Beijing Qianmen Street

History and development of Qianmen Street

Top Things to See and Do on Qianmen Street

1. Zhengyangmen (正阳门)

Begin your journey at the northern gateway of Qianmen Street—Zhengyangmen, also known as Qianmen Gate. Located just south of Tiananmen Square and Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall, this towering structure once marked the main entrance to Beijing’s Inner City. Zhengyangmen consists of two parts: the Gate Tower and the Arrow Tower, which were originally connected by a fortified walled enclosure known as the Wengcheng. Although the wall was removed due to road construction, the two towers still stand today, preserving their commanding presence.

As you stand beneath the gate and gaze upward at its magnificent architecture, it's hard not to feel awed by its grandeur. Imagine the scene centuries ago—the sound of drums, the bark of commands from imperial guards, and the clatter of horse hooves echoing through the gate as royal processions passed through.

2. Dashilan (大栅栏)

Perhaps the most famous sub-street of Qianmen, Dashilan is a cultural treasure trove. Lined with centuries-old shops, many of which are designated “China Time-Honored Brands,” this area preserves the traditional spirit of commerce. Visit Tongrentang Pharmacy, renowned for traditional Chinese medicine; Ruifuxiang, famous for silk and tailor-made qipao; and of course, Quanjude, where the world-famous Peking Duck was perfected.

3. Xianyukou (鲜鱼口) – A Culinary Paradise

Once a historic fish market, Xianyukou has transformed into a foodie heaven. The street now boasts dozens of restaurants and snack stalls serving authentic Beijing flavors. Sample delights like fried liver, stewed pig intestines, peking zha jiang noodles, sugar-coated hawthorn sticks (tanghulu), and more. Many eateries here still maintain traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.

This area is also a great place to try the dishes from Beijing’s Eight Great Cuisines—bringing together regional Chinese culinary techniques in one place.

4. Guanghe Theater (广和楼)

This historic playhouse is a must-visit for fans of Chinese opera and performing arts. Known as one of the oldest theaters in Beijing, Guanghe Theater has seen countless Peking Opera performances. While it no longer holds regular shows, the building itself remains a fascinating landmark—its decorative facade and vintage interior embody the soul of Beijing’s theatrical heritage.

5. Beijing Fun (北京坊)

At the southern end of Qianmen Street lies Beijing Fun, a contemporary cultural and commercial complex where traditional Beijing elements meet global trends. The area features designer boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and international restaurants, all housed within creatively restored siheyuan courtyards and red-brick architecture.

6. Moon Bay Park (月亮湾公园)

If you’re seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling crowds, Moon Bay Park, located just north of Qianmen Pedestrian Street, is the perfect retreat. This nearly 10,000-square-meter open urban park stretches along a narrow strip of land beside the main road, offering a peaceful place to unwind, take a stroll, or snap a few scenic photos.

Gracefully weeping willows sway in the breeze, while meticulously carved white marble reliefs depicting Beijing’s rich history blend harmoniously with vibrant flower beds and lush greenery. The park’s natural charm is complemented by a small leisure plaza, making it a beloved spot for locals to relax in the shade, go for a leisurely walk, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.

Best Foods to Eat on Qianmen Street

1. Fangzhuanchang No.69 Zha Jiang Mian (方砖厂69号炸酱面)

This small but incredibly popular noodle shop is tucked away in the Fangzhuanchang hutong, just steps away from the main Qianmen Street. It’s famous for serving one of Beijing’s most beloved dishes: Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with soybean paste). This eatery perfectly balances authenticity with simplicity, offering a home-style dining experience.

Signature Dish:

• Zha Jiang Mian – hand-pulled wheat noodles topped with rich, savory fermented soybean paste, diced pork, and a generous helping of fresh julienned vegetables like cucumber, bean sprouts, and radish.

Address: No. 69 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Qianmen, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM daily

2. Quanjude Roast Duck (全聚德)

Established in 1864, Quanjude is one of Beijing’s most famous roast duck restaurants. The Qianmen branch, located right on the historic street, is not only a culinary institution but also a cultural landmark. Dining here means enjoying the legendary Peking Duck experience in an elegant setting that echoes old Beijing charm.

Signature Dish:

• Peking Roast Duck – crispy skin and tender duck meat carved tableside and served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. A must-try for any visitor.

Address: No. 32 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM daily

3. Wuyutai Tea Shop (吴裕泰)

Wuyutai is one of Beijing’s most renowned tea brands, with a legacy dating back to 1887. Their Qianmen store not only sells premium loose-leaf teas but also offers unique tea-based desserts and drinks. It’s a perfect spot to cool off and experience traditional Chinese tea culture in a modern way.

Signature Item:

• Matcha Ice Cream – made using real green tea powder, the flavor is rich and earthy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Also try their jasmine or oolong tea for a lighter sip.

Address: No. 186 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

4. Mending Meat Pie (门钉肉饼)

This humble snack is a traditional Beijing delicacy. The name "mending" refers to the gate studs seen on imperial doors, which the pies resemble. Sold at small food stalls or casual diners along Qianmen, these meat pies are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and bursting with juicy meat filling on the inside.

Signature Dish:

• Beef or lamb-stuffed meat pie – a flaky crust filled with seasoned ground meat, often flavored with scallions and sesame oil.

Mending Meat Pie (Qianmen Store)
Address: No. 53, Qianmen Street
Typical Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

5. People’s Café (人民咖啡馆)

People’s Café stands out with its bold Chinese red décor and nostalgic design. One entire wall is creatively covered with white coffee cups, making for a striking visual display. The interior also features black-and-white photos of Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven, evoking a strong sense of old Beijing charm. Even before you step inside, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air.

Signature Item:
“Fa Cai” Coffee – This unique signature drink combines a refreshing aroma with smooth, memorable flavor. What makes it even more special is the edible rice paper printed with the God of Wealth placed on top, as well as a quirky color-changing Qianmen-themed cup sleeve that reacts to heat.

People’s Café (Qianmen Branch) 
Address: No. 81, Qianmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily

6. Daoxiangcun (稻香村)

One of the oldest and most beloved pastry brands in China, Daoxiangcun offers a wide range of traditional Beijing-style desserts and pastries. It’s a fantastic place to pick up edible souvenirs for family and friends.

Signature Items:

• Assorted pastries – such as walnut cakes, jujube paste rolls, mung bean cakes, and sesame crisps. Everything is beautifully boxed, perfect for gifting.

Address: No. 121 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

7. Jin Feng Snack House (锦芳小吃)

Jin Feng Snack House is a time-honored eatery beloved for its authentic Beijing-style snacks. Locals swear by its douzhi (fermented mung bean drink)—rich and tangy with a truly traditional taste. Pair it with crunchy fried dough rings (jiaoquan) and refreshing pickled vegetables, and you’ll have a classic Beijing breakfast that’s full of character. The recipes have stood the test of time, and every bite brings a sense of nostalgia.

Signature Item:

• Don’t miss the yuanxiao (glutinous rice balls)—especially during the Lantern Festival, when queues stretch out the door. Jin Feng offers a wide range of fillings, from traditional red bean and jujube paste to creative flavors like cocoa and osmanthus. Each one is soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor.

Address: No. 85 Xianyukou Food Street, Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily