Explore the "Vanishing Old Beijing" Subway Self Guided Tour
Take Subway Line 5 and get off at the stop of Yonghegong (雍和宫 Lama Temple ) and exit from Exit C or D. Lama Temple, also called the Yonghe Lamasery, or Yonghegong. It is the most impressive Buddhist temple in the city. Lama Temple was constructed in the 33 Qing Kangxi year (1694) and it is now the largest and best-preserved Lamasery of Yellwo Sect in Beijing. It was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng before his ascending to the throne. However, in 1744 the Qing Dynasty formally turned the dwelling to that of a lamasery, and so Yonghe Lamasery became the national centre of Lama administration.
Walking along Chengxian Street to Bell Tower
After visiting Lama Temple, walk along the famous Chengxian Street ( some part of the street is also called Guozijian Jie). The east-west roadway, starting about 700 years ago with its structures built in line with ancient Chinese customs, once one of the China's most important humanist centers - the Confucius Temple and Guozijian (Imperial College). So walking west along the street, you will come across Kong Miao (Temple of Confucius) and the neighboring Guozijian (Imperial Academy). Walking along Guozijian Jie west until it meets Andingmennei Dajie. Enter this commerical road, turn left and walk south to Guloudong Dajie, another major thoroughfare. Turn right (west) and walk to the Gulou (Drum Tower).
Hutong Tour by RickshawTake a pedicab to tour hutongs - the narrow streets or lanes formed by quadrangles. Hutongs were established throughout the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. Most of the hutongs we see today were built during the Ming and Qinq. Lunch will be arranged at a local family. After lunch, again take the pedicab or walk to the Zhang Zhi Zhong Subway Station of Line 5 for your next destination.
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