Beijing Hutongs

Begin your foodie journey at Shichahai metro station, where you'll meet your English-speaking guide and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. Wander through 1.5 miles (2.5km) of Beijing's historic hutong alleyways, soaking in the city's past while taking delightful breaks to savor local bites. Enjoy Beijing Hotpot & Craft Beer with a View This hidden gem offers rooftop views of Beijing’s historic bell tower and serves local hotpot in traditional copper pots and filled with a clear broth that highlights the quality ingredients. Thin slices of mutton and beef are quickly cooked in the pot and then dipped in a sauce made with sesame paste…plus grab a pint of local craft beer! Eat Noodles in a Hole-In-The-Wall Noodle House When Beijingers want noodles, there's only one dish we think about. In fact, we literally call it "Beijing Noodles" because all other noodle dishes are inferior. Step into this hole-in-the-wall noodle house, nestled deep inside a hutong courtyard, to try their made-from-scratch secret recipe. Explore Historic Hutong Alleyways Step into old-Beijing’s historic lanes for a unique glimpse into authentic local life. Dating back to the 12th century, these narrow passages were formed between rows of courtyard houses built by government officials and the wealthy. Find out what the name hutong means, and how they’ve evolved over time, while being guided through the maze of alleyways that spread in every direction from the Forbidden City. Try Beijing's Endangered Dish Ever been to a Muslim diner? This hutong eatery is frequented almost exclusively by neighborhood men who keep their bottles of baijiu alcohol behind the counter. The rare Beijing speciality they serve was known to be a favorite of Empress Cixi, and is one of the few places left in town that serve it. Celebrate Spring Festival Year-round Run by a husband-wife team, this hidden restaurant specializes in spring pancakes, a dish traditionally enjoyed with family during Chinese New Year to celebrate the arrival of spring and a good harvest. Made fresh to order, they are eaten like a burrito and symbolize family reunion and togetherness. Plus More Surprises! * This itinerary is subject to changes and adjustments based on daily vendor operations and availability, but it will always be awesome.

Meet your guide in your hotel's lobby, hop into your private vehicle and set off on your 4 hour night tour. Taking in most of Beijing's city iconic attractions, you’ll see how just magical the capital is at nightfall, with beautifully lit buildings lining its bustling streets. 1: Night sightseeing tour to Beijing's night life zone Tour including the following places:(it may change depending on the traffic and other conditionals) -Pass along Chang'an Avenue, the most important and political street in Beijing. -Discover the Qianmen Shopping and food street, get the unique opportunity to taste tarantulas, crickets, and other bugs (at your own cost) -Stroll around Tian'anmen square which is regarded as the largest city central square in the world. If you want to watch the flag lowering ceremony on Tian'anmen square, please indicate when make booking. (Square need to make reservation at least one day in advance) -Discover the charm of the National Centre for the Performing Arts. The exterior of the theater is a titanium accented glass dome that is completely surrounded by a man-made lake. It is said to look like an egg floating on water, or a water drop. -Stroll around the Houhai lake area to enjoy a piece of charm. Follow your tour guide to walk through the Hutong area and explore the shops. -Driving pass by Beijing National Stadiums for some awesome night pictures (If you want to stop for photos, we will park our car and let you walk around the park) -Driven by the CCTV headquarter. The most remarkable architecture in China. -Drive by Central Business District- Beijing's Manhattan area. You can't miss the shopping centers here, they are well known from their massive LED lights and very colorful. You will end your tour by transferring back to your centrally located hotel in Beijing or any places in central Beijing. 2: Night sightseeing tour with dinner If you booked the night tour with dinner, you will choose to visit 3-4 nightlife zone and dinner in the local restaurant, you can choose Yunnan cuisine, famous Peking Duck dinner, or Hotpot or maybe Dim sum or Sichuan, just feel free to discuss with your tour guide, they will take you to the right place. 3: Night sightseeing tour with amazing night shows Enjoy amazing night shows such as Chinese acrobatic show, Kungfu show or Peking opera, followed by the night sightseeing tour with private transfer. 4: Night sightseeing tour with Hutong food tasting. Night tour plus Hutong food tasting is a great combination. Eat as the locals eat and see what the locals see on a food-focused walking tour through Hutong allays. Let your knowledgeable local guide know what your preferences are or follow their itinerary to ensure you sample the best that Beijing has to offer. Some food you might try on the way include Jianbing(Beijing pankage), Beijing snack sets, Muslim Kabobs, Malatang (hotpot), soup dumplings, and the famous Erguotou(liquor) in Beijing

