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Beijing Hutong One-Day Tour

A Stroll Through Time: Echoes of Old Beijing

Step into the network of ancient alleyways known as "hutongs"—the historic heart of Beijing. These charming passages, lined with traditional courtyard houses, offer a glimpse into the city's imperial past and the timeless lifestyle of its residents.

This one-day tour is your gateway to this vanishing world. You will:

Walk through history as you explore well-preserved hutongs behind the Forbidden City.

Experience local life with a visit to a family in their classic courtyard home.

Stroll the old town along the oldest commercial alley in Beijing, feeling the echoes of a bygone era.

More than just a sightseeing trip, this is an immersive journey into the memories and cultural heritage of old Beijing.

Tour Highlights

From Prince's Mansion to Sacred Temple

Explore the fascinating story of how and why Emperor Qianlong transformed a royal residence into a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Delve into the temple's history to uncover the sacred art and precious relics housed within its halls.

A Warm Welcome: Visit a Local Family Home

Receive a personal invitation to step into a traditional courtyard residence. Experience firsthand the unique architecture of these old Beijing homes and gain an intimate glimpse into the daily life of the families who live within the hutongs.

Stroll Through the Historic Hutong Alleyways

Immerse yourself in the evocative memories of old Beijing, preserved within these ancient lanes. Complete your experience by sampling delicious local snacks from famed alleyway vendors.

Climb the Historic Drum Tower

Travel back in time as you explore this grand, classical structure and experience the powerful rhythms of a traditional drum performance that once echoed through medieval Beijing.

Itinerary Overview

This is a suggested itinerary designed to inspire your journey. To ensure your experience is perfect, we are delighted to tailor the tour based on your specific interests. Please note that the timeframes provided are approximate and may be adjusted to ensure a comfortable pace, accounting for daily variables such as traffic.

Your personal guide will be awaiting your arrival at Exit C of the Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Subway Station. Please proceed to this location to begin your tour.

Lama Temple: Explore one of Beijing's most revered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Admire its stunning architectural treasures and immerse yourself in a world of profound spirituality.

Confucius Temple & Imperial College: Step onto the historic grounds where emperors once lectured on the Confucian classics. Feel the weight of centuries of scholarship in this ancient academy.

Local Taste: Conclude your visit with a cup of traditional Beijing yogurt, a favorite treat of the legendary Empress Dowager Cixi.

A Leisurely Stroll: Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the hutongs as we wander through these ancient alleyways.

A Classic Taste: Sample the famous Old Beijing yogurt, a beloved local snack, from a hutong vendor.

Local Lunch: Recharge with a delicious meal of authentic Beijing dumplings at a well-loved local spot.

Receive a personal welcome into the home of a multi-generational hutong family. During this unique visit, you will learn about the distinctive architectural layout of a traditional courtyard residence and discover the customs that have shaped daily life here for centuries.

Climb to the summit of the ancient Drum Tower and be rewarded with a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the hutong district's maze-like layout. Then, let the thunderous rhythms of a classical drum performance echo through you, a powerful sound that once marked the time for the entire city.

Take a stroll along Yandaixiejie, the oldest commercial street in Beijing. Discover its vibrant history and charming atmosphere, which has been continuously functioning since the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).

As our tour concludes, you will be seamlessly transferred back to your hotel. Should you prefer to be dropped off at another central location, please do not hesitate to inform your guide—we are pleased to accommodate your request.