CONTACT USA 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.
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.
09:00Meet Your Guide
Your guide will wait for you at the Exit C of the Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Subway Station.
09:15-11:30Lama Temple and Confucian Temple
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.
11:30—13:15Walk along Hutong and Lunch
Stroll along the hutong.Try the fomouse Old Beijing yogurt sold in the alley. Try the famous local dumplings for lunch to refresh yourself.
13:15—14:45Hutong Family Visit
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.
14:45—15:20Drum Tower
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.
15:20—16:30Explore Yandaixiejie
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).
16:30Drive Back to Hotel
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.
