others are also popular.
• Dining Tips:
  • Around 12 PM it tends to be full, so arrive early or avoid peak lunch hours.

5. Xingyuan Restaurant

• Location: Near Fuchengmen Inner Street, within walking distance from Baita Temple.
• Restaurant Type:
  • State-run time-honored convenience restaurant, locals have eaten here since childhood;
  • Focuses on Beijing home-style dishes and simple meals at affordable prices.
• Dish Examples:
  • Sweet and sour pork, braised eggplant, crispy meatballs, zhajiang noodles, etc., offering great value for a proper meal before or after your itinerary.

6. Xinchuan Noodle House & Imperial Crispy Beef Pie

• Location: North Street of Fuchengmen Inner, near the west side of Baita Temple area.
• Xinchuan Noodle House:
  • Specializes in spicy cold noodles and other Sichuan-style noodle dishes, paired with a bottle of Beibingyang soda, a classic Beijing combo;
  • Suitable for dinner after a day’s itinerary.
• Imperial Crispy Beef Pie:
  • Freshly pan-fried juicy beef pie, crispy outside and juicy inside;
  • Perfect for eating on the go as a snack during hutong walks.

3. Nearby Restaurants Suitable for Long Citywalks

These restaurants are slightly farther from the Baita Temple core area but within walking or short metro ride distance, ideal for combining with long citywalk routes like “Baita Temple — Xisi — Huguosi Street.”

• Shaguoju (near Guangji Temple)
  A time-honored clay pot restaurant known for various clay pot dishes and Beijing home-style cuisine, perfect for those wanting an authentic Beijing meal.

• Ziguangyuan (Xisi area)
  Chain time-honored brand specializing in zhajiang noodles, lu zhu (stewed offal), and other Beijing snacks, great for a quick meal.

• Tianfuli Chaozhou Cuisine (near Baita Temple area)
  Focuses on Chaozhou dishes, suitable for group or family dining.

• Wo Ai Luo (Huguosi Street area)
  Specializes in luosifen (snail rice noodles), often with long queues; can be combined with the “Xishiku Church — Huguosi Street” route.

• Liuquanju Restaurant (near Huguosi/Xisi)
  Time-honored Shandong cuisine restaurant, ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner after a long walk.

• Halal Manhengji Copper Hot Pot (near Huguosi Street)
  Famous halal copper hot pot, loved by locals and tourists alike; perfect for a genuine copper pot hot pot meal after walking from Xishiku Church to Huguosi Street.

4. Coffee and Dessert Concentration Area (Gongmenkou East-West Fork, East Alley)

The coffee culture in the Baita Temple area is very developed, especially concentrated around Gongmenkou East-West Fork and Baita Temple East Alley, a paradise for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts.

• Yao Coffee:
  Coffee infused with herbal medicine flavors, located on the first floor connected to Baita Temple Pharmacy, with a three-story terrace offering sunset and night views of Baita Temple; perfect for a relaxed evening sit and night photography.

• Baita Light:
  Hostel + coffee + craft beer bar, well-reviewed for food and decor; the terrace offers a prime spot for viewing the temple, ideal for multiple visits.

• Ta’er Coffee / Fang Bar:
  Daytime coffee and nighttime craft beer; rooftop terrace with distant views of Baita Temple at night, relaxed atmosphere.

• Firefly Coffee:
  Famous for sandwiches and light meals, great for brunch; quiet shop with cats, second floor connected to a tiled roof, perfect for photos.

• Muse Coffee, METAL Iron Hand Coffee, Polonio Coffee, SlyFox Coffee & Bar, Chun Ya Sweet Soup, Fat Girl Sugar, Najian, Zhipu Coffee, Sugar Room Coffee, etc.:
  Spread across East-West Fork and Xisi—Baita Temple area, each with unique styles and signature drinks; average price around ¥30–60 (~$5–9 USD), flexible choices based on taste and route.

