Beijing Temple Cafe Hidden Gem: Hong’en Guan in the Hutongs

HALF COFFEE 觀 — A Calm Café on Beijing’s Central Axis

Location: On the Central Axis, north of Bell Tower, near Doufuchi Hutong

Opening hours: 11:00 am – 18:00 pmFree entry – no reservation needed

Quiet courtyard moments at Half Coffee.

A look at their signature drink set.

Temple courtyard seating in the afternoon light.

What Makes Hong’en Guan a True Beijing Temple Cafe

Once known as “the Dragon’s Tail Fortress,” this temple was originally Qianfo Temple, built during the Yuan Dynasty over 730 years ago. Located at the northern end of Beijing’s ancient Central Axis, it was designed to protect the imperial city and block negative energy from outside. Today, it quietly stands as one of the most atmospheric Beijing temple cafe locations, where history and calm naturally blend together.

After careful restoration, the site now preserves its Shan Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Emperor Hall, Great Hero Hall, Treasure Hall, and side halls – forming a peaceful courtyard where visitors can sip coffee surrounded by history, making it an unforgettable Beijing temple cafe experience.

Hong’en Guan 宏恩观 — A 730-Year-Old Temple Café Hidden in the Hutongs

If you are looking for a temple café in Beijing that blends history, architecture, and calm, Hong’en Guan is a hidden spot worth discovering.

A Temple Built More Than 730 Years Ago

Originally named Qianfo Temple, this site was first built during the Yuan Dynasty over 730 years ago. Historically known as the Dragon’s Tail Fortress, it served as the northernmost protective point of Beijing’s ancient Central Axis, guarding the imperial city from outside energy.

After careful restoration, many original structures remain, including the Shan Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Emperor Hall, Great Hero Hall, Treasure Hall, and side halls.Today, the temple has been transformed into a peaceful courtyard café, where visitors sit among ancient stone lions, cypress trees, and weathered brick walls.

Inside Hong’en Guan Garden — Two Places Not to Miss

1. 和木·归 Gui Temple Restaurant

Average price: 250 RMB per person

Opening hours: 11:00 am – 21:30 pm

Courtyard seating with views of the old city tower.

Window-side table with evening views.

Night views of the historic rooftops.

Must-order dishes

Roast Duck – 299 RMB

He Mu’s three-way roast duck is a signature dish. In addition to the classic serving style, the candied scallion wrap combines glutinous rice paper, Chaozhou sweet scallion candy, and crispy Beijing roast duck. The sweet-savory balance and crisp texture make it a unique interpretation of traditional roast duck.

Suiyuan Pear Shrimp – 139 RMB

This dish pairs large shrimp with Beijing’s seasonal white pears in autumn. It is both a taste and a small piece of cultural heritage on a plate.

Yellow Croaker Stuffed with Crab Roe Soup – 69 RMB

Wild yellow croaker is deboned and stuffed with a mixture of crab roe and shrimp. Light yet flavorful.

Autumn Chestnut Aroma – 99 RMB

Foie gras shaped delicately into chestnut forms, with a subtle hint of wine. When sunlight hits the dish, it feels like a blend of technique and creativity.

2. 北港精酿餐吧 Beigang Craft Beer Bar – A Relaxed Corner of This Beijing Temple Cafe

Average price: 100 RMB per person

Opening hours: 18:00 pm – 01:00 am

Night courtyard view of Hong'en Guan.

Craft beer with a courtyard backdrop.

Night drink under historic eaves.

Beigang Craft Beer Bar offers a quiet, relaxed place to enjoy a drink inside a historical courtyard. Although the temple no longer serves its original religious functions, sitting here with a beer under old wooden beams feels like a quiet conversation with the past.

Conclusion: A Temple Café Filled with Timeless Tranquility

Hong’en Guan may not fully reflect its original historical rituals, but its combination of preserved architecture, peaceful courtyards, and modern cafés makes it one of Beijing’s most surprising hidden gems.

If you enjoy discovering hidden cultural spots like Hong’en Guan, you may also like our Beijing hutong tours.

A cup of coffee here, surrounded by stone lions and fading temple walls, offers a rare moment of stillness in the center of the city. A quiet pause between past and present.