Free self-guided walk · Beijing

Lakes and hutongs from the Drum Tower to Jingshan

A free self-guided walk from the Drum and Bell Towers through the hutongs and around the Houhai and Qianhai lakes to Jingshan Park, above the Forbidden City.

Distance
3.7 km
Walking time
49 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsBeijing city guide

About this walk

This walk follows the lanes and lakes north of the Forbidden City, where much of old Beijing's street life survives.

It ends on Jingshan hill, with the best view over the palace roofs.

  • Terrain: Flat lanes, then steps up Jingshan hill.
  • Best time: Late afternoon, reaching Jingshan for sunset.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Bell Tower

    Start at the grey-brick tower that once rang the hours.

  2. Drum Tower

    The red tower opposite, whose drums once marked the night watches.

  3. Yandai Xiejie

    A narrow, crooked hutong of small shops leading to the lakes.

  4. Silver Ingot Bridge

    The small bridge between Houhai and Qianhai lakes.

  5. Qianhai

    Walk along the east shore of the lake, busy with cafés and bars.

  6. Beihai Park

    Walk through the old imperial lake garden, past its White Dagoba.

  7. Jingshan Park

    Finish on the hill above the Forbidden City.

Tips

  • Beihai Park and Jingshan Park each charge a small entry fee and may ask for ID.
  • Walk the Forbidden City itself on another day; it needs a booked ticket.
  • Rickshaw drivers around Houhai will offer tours; agree a price first if you take one.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.