Overall, the Baita Temple area easily allows for a combination of “morning Gongmenkou steamed buns + hutong small eatery lunch + afternoon coffee and desserts + evening copper pot hot pot,” catering to all budgets and tastes from north to south.

---

---

Accommodation Options and Area Recommendations

The accommodation around the 白塔寺 (Baita Temple) area mainly consists of hutong guesthouses, youth hostels, and mid-range business hotels, making it perfect for travelers who want to deeply experience the old city for a night or two. Depending on your budget and travel purpose, you can choose from the following levels and areas.

1. Stay at the Foot of the White Pagoda: Immersive Hutong Experience

1. Baita Zhiguang Youth Hostel

• Location: Around Gongmenkou East Fork, adjacent to 白塔寺 (Baita Temple) and Dongxicha Cultural Street, within walking distance to key spots like the Lu Xun Museum and Baita Temple East Alley.
• Price Range: Dorm bed around ¥100+ per person, with slight fluctuations during peak season.
• Accommodation Features:
  • A typical "live in the scenery" experience: downstairs are coffee bars and creative shops, upstairs is a three-story viewing terrace;
  • The terrace offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the White Pagoda and surrounding hutongs, an ideal spot for photographing the pagoda day and night;
  • Lively public spaces, perfect for young travelers who enjoy socializing, photography, and coffee culture.
• Suitable For:
  • Backpackers, students, solo travelers;
  • Visitors wanting to stay a night at the foot of the White Pagoda and experience hutong nightlife and quiet mornings.

2. Small Hutong Guesthouses and Youth Hostels

• Types and Distribution:
  • Several small youth hostels, boutique guesthouses, and coffee+accommodation hybrid spaces are scattered in hutongs around Gongmenkou East and West Fork, Baita Temple East Alley, and Suluobo Hutong;
  • Some focus mainly on lodging (e.g., “Lianlian” style siheyuan guesthouses), while others combine with bookstores or cafes (like Baita Study Room).
• Common Features:
  • Mostly renovated siheyuan or old buildings, with limited rooms, so booking in advance during holidays is necessary;
  • Stepping outside means entering hutongs and the White Pagoda area, allowing you to enjoy quiet moments early morning or late night when tourists are few;
  • Walking distance to cultural landmarks like the Lu Xun Museum, Imperial Ancestral Temple, Guangji Temple, and Xishiku Church.
• Possible Drawbacks:
  • Tight parking in hutongs, inconvenient for self-driving;
  • Some old houses have average soundproofing and lighting, so those sensitive to sleep quality should carefully check reviews and room photos.

2. Surrounding Mid-Range Business Hotels: Comfort and Convenience

If you want to ensure comfort while having easy access to the 白塔寺 (Baita Temple) area, consider mid-range business hotels or chain brands around Xisi, Xidan, and Financial Street.

• Recommended Areas:

  • Xisi Area:
    • Advantages: Within walking distance or one metro stop to Lu Xun Museum, Baita Temple, Imperial Ancestral Temple, and Guangji Temple;
    • Suitable for travelers focusing on the western old city and northern central axis.
  • Xidan and Financial Street Area:
    • Advantages: Well-developed commercial facilities, convenient shopping, dining, and multiple metro transfers;
    • About 15–20 minutes to 白塔寺 (Baita Temple) area by Metro Line 2 or Line 1 plus a short walk.

• Hotel Types:

  • Chain business hotels like Hanting, Home Inn Business, and Ji Hotel;
  • Some mid-range boutique hotels and serviced apartments.

• Price Range:

  • Generally between ¥300–600 per night, depending on season and brand.

3. High-Star Hotels: Business Trips with a Side Visit to Baita Temple

For business travelers or those with higher accommodation standards, high-star hotels around Financial Street, Fuxingmen, and Xidan are good choices:

• Representative Options (search specific names and prices yourself):

  • International brand hotels in the Financial Street area (e.g., Ritz-Carlton, Westin);
  • High-star business hotels near Fuxingmen and Xidan.

