Dashilan

Dashilan, also spelled Dazhalan, is one of Beijing's oldest and most famous commercial streets, located in the Xicheng District near Qianmen. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood offers a fascinating glimpse into old Beijing, with its narrow alleys (hutongs) and well-preserved Qing dynasty-era buildings. Visitors can explore a mix of traditional Chinese medicine shops, silk stores, tea houses, and theaters, alongside modern souvenir stalls and snack vendors. The area is particularly lively in the evenings when the street lights illuminate the ornate facades. What makes Dashilan distinctive is its authentic old Beijing character, contrasting with the more touristy Wangfujing. You'll see locals shopping for daily goods, hear the clatter of bicycle bells, and smell roasting chestnuts and candied hawthorn skewers. The nearby Qianmen Street and the ancient city gate add to the historical ambiance.

Don't miss

• Visit the century-old Tongrentang Chinese medicine shop
• Browse for silk and traditional crafts at Ruifuxiang
• Watch a performance at the historic Guanghe Theater
• Sample local snacks like zhajiangmian and tanghulu
• Explore the surrounding hutongs for a taste of old Beijing

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Dashilan

Cheapest way inBadaling Great Wall Ticket Booking4.4★ · 39 travelers2-6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$11 per personSee dates →Best full dayBeijing 2-Day Tours: Great Wall, Forbidden City & Top Highlights5★ · 881 travelers~48 hoursFree cancellationFrom$179 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleBeijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour5★ · 311 travelers5-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Getting there

Know before you go

• Bargaining is common in souvenir shops; start at half the asking price.
• Bring cash; some small vendors don't accept cards or mobile payments.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on cobblestones and crowded paths.
• Photography is allowed, but be respectful inside shops and temples.

A bit of history

Dashilan dates back over 500 years to the Ming dynasty, when it was a bustling commercial hub outside the Qianmen gate. Its name comes from the iron栅栏 (zhàlan) or palisades that were installed to control crowds. During the Qing dynasty, it became a center for theaters, teahouses, and famous brands like Tongrentang pharmacy.