Gulou Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gulou, Beijing with this comprehensive travel guide featuring attractions, activities, food and drink, accommodation, and more.


Introduction to Gulou

Gulou, meaning ‘drum tower’ in Chinese, is a prominent landmark located in the heart of old Beijing. It was built in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty as a time-keeping device, giving the drum to its citizens to mark the passage of time. Today, Gulou is the perfect mix of history and modernity, making it an attractive destination for tourists interested in seeing traditional Beijing.

List of Places to Visit in Gulou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Palace Museum: Also known as the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum is a must-visit attraction in Beijing. It was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, serving as the living quarters of emperors and their households. It features over 900 rooms and a vast collection of art and artifacts.

  • Lama Temple: A temple and monastery of Tibetan Buddhism that was converted into a palace for Emperor Yongzheng in the 18th century. It features a 26-meter high Buddha statue made of sandalwood and murals of Tibetan Buddhism.

  • Confucius Temple: A temple dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, it has served as a pilgrimage site for over 700 years. It houses a large collection of his writings and diaries, as well as the Temple of Literature, where students from across China came to take the civil service exams.

Natural Attractions of Gulou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Beihai Park: A park located in the center of Beijing, it features a natural lake and a series of gardens and temples. Visitors can rent paddleboats or climb up the small hill inside the park for a breathtaking view of the lake and the city.

  • Houhai Lake: A scenic spot located north of the Forbidden City, it is surrounded by bars and restaurants, making it a popular spot for nightlife. During the day, visitors can rent a boat to explore the lake’s many islands or simply enjoy a walk around the shore.

  • Jingshan Park: A park located right behind the Forbidden City, it offers a panoramic view of Beijing from the top of the hill. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was the site of imperial gardens and pavilions.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gulou

  • Shichahai Lake Route: A popular route for both hikers and bikers, this 7.8 km trail takes you around the Shichahai lakes, passing through various historic areas and scenic spots.

  • Jingshan Park Route: This route takes you up the hill in Jingshan Park for a breathtaking view of the city. The round trip is about 3 km and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Gulou: Activities and Tours

  • Hutong Bike Tour: A tour of Beijing’s ancient alleyways, or hutongs, by bike is a great way to see the city and local life. It typically lasts for 3 hours and covers major attractions in Gulou and its surroundings.

  • Chinese Opera: Watch a traditional Chinese Opera performance at the Lao She Tea House, an iconic traditional teahouse in Beijing. The colorful costumes, enchanting music, and unique storytelling make for an unforgettable experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gulou

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the Forbidden City and nearby hutongs
2 Explore Beihai Park and Jingshan Park, and visit the Palace Museum
3 Cycle or hike the Shichahai Lake Route
4 Visit Lama Temple in the morning and Confucius Temple in the afternoon
5 Take a day trip to the Great Wall of China
6 Explore Houhai Lake and its surrounding hutongs
7 Visit the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square

Food and Drink Scene of Gulou

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beijing Roast Duck: A must-try dish while in Beijing, the duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. Quanjude Duck Restaurant and Da Dong Roast Duck are two of the best-known places to enjoy this famous dish.

  • Zhajiangmian: A popular noodle dish served with a savory bean paste sauce, fresh vegetables, and meat. It’s a cheap and satisfying meal often enjoyed by locals.

Local Beverages

  • Baijiu: A strong Chinese liquor typically consumed during celebratory occasions. It has a strong scent and taste, and is often drunk in small shots.

  • Beijing Yogurt: A traditional local yogurt that is slightly sour in taste and is often sold by street vendors. It’s a good source of probiotics and a popular snack for locals.

Where to Stay in Gulou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Orchid Hotel: A boutique hotel located in a historic hutong, offering tastefully decorated rooms and a cozy courtyard. It’s a perfect mix of tradition and modernity.

  • 365 Inn: A popular hostel among budget travelers, it offers a range of room options and activities, including a cooking class and a bike tour.

  • The Peking Youth Hostel: Another popular hostel, it’s located in a renovated courtyard and offers a range of private rooms and dorms.

What to Buy in Gulou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cloisonne: A unique enamelware technique that originated in Beijing during the Ming dynasty, it is now a popular souvenir for visitors. Visitors can watch the creation process and purchase high-quality cloisonne pieces in various shops around Gulou.

  • Paper Cutting: Another traditional handicraft of Beijing, paper cutting is a unique art form that involves intricate designs and patterns cut out of paper. It’s a perfect souvenir to bring home and decorate your home.

Local Culture and Customs of Gulou

Gulou is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Beijing, with a rich history and traditions that are still upheld today. Visitors should respect the local culture and customs, including greeting locals and asking permission before taking photos.

Best Time to Visit Gulou

The best time to visit Gulou is during the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer can be hot and humid, while the winter can be cold and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gulou

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of Gulou

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local traditions and customs

  • Touch or disturb historical artifacts

  • Bargain too aggressively when shopping in local markets

Safety and Health

Safety in Gulou

Beijing is a relatively safe city, but visitors should be cautious of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas such as markets and public transportation. It’s also important to follow traffic rules and stay alert when crossing the streets.

Health in Gulou

Beijing’s air pollution can be a concern, especially during the winter months. Visitors with respiratory problems should take proper precautions, such as wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities during smoggy days.

Getting to Gulou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gulou

  • Beijing Capital International Airport: The main international airport of Beijing, located 25 km northeast of Gulou.

Bus Stations Near Gulou

  • Dongzhimen Bus Station: Located about 2 km from Gulou, it offers buses to various destinations in Beijing and neighboring provinces.

  • Xidan Bus Station: Located about 4 km from Gulou, it offers buses to various destinations in Beijing and surrounding areas.

Other Options

  • Subway: Gulou has several subway stations connecting to various parts of Beijing.

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Beijing, including Gulou.

How to Get Around in Gulou

  • Subway: The most convenient and cost-effective way to get around Gulou.

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive than the subway.

  • Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the city and its hutongs.

Where to Go Next from Gulou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The Great Wall of China: A must-visit destination while in Beijing, the Great Wall is about a 2-hour drive from Gulou.

  • The Summer Palace: A royal garden and palace in Beijing, designed during the Qing dynasty, it’s about 15 km from Gulou.

  • Temple of Heaven: A sacred site for the Imperial family during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it’s located about 6 km from Gulou.

Conclusion

Gulou is a fascinating area of Beijing that offers a blend of traditional and modern attractions for visitors. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their itinerary, explore the local culture and cuisine, and enjoy their stay in one of the most culturally rich areas in Beijing.

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