• Transport and Experience:

  • Taxi or Metro Line 2/Line 1 plus walking usually takes 15–20 minutes to reach the 白塔寺 (Baita Temple) area;
  • Suitable for fitting the Baita Temple cultural route as a one-day or half-day cultural tour during business trips.

• Price Range:

  • Usually ¥600+ per night, with possible increases during holidays or conventions.

4. Location Suggestions and Notes

• If your itinerary focuses mainly on the Baita Temple cultural route:

  • Strongly recommend staying at least one night in the area or near Xisi;
  • Early mornings are perfect for photographing nearly deserted hutongs and the White Pagoda at places like East Alley and Suluobo Hutong;
  • At night, enjoy the White Pagoda lighting up from the East and West Fork terraces, experiencing a completely different atmosphere from daytime.

• If this is your first time in Beijing and your trip is not limited to Baita Temple:

  • Consider staying in Xisi or Xidan as a base, balancing visits to popular spots like the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and Shichahai;
  • The Baita Temple area can be planned as a one-day or half-day themed city walk.

• Not Recommended:

  • If your main itinerary centers on the western old city and central axis, avoid staying in eastern business districts or distant suburbs (e.g., Guomao, Wangjing, Yizhuang), as long commutes will reduce the continuity and relaxation of your city walk.

Overall, accommodation options around the 白塔寺 (Baita Temple) area perfectly fulfill the desire to "live at the root of the old city": whether budget-friendly youth hostels or more comfortable business hotels, you can experience Beijing’s nights and mornings among red walls, gray tiles, and the ringing of the White Pagoda bells—offering a completely different vibe from traditional tourist spots.

---

One-Day Citywalk Sample Route (Including Half-Day Cut Version)

Below is a one-day walking route starting from the subway exit, covering the main highlights of the Baita Temple (白塔寺) cultural line. You can shorten it to a half-day itinerary depending on your energy and time. The route begins at Metro Line 2, Fuchengmen Station Exit B (阜成门站B口) and can end at either Xishiku Church or Jingshan Park.

---

Morning: Lu Xun and the White Pagoda — A Dialogue Between Literature and Ancient Tower

08:45–09:00 Arrival and Warm-up

• Exit from Metro Line 2, Fuchengmen Station Exit B (阜成门站B口), walk east along Fuchengmen Inner Street (阜成门内大街), soaking in the old city street scenes inside the 2nd Ring Road;
• The walk is about 600–800 meters. Along the way, observe the old buildings and street breakfast stalls to warm up for the upcoming hutong stroll.

09:00–10:15 Lu Xun Museum and Former Residence

• Midway along Fuchengmen Inner Street, turn south into Gongmenkou 2nd Alley (宫门口二条) and walk a few minutes to reach the Lu Xun Museum (No.19 Gongmenkou 2nd Alley, 宫门口二条19号);
• Visit tips:
  • First, complete the free reservation/registration via the official WeChat account or on-site QR code at the entrance;
  • Visit the chronological exhibition of Lu Xun’s life to learn about his creative and ideological journey in Beijing;
  • Enter the small siheyuan (courtyard house) former residence to see Lu Xun’s study, the “Tiger Tail” desk, and the lilac tree he personally planted;
  • Collect a few Lu Xun-themed stamps inside the museum as a “paper souvenir” for today’s trip.

For a half-day trip, limit your stay at the Lu Xun Museum to 45–60 minutes.

10:15–10:45 Stroll Through Gongmenkou Hutongs and Explore East-West Alley Intersection

• Exit the Lu Xun Museum and walk west or north along Gongmenkou 2nd Alley to reach the Gongmenkou East-West Alley Intersection (宫门口东西岔);
• Pause briefly at the small square in the center of the intersection and look out as the White Pagoda slowly “rises” behind the hutong rooftops, experiencing the unique city skyline of “pagoda pressing down the hutongs”;
• Browse nearby cafes and small shops around the square to pre-select your afternoon “coffee break” spot.

