Beyond the noise

Unlike No.71, there is another siheyuan that welcomes outside visitors, No.24. Years ago, the space was a popular restaurant until it was turned into a spa. Getting into this door, you would feel like you were entering into a small world of peace and fragrance. The owner listed several of the spa's services, all averaging several hundred yuan. Don't come inside unless you have enough extra yuan to spare!

There is no shortage of hotels in this lane, but No. 51 has the unique siheyuan style. From the first glance at its door you might be reluctant to go inside for its outside appearance won't impress you as the siheyuan related architecture. The high walls on the either side of the building seem to be deliberately hiding something from the outsiders. In spite of the name, the Emperor's Guards Station, it has no royal connection. Yet still this could an ideal place for those who are looking for a traditional leisurely lifestyle in the midst of a historical setting.

Beijige Santiao might not be a wonderful hutong for exploring history, as neither No.71 nor 26 (the two major historical sites here) is opened to the public. Nevertheless, unlike many other hutong with a straight lane that you could almost see the either end before walking in, Beijige Santiao is rather like a maze of branch roads. With this element, your hutong exploration could be extra fun as you would never know what your eyes would come across next.