Qianmen Pedestrian Road Beijing – Old Beijing Snacks & Shopping

A Walk Through History & Flavors

Qianmen Pedestrian Road (前门大街) is one of Beijing’s most iconic streets, just steps away from Tiananmen Square. Lined with restored Qing-era architecture, you’ll find everything here: century-old shops, traditional snacks, teahouses, and modern boutiques. It’s not just a shopping street—it’s where old Beijing meets the new.

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Getting There

• Subway:

  • Line 2 → Qianmen Station (Exit B or C)

  • Line 7 → Zhushikou Station (Exit A or C)

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What to Do & See in Qian Men

1. History & Architecture

Stroll under red lanterns and through buildings styled after the 1920s–’30s on this 845m-long street that echoes old Beijing’s southern commercial hub

2. Iconic Snacks & Drinks

• Wu Yu Tai Ice Cream (吴裕泰冰淇淋) – Centuries-old tea brand turned beloved ice cream, featuring jasmine or matcha flavors with real tea aroma. Highly Instagrammable.

• Old Beijing Bao Du Fen (方砖厂爆肚冯) – Local favorite for sesame-bathed tripe noodles.

• Douzhi (豆汁儿) – Fermented mung bean drink; it’s an acquired taste. Most people recoil—yes, including us—but trying it is a rite of passage.

• Street snacks – Don’t miss candied hawthorns, roast chestnuts, tanghulu, or wangfujing-style tangbao.

3. Local Culture & Shops

• Teahouses with performances—watch comic dialogue or storytelling while sipping a teacup.

• Century-old stores like Ruifuxiang silk, Quanjude roast duck, Neiliansheng shoes, and Liubiju pickles are all here.

• Qianshi Hutong—a hidden narrow alley nearby (only 40–70cm wide) that’s full of history.

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Tips for Visitors

• Best time: Late afternoon into evening—great for photos, fewer crowds, and street lights.

• Wear comfy shoes—the street is long and cobbled.

• Bring cash or mobile pay—many stalls prefer digital payment.

• Explore side hutongs—look around Dashilanr or Qianshi Hutong for hidden gems.