Make an Afternoon Out of the Baitasi Hutongs

The Baitasi area in Xicheng district is an interesting place. It’s a mishmash of temples – fitting considering the area is named for one – coffee shops, and, if you’re into burgers, the location of Slowboat Baitasi.

Whatever you make of it, Baitasi is a nice place to spend a day or afternoon centered around the temple for which it’s named. What follows is a little itinerary with a few options to choose from to (a) grab a coffee, (b) see Baitasi, and (c) get some good dinner – or linner, if you’re the type to skip lunch.

Polonio

Start here if you’re heading to Baitasi from the West (aka coming out of Line 2's Fuchengmen Station, Exit B if you're going by subway). The third unofficial branch of local chain Cabo Coffee, Polonio couples Australian-style joe with sunny beach vibes and a rooftop with views of Western Beijing’s hutongs and the White Dagoba. They’ve got some good seasonal options to choose from, and cakes and other treats to pair them with.

Polonio
81 Gongmenkou Dongcha, Xicheng District
西城区宫门口东岔81号
Hours: Daily, 8.30am-7.30pm
Phone: 17610855355

postpost

If you’re headed to White Dagoba Temple from the East, then get off from Xisi Station, Exit D (Line 4) and head to postpost. Hidden out of sight behind a plain gray door, this is a coffee shop, art gallery, indie clothing shop, and art book shop all rolled into one. A nice place to grab an Americano (RMB 30) in one of their specialty mugs, peruse some books, artwork, or watch summer go by from their rooftop (no views of the dagoba, but still nice).

postpost
58 Yangrou Hutong, Xicheng District
西城区羊肉胡同58号
Hours: Daily, 11am-6pm
Phone: 18500591816

White Dagoba Temple, aka Miaoying Temple, aka Baita Temple

Although officially called Miaoying Temple, this Tibetan Buddhist site most commonly goes by its nickname White Dagoba, thanks to the massive white stupa in the rear of the complex. The temple itself is the oldest presence of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing, and its namesake, white dagoba, was constructed in the 13th century back when Beijing was known as Khanbaliq, the seat of Kublai Khan's empire. Come here to explore and sit for a while; it's the perfect place to do it considering it's far less crowded than Bejiing's other Tibetan temple, Yonghegong. Entry is RMB 20/person.

Miaoying Temple 妙应寺
171 Fuchengmennei Dajie, Xicheng District
西城区阜成门内大街171号
Hours: Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm
Phone: 010-66166099

Slowboat Baitasi

Opened in December 2022, Slowboat's Baitasi location spans two stories, with the second floor offering fantastic views of the white dagoba. They also have 20 taps on each floor, and a menu complete with all their classic burgers as well as a few new additions, like the Dry-aged Chopped Steak Burger (RMB 98) or Xicha Cheeseburger (RMB 65). What's more, if you're looking for the best beer to pair with said burger, be it a flagship brew or seasonal option, the venue's Cicerone-trained staff are there to help you choose the best option.

Slowboat Baitasi Taproom
73 Gongmenkou Xicha, Xicheng District
西城区宫门口西岔73号
Hours: Daily, 11am-midnight
Phone: 13001185508

READ: Yibin: A Taste of Authentic Sichuanese Cuisine in the Heart of Beijing

Images: Uni You