Hi, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate budget traveler from China who loves discovering the world one alley at a time. Instead of checking off popular landmarks, I prefer getting lost in the lesser-known corners of cities. Whether I’m wandering remote regions abroad or exploring China’s urban gems on a shoestring, I’m all about travel that’s rich in experience, not expense. If you’re visiting Beijing and looking for a place that mixes vibrant energy with local life, you’ll want to check out my top pick this time—Sanlitun.

Summary

Sanlitun Introduction

Sanlitun is one of the most dynamic entertainment and nightlife districts in Beijing. Here, embassy-lined streets meet diverse global cuisines. You’ll find top international fashion brands, trendy shopping zones, cozy residential areas filled with bookstores and the scent of fresh coffee, as well as a wide range of influencer-loved shops and art salons. If you’re looking for a place to stroll, shop, and soak up the atmosphere, Sanlitun is the best destination in the city.

  • Address: Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: 24/7; most shops and restaurants operate from 10:00 to 22:00
  • Recommended Visit Time: 3–4 hours
  • Best Season: Year-round
  • Type: Pedestrian street and shopping mall
Sanlitun Taikoo Li shopping district in Beijing

Top Things to Do in Sanlitun

What to Buy on Sanlitun?

GB DAVID Sanlitun Store

Colorful designer handbags at GB DAVID in Sanlitun
  • Why Go: GB David offers more than just bags—there are accessories like bag charms, passport covers, cardholders, and belts. The fun part is the customization: you can design your own colors and patterns, making sure your piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
  • Address: 1F, S2-16, South Zone, Taikoo Li, No.19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00

Twoi Design Lab

Minimalist baby blue coffee shop in Sanlitun
  • Why Go: A soft blue minimalist coffee shop with a charming outdoor garden where dogs play freely—it’s adorable and relaxing.
  • Address: Sanlitun T+mall, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00

POPSOCKETS Sanlitun Taikoo Li South

Cute mobile accessories wall at POPSOCKETS Sanlitun
  • Why Go: Though pricey, it’s irresistible! A huge variety of cute phone cases, stands, and grips.
  • Address: B1 Floor, Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00

Adidas Sanlitun Taikoo Li South

Adidas flagship store exterior in Sanlitun
  • Why Go: A massive three-story Adidas store, ideal for athletic wear and sneakers.
  • Address: Building 11, No.19 Sanlitun Road, Taikoo Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00

Vivienne Westwood Beijing Taikoo Li South

Artistic desserts and drinks at Vivienne Westwood Café Sanlitun
  • Why Go: Known for its iconic Saturn pearl necklace, the store also offers a wide range of accessories and apparel. Don’t miss the second-floor Saturn-themed tea room—each dessert looks like a piece of art.
  • Address: L1 Floor, South Zone, Taikoo Li, No.19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00

Yilou Yifan Restaurant

Chaoshan clay pot rice dish at Yilou Yifan Restaurant Sanlitun
  • Why Go: A well-known Chaoshan-style restaurant. Try the sizzling clay pot dishes and clay pot rice. Everything is great—except the wait times.
  • Address: Room 102, Building 70, No.4 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00; Sat–Sun 11:00–14:30, 17:00–22:00
  • Average Price: 142 RMB

Shanlitunli Straw-Grilled BBQ

Straw-flamed barbecue grilling at Shanlitunli
  • Why Go: This industrial-style barbecue spot smokes the meat over straw before grilling, infusing it with a fragrant, toasted aroma.
  • Address: Room 112, 1F, Building 80, No.4 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Fri–Sun 11:00–16:00, 17:00–22:00; Mon–Thu 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
  • Average Price: 160 RMB

Fuhe Noodle Restaurant

Signature Shanghai noodles with egg at Fuhe Noodle Sanlitun
  • Why Go: Serves authentic Shanghai-style noodles. A reliable stop if you want to sample true local flavors.
  • Address: Intersection of South Sanlitun Road and Middle South Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:30–21:30
  • Average Price: 39 RMB

Gaimabang · Changsha Side Dishes

Spicy stir-fried pork and peppers at Gaimabang Sanlitun
  • Why Go: Great value Hunan-style dishes. Slightly spicy, incredibly tasty.
  • Address: No. A8 Baijiazhuang Xili, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:30–21:00
  • Average Price: 30 RMB

Old Beijing Chaishi (Sanlitun SOHO Branch)

Traditional beef noodle soup at Old Beijing Chaishi in Sanlitun
  • Why Go: Famous for its beef noodles—springy texture, rich flavor, and top-quality meat.
  • Address: B1, Outdoor Sunken Plaza, Sanlitun SOHO Mall 3, Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Hours: Daily 10:30–21:30
  • Average Price: 51 RMB

How to Get to Sanlitun from Downtown Beijing

The most convenient way is by subway, and three different lines can take you there. Whether it’s summer or winter, this route works well.

Subway

From downtown Beijing, take Subway Line 10 or Line 17 and get off at Tuanjiehu Station, or take Line 3 and get off at Tuanjiehu or Gongti Station. On rainy or hot days, Gongti Station is preferable since it offers more indoor access.

Bus

Take bus lines 113, 115, 406, 416, 431, 701, or 758 and get off at Sanlitun Station.

Taxi / Ride-hailing

From central areas like Wangfujing, Guomao, or Dongdan, a taxi ride to Sanlitun takes about 15–30 minutes and costs roughly 30–50 RMB.

How to Get to Sanlitun from Beijing Capital Airport

From Beijing Capital Airport, the subway is the most efficient way. Transfer routes make it nearly as fast as taking a taxi.

Subway

Take the Airport Express to Sanyuanqiao Station, then transfer to Line 10 and ride to Tuanjiehu Station. Exit via Exit F and walk about 10 minutes to Sanlitun. Total time: ~50 minutes; cost: ~28 RMB.

Airport Bus

Take the Airport Shuttle Bus Line 4 (Gongzhufen Line) to Sanyuan West Bridge, then transfer to Subway Line 17 and get off at Gongti Station. Use Exit D and walk about 5 minutes to Sanlitun. Total time: ~52 minutes; cost: 23 RMB.

Taxi / Ride-hailing

From Capital Airport to Sanlitun takes about 30–50 minutes by taxi, and costs around 100–120 RMB.

How to Get to Sanlitun from Beijing Daxing Airport

From Daxing Airport, the subway is also the most practical choice. Although the airport is far from downtown, metro travel time is almost the same as by car.

Subway

Take the Daxing Airport Line to Caoqiao Station, then transfer to Line 10 and go to Tuanjiehu Station. Exit via Exit F and walk about 10 minutes. Total time: ~70 minutes; cost: ~40 RMB.

Airport Bus

Take the Daxing Airport shuttle to Beijing Railway Station, then transfer to Bus Line 43 to Sanlitun. Total time: ~2 hours; cost: ~38 RMB.

Taxi / Ride-hailing

Taxi from Daxing Airport to Sanlitun takes about 60–90 minutes and costs approximately 220 RMB.

FAQ

Is Sanlitun stroller and wheelchair friendly?

Yes. The main streets in Sanlitun are flat and pedestrian-friendly. Major malls like Taikoo Li and Sanlitun SOHO offer barrier-free access and elevators.

Where can I store my luggage?

There are no official storage lockers in Sanlitun. Your best option is to find luggage lockers inside subway stations. Suitcases can also be stored there.

Where are the public restrooms?

Restrooms are available in most shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants around Sanlitun.

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