Hotel in Beijing 100009, Beijing, Beijing
Peking Youth Hostel
Perfectly located on the famous Nanluoguxiang hutong, this hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms in a renovated courtyard building. The location cannot be beat for exploring hutong neighborhoods. Friendly staff, a cozy common room and proximity to great cafes and bars make it a favorite with independent travelers.
Peking Youth Hostel is situated directly on Nanluoguxiang — arguably Beijing's most celebrated surviving hutong alley — in Dongcheng district. The address at number 113 places it midway along the 800-metre lane that runs between Gulou East Street and Di'anmen East Street, a stretch lined with independently owned cafes, boutique shops, small restaurants, and courtyards that collectively constitute one of Beijing's most rewarding pedestrian experiences. The Drum Tower and Bell Tower rise above the rooftops to the northwest, and Shichahai lake is a fifteen-minute walk to the west.
The hostel occupies a renovated siheyuan courtyard building, maintaining the characteristic grey-brick walls and wooden-latticed windows of traditional Dongcheng domestic architecture. The renovation has respected the courtyard layout while incorporating modern amenities — clean dormitory rooms, private rooms with contemporary bedding, and shared bathrooms with hot showers. Courtyard seating areas in the central open yard are a natural gathering point for guests in the mornings and evenings.
Dormitory accommodation is available in four-bed and larger configurations, with mixed and female-only options typically offered. Private rooms are compact but well-organised. Bicycle rental from the hostel is a particularly practical option given the density of the hutong network, which is poorly served by subway — cycling through the adjacent Baitasi and Gulou neighbourhoods remains one of the classic ways to experience old Beijing. Staff are accustomed to helping guests navigate the area on foot and by bicycle.
The location on Nanluoguxiang is highly convenient for cafes and casual dining at all hours, as the lane operates from mid-morning until late evening seven days a week. Subway access is available at Shichahai Station on Line 8 or Beixinqiao Station on Line 5, both providing connections into the broader city network. For travellers prioritising an authentic, neighbourhood-level Beijing experience, Peking Youth Hostel's position on Nanluoguxiang represents one of the strongest location choices in the city's budget accommodation segment. Nightly rates begin at approximately CNY 109.
Amenities
- Dorm and private rooms
- Common room
- Bike rental
- Luggage storage
- Free Wi-Fi
- Courtyard seating
Location
113 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009
Highlights
- On Nanluoguxiang hutong
- Courtyard building
- Bike rental
- Best hutong location
Tips
- Rent a bicycle from the hostel and cycle the hutong loop through Shichahai and Houhai — the route takes two to three hours and requires no map once on the main lanes.
- Nanluoguxiang gets crowded on weekend afternoons; arrive by 9am to enjoy the lane before the tourist rush builds around 11am.
- The hutong around the hostel are best explored on foot in the early morning — traffic is minimal and shopkeepers setting up create an authentic neighbourhood feel.
- Shichahai Station on Line 8 is the nearest subway and links north to Zhongguancun and the Olympic Park area.
- Private rooms book out quickly for weekend stays; reserve at least two weeks ahead during the autumn peak season (late September to November).
FAQ
Is Peking Youth Hostel on the actual Nanluoguxiang hutong?
Yes, the hostel is directly on Nanluoguxiang at number 113, one of Beijing's most famous and well-preserved historic lanes in Dongcheng district.
Does the hostel rent bicycles?
Yes, bicycle rental is available from the hostel. The area around Nanluoguxiang is highly suitable for cycling exploration of the hutong network and the Drum Tower neighbourhood.
How do guests get to the Forbidden City from the hostel?
The Forbidden City is approximately a 25-minute walk southwest or a short taxi ride. Alternatively, guests can take the subway from Beixinqiao Station (Line 5) south to the Dongcheng central area.
Does Peking Youth Hostel have female-only dormitories?
Female-only dormitory rooms are generally available. Guests should confirm availability and book accordingly when making their reservation, as room configurations can vary by season.
Accessibility
The hostel is housed in a traditional siheyuan with uneven stone-paved courtyards and steps between interior areas. It is not accessible for wheelchair users. Nanluoguxiang hutong itself is a narrow paved lane that does not accommodate wheelchairs comfortably.