One of Beijing's old hutong areas is located next to the Houhai lake. This is where you'll find the picturesque side street Yandai Xiejie. Yandai is the name of a Chinese pipe that was traditionally sold on this street. The street is not very long, and not the right choice of destination if you are on the hunt for the latest fashion clothes. On the other hand, you will find small quantities of strange stuff like art, Mao kitsch, traditional Chinese clothing, jewellery, silk items, tea and teapots and a small selection of funkier designer clothes. One of the city's really good chocolate shops are also situated on this street – but don't expect their prices to be Chinesely low.
Some of the salespeople speak English a bit, and in a few of the shops you can, and should, bargain. The street is a chance to experience Chinese hutongs as well as a shopping street, and while you are there you should take the opportunity to visit Houhai Lake.
Shopping in Beijing
(Text updated: 2008-08-19)
西城区烟袋斜街
Yandai Xiejie
Xicheng district
From daytime til late at night.
Lat. 39.93769°
Long. 116.38853°
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Courtyard 7 Hotel

About 57.00 USD/Room
Each of the 19 rooms at this fine 4-star hotel feature superior amenities. Non smoking rooms, air c...
2100 ft (700 m) from Yandai Xiejie
Bamboo Garden Hotel

About 89.00 USD/Room
Once a noble house of an imperial minister, this hotel is situated near a narrow alley, which provid...
2600 ft (800 m) from Yandai Xiejie
N.E. Hotel

About 24.00 USD/Room
Located in a historic Hutong area, guests have the chance to live among the local people while enjoy...
1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Yandai Xiejie
Beijing Hutong Culture Inn & Hostel

About 25.00 USD/Room
All 78 rooms at this 3-star hotel are tailored to satisfy guests' needs. Each room includes non smo...
3100 ft (1000 m) from Yandai Xiejie
[2008-08-19] Shopping in Beijing wrote...
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