10:45–12:00 Miaoying Temple White Pagoda (Baita Temple Museum)

• Walk about 10 minutes northwest from the Gongmenkou East-West Alley Intersection through the hutongs to reach Miaoying Temple White Pagoda (妙应寺白塔);

• Suggested visiting order:

  1. Purchase tickets or verify your reservation at the ticket office (free entry on Wednesdays if quota available);
  2. Enter the Hall of Heavenly Kings (天王殿) to admire the bronze Maitreya Buddha, Four Heavenly Kings, and guardian deity Weituo;
  3. Visit the Seven Buddhas Hall (七佛宝殿) and Three-Life Buddha Hall (三世佛殿), noting the gilded nine dragons and twelve phoenixes coffered ceiling and the “Six Supernatural Powers” calligraphy plaque by Emperor Qianlong;
  4. Look up at the pagoda body and its 36 wind chimes from below, appreciating the scale and details of Yuan Dynasty architecture;
  5. Follow the wall instructions to walk clockwise around the pagoda 3 or 5 times, giving yourself a quiet moment for prayer.

• Allocate about 1–1.5 hours, depending on your interest in Buddhist art and architecture.

12:00–13:15 Lunch and Short Break at the Foot of the White Pagoda

• From the east exit of the White Pagoda Temple, walk a few minutes to Baita Academy / Baita Study Room (白塔书院/白塔书房) or nearby restaurants for lunch:
  • If choosing Baita Academy/Study Room, try themed snacks like “Old Beijing Ice Cream Sugar Oil Cake” and “Dadu Miaoying Su Tea” while enjoying views of the White Pagoda from the courtyard;
  • If you prefer home-style dishes, walk slightly northwest or southwest to hutong eateries like Eryouju Meat Pie (二友居肉饼), Erjie Halal Restaurant (二姐清真), or Lianglukou Sichuan Restaurant (两路口川菜小馆).

For a half-day trip, shorten lunch to 45 minutes and have a simple meal nearby before heading directly to the afternoon hutong and coffee section.

---

Afternoon: Hutongs, Coffee, and Royal Sacrificial Sites

13:15–14:00 Baita Temple East Alley and Su Luobo Hutong

• Exit Baita Academy/Study Room and walk a few steps east to Baita Temple East Alley (白塔寺东夹道):
  • Take a few “celebrity-style” photos with the red wall and White Pagoda in the frame;
  • It’s recommended to focus on environmental shots now and save portrait photography for the softer afternoon light.
• Then turn north or west from East Alley into Su Luobo Hutong (苏萝卜胡同):
  • Observe old walls, doorposts, clothes drying poles, and residents’ daily life scenes from the late Qing and early Republic periods;
  • In autumn, look for the “White Pagoda London Plane Tree” photo spot at the west entrance of the hutong to capture golden leaves with the pagoda.

14:00–15:00 Coffee Time at Gongmenkou East-West Alley Intersection

• Return from Su Luobo Hutong or East Alley to the Gongmenkou East-West Alley Intersection:

  • Choose JM Cafe·Bakery, enjoy coffee on the second-floor terrace with a distant view of the White Pagoda;
  • Or try Yao Coffee, experiencing the unique combination of a first-floor traditional Chinese medicine shop and a third-floor terrace;
  • For a quieter vibe, visit small shops like Firefly Coffee (萤火虫咖啡) or sth.here (有术sth.here), order a specialty drink or light snack, and relax on the second-floor balcony or by the window.

• This time serves as both an afternoon rest and a chance to recharge for the upcoming walk.

15:00–16:00 Revisiting Classic Photo Spots and Golden Light at East Alley

• After coffee, it’s recommended to return to Baita Temple East Alley between 15:00–16:00:
  • The slanting light on the red walls and White Pagoda creates a golden hour perfect for portrait and street photography;
  • Try different angles, such as opposite the wall at No.26 East Alley or the “Light of the White Pagoda” intersection, using the hutong’s depth and light-shadow changes for creative shots;
  • If interested, visit the South Gate vehicle entrance of Baita Temple for a slightly elevated view of the red walls and pagoda.

