A Walk into Old Beijing
Hutong is the local word for any of the imperial-era alleys where the traditional residential houses of old Beijing are located. At the back of the Forbidden City, there is a well-preserved old district where you can see hutongs and typical courtyard houses.
A hutong is a place where you can immerse yourself in memories of the old Beijing. They are charming places where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle and the culture heritage.
During this 1-day Beijing hutong tour, you will explore the historical and cultural sites of the hutongs, visit a family living in a courtyard house, and stroll along the oldest commercial alley in Beijing.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Discover the Most Honorable Temple
Hear about why Emperor Qianlong (1711–99) turned Prince Mansion into a Tibetan Buddhist Temple and discover the treasures there.
Chat with Folks in their Courtyard Homes
Walk into a family's houses in a hutong. Learn about the features of the old residential houses in Beijing and get a glimpse of the typical lifestyle in the hutong.
Stroll along the Old Alley
Immerse yourself in the memories of the old Beijing, which is cherished in hutong. Taste authentic Beijing from its famous snack sold in the alley.
Climb up the Drum Tower
Travel back to medieval Beijing times with the sounds of a classical drum performance as well as exploring this classical building.
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Mark. The Best Beijing Guide!
He met our every need above and beyond our expectations. My family of 6 had such a wonderful and memorable holiday.He is patient, well-versed and eloquent in both English and Mandarin. My Chinese-speaking parents and my English-dominant children clearly understood all that was explained. He included insights and aspects at each attraction that is not commonly known expanding our appreciation of the places we went. No questions too big and requests too small.. Every meal he arranged over the 5 days was very thoughtfully planned and had such variety that we were spoilt and well fed indeed. We will certainly look for Mark again on our next trip to Beijing and strongly recommend him to all and sundry if they plan to visit Beijing. more
Mar 2025, Ng yik kelly
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7 day Beijing trip with China Highlights
We were in Beijing for 7 days and went to the Great Wall, Gubei Watertown, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Confucius Temple, Ming and Qing Tombs. Also went to watch the Acrobatic Show and the Golden Mask Show. The views are fantastic and the shows are amazing. Our tour guide, Colin, from China Highlights was awesome. He planned our itinerary flawlessly and took us to restaurants that served great authentic local food. Colin is very caring of my elderly mother and provided superb service. Thank you, Colin, for making my trip memorable. more
Mar 2025, Adrene
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Best tour guide ever
Extremely delighted with my Beijing tours. I was so fortunate to get Mark as my guide. and Hang to patiently drive us everywhere.Mark is extremely knowledgeable. witty and caring. Hang is sweet and mindful of my age. I am also grateful to Leaky of China highlights for planning an incredible itinerary for me. more
Mar 2025, Pope Kavita Michelle
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests. The time frame is just for your reference. It could be different due to the traffic on the day.
Your guide will wait for you at the Exit C of the Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Subway Station.
Walk into Lama Temple to learn about its rich history by visiting different treasures there. Then move to Confucian Temple and Guozijian, to stand on the place where emperors used to read the Confucius classics to thousands of students. Try the famous old Beijing yogurt which is the favorite snack of Empress Dowager Cixi.
Stroll along the hutong.Try the fomouse Old Beijing yogurt sold in the alley. Try the famous local dumplings for lunch to refresh yourself.
Visit a local family living in a hutong courtyard for generations. Learn about the architectural pattern of the traditional residential houses in old Beijing and the customs in it. Chat with the host and get a glimpse of the typical lifestyle in the hutong.
Climb up upon the Drum Tower. Enjoy the bird's eyes view of the hutong area. Travel back to medieval Beijing times through the sound of drum performance.
Stroll along Yandaixiejie ('Tobacco Pouch Diagonal Street') to discover the ups and downs of this oldest commercial street in Beijing, functioning since the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368).
You will be transfered back to your hotel.
If you would like to be dropped off at any other location in downtown, we are happy to help you arrange it.
Price Includes:
- English speaking local guide
- Activities and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: bj-2b