East meets West in the quaint Wudaoying hutong, a great stop for travelers and Beijing-dwellers alike. This renovated hutong holds all kinds of Western comforts, from coffee to fast food, to slightly more fancy dining, and even Mexican food. Located right across from Yonghegong Temple, it can provide a much-needed change of pace after a long day of traipsing through the Beijing sites.
Wudaoying is in its golden age, as it is still quite a mix of old-fashioned hutong life and chic Western stops. Its foot traffic is increasing rapidly and will likely be in 5 years what Nanluogouxiang is now – heavily traveled, but still full of novelty for the curious explorer. See more Beijing Hutongs
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If music is your interest try VA Bar, one of the first spots as you enter Wudaoying hutong from Yonghegong Street. This bar is a staple of Bejing's up-and-coming music scene and hosts popular local bands on weekends, as well as a great open mic night on Wednesdays.
Western Indulgences
It's a safe bet that this hutong sports the highest density of coffee shops of any hutong in Beijing, so finding a place to relax and talk over a cup-a-joe is no problem at all. There's the big name Costa, with a nice covered courtyard area. Venture deeper into the hutong, though, and you'll find little gems like L'Infusion and LG's Cafe, both of which have well-made coffee drinks and a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Missing Mexican food? There's a spot for that. On the West end of the Hutong is Sand Pebbles, rumored to be the best Mexican food restaurant in Beijing. While the enormous burritos are the most popular feature of the menu, you really can't go wrong here. See Best Food and Restaurants in Beijing Hutongs
If it's a full-bodied beer you're after, try the Vine Leaf. This one's a little harder to find, as it's around the corner on Dage Hutong (the only left turn you can make when walking west on Wudaoying), and has only the sign "Number 4 Arrow Factory Lane" on white paper.
Unique Experiences
Don't miss Sirena, sometimes simply referred to as "Cat Bar" because it has – you guessed it – cats. About 10 of them. Come for a late afternoon hot chocolate and relax on their couches, while making a new feline friend or two, or visit later on for some cocktails, blaring music videos, and cats. Okay, the vibe is a little…unique, but definitely fun for cat-lovers.
While a cat bar is adorable and quirky, even more eccentric is Vampire Bar, simply referred to as "The V'. This bar is sure to send a chill down your spine with its spooky decor and Vampire-inspired drinks. They have the typical selection of Chinese beers, or if you're feeling daring, choose a blood-type cocktail.
China Highlights can help you customize a tour to visit Wudaoying Hutong and other highlights in Beijing.