For a half-day trip, you can end here and return to Fuchengmen Station or have a simple meal at the East-West Alley before leaving.

16:00–17:30 Temple of Emperors and Guangji Temple

• Walk southeast from the Baita Temple area, exit the hutongs to Xisi North Street (西四北大街), and first arrive at the Temple of Emperors (历代帝王庙):

  • After buying tickets, visit the main and side halls along the central axis, noting the 60 golden Phoebe zhennan wood pillars and 188 imperial ancestral tablets;
  • If there is a free guided tour, follow the guide to learn about the system of “The Imperial Ancestral Temple worships the reigning emperor, the Temple of Emperors worships previous emperors.”

• After the Temple of Emperors, walk a few minutes south to Guangji Temple (广济寺):

  • Stroll quietly through this Qing Dynasty official-style temple complex and experience a different Buddhist atmosphere from Baita Temple;
  • If time allows, stay a bit longer to explore another facet of Beijing’s Buddhist culture.

---

Evening: Bookstores, Church, and Optional Jingshan Sunset

17:30–18:15 Zhengyang Bookstore and Honglou Public Library

• Continue southeast from Guangji Temple to reach Zhengyang Bookstore (正阳书局):

  • Visit the Yuan Dynasty Wansong Elder Tower (万松老人塔) in the courtyard and browse exhibitions of Beijing local documents and old maps;
  • Ideal for visitors interested in Beijing’s urban history and hutong culture.

• Across the street is the Honglou Public Library (红楼公共藏书楼):

  • Converted from an old cinema, featuring giant book walls combined with Republican-era small building style;
  • Find a seat here to quietly read or organize your photos from the day, recharging for the end of the trip.

18:15–19:00 Xishiku Church and Dinner Options

• Walk east from Honglou Public Library to Xishiku Church (North Church, 西什库教堂):

  • Admire the Gothic spires outside and the strong contrast with surrounding Chinese-style buildings;
  • If open, briefly enter to experience the stained glass windows and solemn interior.

• Dinner options:

  • If you want to keep walking, head from Xishiku Church to Huguosi Street (护国寺街) and dine at places like Qingzhen Manhengji Copper Hotpot (清真满恒记铜火锅), Liuquanju Restaurant (柳泉居饭庄), or I Love Snails (我爱螺);
  • If tired, choose closer restaurants near Xisi or Fuchengmen such as Xingyuan Restaurant (杏园餐厅) or Xinchuan Noodle House (新川面馆).

19:00–20:00 (Optional) Jingshan Park Sunset and Night View

• If you still have energy and time, continue walking from Xishiku Church to Jingshan Park West Gate (景山公园西门):
  • Buy a ticket (~¥2, about ~$0.30 USD) to enter and climb to the park’s highest point;
  • Overlook the Forbidden City panorama and Beijing’s central axis night view, perfectly ending your citywalk for the day.

---

Half-Day Itinerary Cut Suggestions

If time is limited, you can cut the above one-day route into a half-day highlight version:

• Morning Half-Day (Cultural Focus):

  • Fuchengmen Exit B → Lu Xun Museum → Stroll Gongmenkou East-West Alley → Miaoying Temple White Pagoda (including walking around the pagoda) → Simple lunch at Baita Academy → Return to Fuchengmen.

• Afternoon Half-Day (Photography and Coffee Focus):

  • Start afternoon from Fuchengmen Exit B → South Gate vehicle entrance photo spot at Baita Temple → Short stop at Baita Academy → Photo session at Baita Temple East Alley → Coffee break at Gongmenkou East-West Alley cafes → Street photography at Su Luobo Hutong and Gongmenkou West Alley → Dinner near Fuchengmen Inner North Street or Xisi, then leave.

Whether you choose the full-day or half-day version, this route allows you to experience the historical layers and contemporary life of the Baita Temple cultural line at a leisurely pace, surrounded by red walls, the White Pagoda, hutongs, and the aroma of coffee.

---