Dongcheng Hutongs (Nanluoguxiang & Wudaoying)

Historic hutong alleys with cafes and courtyard architecture. Good during the day, cheaper than international districts. Stick to main streets after dark.

These Dongcheng hutongs mix traditional Beijing with cafe culture. Nanluoguxiang is an 800-year-old alley turned into a pedestrian street with cafes, bars, and shops - touristy but active. Wudaoying Hutong is quieter with cafes and small art galleries. During the day both areas have plenty of people around, tourists and locals. The cafes get women working alone on laptops or reading, so sitting solo is normal. English is less common than Sanlitun, but main cafe staff can usually help. Best during daytime when courtyards are busy. After dark the main streets are okay with some lighting, but narrower side alleys get pretty isolated. Lower prices than Sanlitun, more of a local feel though still somewhat touristy.