Dongsi Hutong Historic Block & Dongsi Hutong Museum (东四胡同)

The short answer: Dongsi is one of Beijing's oldest hutong districts, with commercial history going back to the Yuan dynasty; the Dongsi 3rd to 8th alleys still preserve Yuan-era street plans that are a key witness to Beijing's urban planning. The Dongsi Hutong Museum, in a typical three-courtyard siheyuan at 东四四条77号, uses old objects, multimedia and an '印象瓦舍' (tile) installation to evoke everyday old-Beijing life and the area's millennial history. It is a free, small museum that makes a natural focus for walking the surrounding hutongs.

At a glance

Where it is: 东城区东四四条77号 (museum), Dongsi historic block, Dongcheng District
How long to allow: About 1 hour in the museum plus a walk of the alleys
Ticket & access: Free admission (no reservation currently needed as of source); check whether the museum is open on the day. Opening hours were not stated.

What it is

Dongsi is one of Beijing's oldest hutong districts, with commercial history going back to the Yuan dynasty; the Dongsi 3rd to 8th alleys still preserve Yuan-era street plans that are a key witness to Beijing's urban planning. The Dongsi Hutong Museum, in a typical three-courtyard siheyuan at 东四四条77号, uses old objects, multimedia and an '印象瓦舍' (tile) installation to evoke everyday old-Beijing life and the area's millennial history. It is a free, small museum that makes a natural focus for walking the surrounding hutongs.

Why it's worth the stop

Yuan-era street plan preserved in 东四三条至八条
Free three-courtyard siheyuan museum at 东四四条77号
'印象瓦舍' tile installation and historic exhibits
Hutong lanes with pigeon lofts and old storefronts (e.g. 恒昌瑞记)

Getting there

Metro Line 5 to Dongsi station then walk ~10 min, or bus to 钱粮胡同 and walk ~5 min.

Tickets and opening hours

Free admission (no reservation currently needed as of source); check whether the museum is open on the day. Opening hours were not stated.

Practical details

Where it is: 东城区东四四条77号 (museum), Dongsi historic block, Dongcheng District
How long to allow: About 1 hour in the museum plus a walk of the alleys
Combine the museum with a walk of 史家胡同博物馆 (via bus) for a full hutong-museum day.
The neighbourhood is residential, so keep voices down when photographing courtyards.