According to a book that was published during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street was initially named Drum Tower Xiejie and was changed into the present at the end of Qing Dynasty. It is recorded that there were many smoking pipe stores on the street in the Qing Dynasty, among which there was one named Shuangshengtai. The store owner put a 1.5-meter-high (5-feet-high) wooden smoking pipe in front of the store as a sign. As time went by, the street was known by the whole city for its giant smoking pipe, hence its name. Some people also say that the street looks like a smoking pipe.

Know as Yandai Xiejie in Chinese, the Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Located in the Xicheng District, it is close to the Shichahaiwhich are famous attractions in Beijing. It is 232 meters (253 yards) long with its east end on the Di'anmen Street and the west to the Silver Ingot Bridge. Stepping into the street for about 50 meters, one would come to the south end of the Dashibei Hutong, which goes to the Drum Tower West Avenue (Gulou Xidajie). Passing over the Silver Ingot Bridge one can reach the Houhai Bar Street.

Meals and snacks in the South Gong and Drum Lane are something else that will appeal to its visitors. The well–known dining hall at No. 108 in it is famous for its tasty pizza and Nepal-style drinks. Wenyu Nai Lao is a time-honored specialty yoghurt shop located at No.49 in it. The shop makes many different types of the best yoghurts. At No.114, the western restaurant Yu Shi Ju Jin provides delicacies of Russian, Italian and Indian styles. Apart from these restaurants, there are many distinctive bars that are worth a visit, such as Plastered 8 and Guo Ke (meaning Passerby) that are very popular among travelers.

Walking on the tree-lined road along, experiencing the diverse culture, you will receive more than you expect. It is a feast for your eyes, stomach, and mind at the same time.

Tips:
1 You'd better wear flat shoes (you can buy a pair in the nearby shop and take them as a souvenir).
2 There is no parking in it. The best way to visit here is on foot or by bicycle. You can rent bicycles at Houhai or Shichahai. A tandem bicycle costs CNY20 per hour and a regular bicycle is CNY10 per hour. A CNY500 deposit for each bicycle is required.

How to get there:

 Recommended Itineraries: 
One Day Visit: Qianmen Street - Dashilar Street - Liulichang Cultural Street - South Gong and Drum Lane 
Old Beijing Cycling: one day of Huangchenggen Relics Park - South Gong and Drum Lane - Confucius Temple - Lama Temple…