Hotel in Beijing 100009, Beijing, Beijing
Hutong Youth Hostel
Nestled in a quiet hutong alley near the Drum Tower and Shichahai lakes, the Hutong Youth Hostel is a gem for travelers wanting an authentic Beijing experience. The restored siheyuan (courtyard) dates to the Qing dynasty. Communal breakfasts and evening gatherings in the courtyard foster a great travel community.
Hutong Youth Hostel occupies a restored siheyuan — a traditional Beijing courtyard dwelling — on Banchang Hutong in the Gulou area of Dongcheng district. The property's origins in the Qing dynasty give it architectural authenticity that purpose-built hotels cannot replicate: carved wooden door frames, grey-brick courtyard walls, and a central open yard framed by single-storey rooms provide an immersive setting in the historic heart of north Beijing. The Drum Tower, a landmark of Ming and Qing dynasty Beijing, is a ten-minute walk south, while the shores of Shichahai and Houhai lakes lie within fifteen minutes on foot.
The hostel is intentionally small in scale, a characteristic that shapes the informal community atmosphere guests frequently cite. Evening gatherings in the central courtyard — sometimes evolving into communal cooking sessions — are facilitated by the shared kitchen, which guests may use for preparing their own meals. This communal kitchen provision is uncommon among Beijing hostels and gives the property a stronger domestic character than larger, more commercially oriented backpacker hostels.
Accommodation includes dormitory beds in four-person rooms and private rooms with varying bathroom configurations. Bedding and towels are provided. Bicycle rental is available from the hostel, an appropriate match with the surrounding neighbourhood, which consists of hutong alleys that reward slow exploration on two wheels or on foot. A travel information board lists current bus and subway schedules, Great Wall tour options, and recommendations for nearby restaurants and attractions.
Nightlife around Houhai and Shichahai — Beijing's lakeside bar district — is a short walk from the hostel. The area offers rooftop bars, live music venues, and traditional courtyard dining, making evening entertainment easily accessible without lengthy transit. The nearest subway access is in the Drum Tower area, served by Line 8, which connects to the rest of the city network. Nightly dormitory rates start at approximately CNY 94, competitive within Beijing's traditional courtyard hostel segment.
Amenities
- Dorm and private rooms
- Traditional courtyard
- Common kitchen
- Bike rental
- Wi-Fi
- Travel board
Location
20 Banchang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009
Highlights
- Qing dynasty courtyard
- Near Drum Tower and Shichahai
- Traditional architecture
- Community atmosphere
Tips
- Cook in the shared kitchen to reduce costs and meet other guests — local markets on Gulou Dongdajie sell fresh vegetables, tofu, and meat at very affordable prices.
- The Drum Tower and Bell Tower charge a modest admission fee (combined ticket around CNY 30); climb the Drum Tower for a panoramic view of the hutong rooftops.
- Shichahai and Houhai lakeside bars are a 15-minute walk west — arrive before 9pm for seating at popular rooftop spots.
- Bicycle rental from the hostel is recommended for exploring the large hutong grid between Gulou and Jingshan Park — a half-day cycling route with minimal traffic.
- Ask at the travel board for current recommendations on which Great Wall section tours are running from the hostel — these change seasonally and by operator.
FAQ
How old is the building at Hutong Youth Hostel?
The siheyuan courtyard building dates to the Qing dynasty, giving it several centuries of history. The property has been carefully restored to maintain traditional architectural features while providing modern hostel facilities.
Is there a kitchen at Hutong Youth Hostel?
Yes, the hostel has a shared kitchen available for guest use, an uncommon amenity among Beijing hostels. Basic cooking equipment and utensils are provided for self-catering.
How close is the hostel to Shichahai and the lakeside bars?
Shichahai lake and the Houhai bar street are approximately a 15-minute walk west from the hostel. The route passes through atmospheric hutong lanes in the Gulou neighbourhood.
Can guests rent bikes at the hostel?
Yes, bicycle rental is available from the hostel front desk. The surrounding Gulou hutong network is well-suited to relaxed cycling and provides easy access to Shichahai and Jingshan Park.
Accessibility
The Qing dynasty courtyard building has multiple raised door sills, stone courtyards with uneven surfaces, and no elevator access. The property is not accessible for wheelchair users. The surrounding Banchang Hutong is a narrow lane without accessibility features.