Many of our guests ask about cafes near the Lama Temple and Confucius Temple, or for a spot to relax before or after our Beijing Hutong Breakfast Tour. Conveniently, some of Beijing’s best cafes are on Wudaoying Hutong, right next door.
Once a sleepy residential alley with just a handful of bars and restaurants, Wudaoying has transformed into a bustling shopping and dining street that now draws visitors from across China. On public holidays, the alley is packed from end to end, and so are the cafes. But on weekdays or quieter weekends, it’s a lovely place to wander, browse boutiques, and sip a great cup of coffee.
In China, visiting a cafe is still more of a social activity than a morning necessity. Most cafes don’t open until around 10am. If you’re looking for an early caffeine fix (say, before joining our Hutong Breakfast Tour), scroll down to our bonus pick, which opens at 7am.
Full Ding 福顶
With one of the best rooftops on Wudaoying and sweeping views of the Lama Temple, Full Ding is worth a visit for the photos alone. Their creative drinks and desserts are equally Instagram-ready. Don’t miss the mousse-filled Stone Lion Cake.
Address: 26 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同26号
Open: 10:00am
Metal Hands
A long-time favorite of the neighborhood’s expat community, Metal Hands was one of the first cafes to open on Wudaoying. Come for well-executed classics (flat whites, lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew), or try something uniquely local, like coffee infused with lychee, magnolia, or waxberry.
Address 18, 61 and 65 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同18号, 61号, 65号
Open: 10:00am
Wolfing Coffee
Coffee connoisseurs, take note: Wolfing Coffee specialises in rare and award-winning beans from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Prices range from RMB 59 to 189 per cup, making this a place to treat yourself while chatting with the knowledgeable baristas about bean origins and brewing methods.
Address: 10 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同10号
Open: 10:00am
WakeMeUpCoffee
True to its name, this cosy spot opens a little earlier than most, and even offers an English menu. Expect small-cafe vibes, good coffee, teas, cakes — and even a couple of cats to keep you company.
Address: 38 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同38号
Open: 9:30am
Phoenix Cafe
Another Wudaoying cafe with a rooftop terrace, Phoenix Cafe is perfect for people-watching. Their menu features beans from around the world (including China) and a strong line-up of non-caffeinated options like rooibos tea, hot chocolate, and matcha.
Address: 63 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同53号
Open: 9:30am
Bonus Early-Morning Cafe: Costa Coffee
If you need your coffee fix before 10am, head to Costa Coffee at the eastern end of Wudaoying. This UK chain offers familiar favourites as well as specialty drinks like a Tiramisu Latte or Black Chocolate Peanut Mocha (they mean dark, not black, but things got lost in translation from HQ). While seating is available, we recommend grabbing a cup to go and enjoying an early stroll through the neighborhood.
Address: 1 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同1号, east of Yonghegong Subway Station Exit E
Open: 7:00-am
Looking for other great places to eat and drink close to Wudaoying and the Lama Temple? Check out other posts on our blog, including our Top Five Favorite Dumpling Restaurants, Top Five Favorite Noodle Restaurants, or our ordering guides for our favorite Sichuan and Yunnan restaurants in the neighborhood, or join us for our Hutong Breakfast Tour or Old Beijing Dinner Tour let us show you our favorite hidden treasures in the hutongs.
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