Nowadays, the images of cities are getting closer and similar globally. Hutongs are unique to Beijing, which are lanes and alleys typical in Beijing, like blood vessels, spread over every corner of the old city. But today we will take you to the best hutongs beside beautiful waters. While you are walking in the 300 to 700 hundred years Old hutongs, you will experience the real local life. Best choice to get the most uniqueness experience in Beijing: rickshaw puller carry you to go through the ancient alleyways. The rickshaw is a hooded tricycle, which is the ancient taxi for nobles and rich business people. When president Nixon came to visit China in 1972 with his wife, they really liked this unique experience wandering in the old alleyways beside the beautiful waters. We will also go to visit one local family to say “ni hao” to the locals, enjoy the free chatting with them. You will be welcomed to visit their traditional courtyard house, even you can see the kitchen and living room, etc Tour guide meets all tourists from the Exit A2 of Shichahai subway station of Line 8. Visit a Taoism temple beside the the Jing-hang canal and Wanning bridge built by Mongolian dynasty. To see what religion does Chinese young guys believe in and learn the local religion and the gods’ stories. Walk beside the beautiful water to the Yandy Byway-ancient commercial street, some free time for you to try some local snacks, and to buy some souvenirs from the local stores. Options: Visit a local family, here you can talk to the local families and have a look at the layout of traditional courtyard house, bedroom, living and kitchen’s looking. It’s 2 people for one rickshaw for about 30 minutes. (200CNY for 2 participants) Walk through some hutongs to see the traditional courtyard houses for the rich and poor. Your guide will share interesting and meaningful stories with you. Walk to the Square located in between the Drum and Bell Towers, to learn the stories of Beijingers from old dynasties till now. Climb the 600 hundred year old drum tower. After the drum tower, try some local snacks or food.

Get off the beaten path and eat your way through Beijing’s historic hutongs with 12+ dishes at 6+ hidden spots. From cheesy jianbing and crispy meat pies to tangy douzhi and handmade zongzi, every bite tells a story. Meet the locals behind the flavors—like Aunt Jie wrapping zongzi from a generations-old recipe or Mr. Yu serving childhood favorites—and uncover quirky hutong secrets along the way. You’ll even try imperial-era sweets once made for emperors. This isn’t just a food tour—it’s your all-access pass to the bold, nostalgic, and unforgettable tastes of Old Beijing.

Our Classic Tour is perfect to have a first impression about the city. We will meet you at your hotel, our explore from the most central of Beijing and north along the axis, there are two important landmark buildings—Drum&Bell Towers, then we will ride into the small alleyways of the hutongs and the beautiful lake of Houhai, you will have the experience of being local, close to the daily life of Beijing. After that, we will pass by the North gate of the Forbidden City and go to the CBD area—the Modern City. Then we will taste some local food with special coffee or tea, and heading to the Site of Ming City Wall Park, it is the only remains section of the old city wall. After here,we will go back to you hotel, or drop you off at somewhere you want to go. This tour is packed with historical facts and photo opportunities for the ultimate Beijing experience. We will have lots of stops for photos, and walk into few temple or alleys to chill. We also offer Tailormade Experience upon request.

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Beijing and visit the Temple of Heaven, Check in in Hotel (Lunch) Day 2: Beijing. Visit the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, a local Pearl Factory for a fascinating insight into the production of these precious jewels, teh Bell Tower and free walking in Nanluoguxiang Hutong. (Breakfast, Lunch) Day 3: Beijing. Visit the Great Wall, On the return way, admire the countryside and stop at an impressive Jade Workshop, where artisans work with this precious stonethe Olympic Park. (Breakfast, Lunch) Day 4: Beijing-Zhengzhou (High-speed-Train)-Shaolin Temple: Visit Shaolin-Temple and free Shaolin Kungfu shows. (B, L) Day 5: Shaolin-Luoyang Xi'An: Visit Longmen Grottoes (B,L), at Afternoon High-Speed-Train to Xi'An. Visit the South Gate Old City Wall and the old City, Xi'an's street food markets Day 6: Xi'An: discover one of China's most iconic sights as you enjoy a visit to the Terracotta Warriors (B,L) Day 7: Xi'an-Chengdu: High speed Train to Chengdu, visit Jingli old City, wide-narrow Alley. (BL) Day 8: Chengdu-Chengqing: Visit Panda-Base, then High Speed Train to Chongqing, visit the city center, liberation monument, chek-in in the Cruise. (BLD) Day 9: Yangtse-River Cruise, Visit the Fengdu Gost City (BLD) Day 10: Yangtse-River Cruise, Trip to Shennv-Brook (BLD) Day 11: Yantse-River Cruise, visit the three Gorges-Dam, at Afternoon Hig Speed Train to Sahnghai (BL) Day 12: Shanghai: Visit the Yanghai Museum, Yu-Garden, walking tour of Nanjing Road and the Bund. Visit an authentic Silk Factory to discover how this coveted fabric is manufactured (BL) Day 13: Shanghai-Back Home. After Breakfast transfer to the Airport. garanted tour from 2 people Hotel lists: Beijing: Beijing Lake View Hotel or Boyue Hotel or similar, 5***** Zhengyhou: Dengfeng Jinpeng Eco Hotel or similiar, 5***** Xi An： Titan Times Hotel or similiar, 5***** Chengdu: Tibet Hotel or similiar, 5***** Yangtze-Cruise: Century Series or Präsident series or Victoria series, 5***** Shanghai: Baixia Pagoda Hotel or Jinjiang Hotel, 5*****

