Nanluogu Xiang

I used to live along this cobbled lane of boho boutiques, coffee shops, bars and eateries, and in a short time I’ve witnessed it grow from a quiet hutong backwater into a fully-fledged tourist destination. Despite the ubiquitous gift shops and churros stands that line it today, Nanluogu Xiang stills packs more personality into its mile-long stretch than most other streets in the capital.

Actually it’s the side alleys running east to west ‘fishbone’ fashion that throw up the most interesting discoveries, like local artisan shops, hipster cafes and some wonderfully exclusive restaurants and guesthouses. The street is also smack bang in the middle of Beijing’s most colourful hutong district, with trendy Gulou East Street and the Drum and Bell Towers to the north, and Houhai and Qianhai Lakes to the west.