Meeting Arrangements Group Tours: Meeting at the C exit of Dongsi Subway Station: Dongsi is a vibrant area where the local life is in full swing. Private Tours Option 1: Hotel pick - up A professional driver and tour guide will punctually arrive at the hotel lobby. After tour take you back to your hotel Option 2: Meeting at a meeting point -C exit of Dongsi Subway Station Dongsi Hutongs: These hutongs are an integral part of Beijing's cultural heritage, with narrow alleys lined by traditional courtyard houses. As you stroll through the hutongs, your guide will introduce the long-standing history of the hutongs, the unique Chinese food culture, and the special features of this food-tasting journey. Peking duck restaurant: Peking duck has a long and glorious history. It is renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat. Watch a skilled chef perform a live duck-carving show right in front of you, presenting the perfectly roasted duck in an artistic way. The sight of Peking duck paired with Erguotou, a famous local spirit, is a classic symbol of Beijing. Your guide will provide insight on the proper way to savor Peking Duck, as well as guide you through the selection of other signature Beijing dishes to complement your meal. Mongolian hot pot restaurant. An iconic dish in Beijing. Legend has it that it was initially a favorite among the royal courts and later became popular among the general public. The hot pot features a copper pot with a charcoal - fired center, which keeps the broth simmering steadily. The main ingredient is fresh, thinly - sliced mutton. There are also options like beef, chicken, and a wide range of fresh vegetables and mushrooms. The dipping sauce is a crucial part of the experience. A typical sauce is a blend of fermented bean curd, sesame paste, and a touch of chili oil for those who like a bit of spiciness. Complementing this delicious meal, cold beer is the go - to beverage. Along the way. Sample some local street snacks. Tanghulu, with its bright-colored candied fruits on a stick, is a popular and visually appealing treat. Jianbing, a type of savory pancake, is also a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The Huguo Temple snack set - an array of traditional treats awaits. Such as Lvdagun, aiwowo, Jiaoquan etc, offers a taste of traditional Beijing snacks. Yunnan-style restaurant( hidden in the hutongs). The highlight here is the cross-bridge rice noodles, a dish with a rich and flavorful broth, accompanied by a variety of fresh ingredients. The other specialties are the roasted tofu, fried lotus root cakes, the pickled cabbage stir - fried with sweet dumplings and more. To top it off, the sweet and mellow rice wine provides a perfect ending to this wonderful food-tasting journey. For those who have booked a private - car tour, at the end of this wonderful food - tasting journey, the driver will safely transport you back to your hotel, ensuring a convenient and comfortable end to your adventure.

Beijing 3-day package tour Day 1 Hotel pick up service around 8:00AM (if you prefer other start time, please let us know it) Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City Lunch in a local restaurant Temple of Heaven Hotel drop off service Day 2: Hotel pick up service around 8:00AM Mutianyu Great Wall Lunch in a local restaurant Hutongs-old Beijing city (option: rickshaw + local family visit to encounter local people and see the traditional courtyard house in the old Beijing city 150CNY per person) Hotel drop off service Day 3 Hotel pick up service around 8:00AM Summer Palace Lunch in a local restaurant Beijing zoo for pandas Hotel drop off service

D1：BEIJING Arrive in Beijing On arrival in Beijing, your private guide will meet you at the arrival hall with a sign bearing your name, assist with your private driver, and accompany you to your hotel, ensuring a seamless arrival experience by helping with luggage and check-in. D2：BEIJING Rediscovering Beijing's Heritage: A Journey Through Time After hotel breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square and a symbol of China. The Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. With over 8,728 rooms, it's China's best-preserved ancient building collection. After lunch, drive to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with temples, pavilions, and halls around Kunming Lake. Enjoy a shared boat trip on the lake. Dinner: Beijing duck and authentic delicious cuisine. D3：BEIJING Historic Engineering and Local Life Meet your private guide and drive to the Ming Dynasty tomb near Beijing are a cluster of majestic imperial mausoleums from the Ming Dynasty. These serene and historically rich sites are a must-see for visitors interested in China's imperial past. After lunch, enjoy a half-day City tour through the historic Hutongs, immersing yourself in local life. Dinner：Beijing specialties. D4: BEIJING TO SHANGHAI The Journey Continues... Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English-speaking guide. Board a direct flight from Beijing to Shanghai, with an approximate flight time of 2.2 hours. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in and ensure your arrival is worry-free. After a brief rest, we'll head to the Bund in Shanghai along the Huangpu River to experience its bustling charm and unbeatable night views. Dinner：Shanghai's specialty cuisine. D5: SHANGHAI Explore a contrasting city After breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a city tour to visit the traditional ancient oriental garden – Yuyuan Garden, a classical landscape garden, and explore Chenghuangmiao and Wukang Road. Dinner：Shanghai's specialty cuisine. D6: SHANGHAI See You Next Time! Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the airport for your onward flight.