Old Beijing Day Tour Overview
After seeing the Forbidden City and Great Wall, spend a day closer to street level. This route takes you through temples, hutongs, neighborhood streets, and the Shichahai lakes.
It is less monumental than the classic Beijing sights. However, it often gives foreign visitors a stronger feeling for the city’s everyday character.
Suggested route:
Lama Temple → Guozijian Street → Confucius Temple → Hutongs → Drum Tower → Shichahai → Houhai
Recommended time: 9:00 am–5:30 pm
Walking: Moderate
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, repeat visitors
Transport: Mostly walking + short subway or taxi rides
1. 9:00 am – Start at the Lama Temple
Begin at the Lama Temple, or Yonghegong. It is one of Beijing’s most important Tibetan Buddhist temples.
Lama Temple (The Yonghe Temple)
Allow around one to 1½ hours. Move slowly through the courtyards and watch how local worshippers use the temple.
This is an active religious site, not simply a tourist attraction. Therefore, keep your voice low and avoid interrupting people who are praying.
2. 10:30 am – Walk Along Guozijian Street
Next, walk west toward Guozijian Street.
This tree-lined street feels very different from Beijing’s broad modern avenues. Traditional gateways, gray walls, and old courtyards create a quieter atmosphere.
The Confucius Temple and Imperial College
Here you can visit the Confucius Temple and Imperial College. Together, they offer a useful look at education and Confucian tradition in imperial China.
Allow about one hour if you enter both sites.
3. 12:00 pm – Lunch in the Hutong Area
Then stop for lunch before continuing toward the Drum Tower.
This is a good day to try something simple and local. Dumplings, noodles, baozi, or a small Beijing restaurant all fit naturally into the route.
I would avoid spending too much time searching for a famous restaurant. The neighborhood itself is part of the experience.
4. 1:30 pm – Explore the Hutongs
After lunch, start walking through the hutongs toward the Drum and Bell Towers.
Do not expect every hutong to look historic. Beijing’s old neighborhoods are living communities, and they continue to change.
Beijing Drum Tower
That is exactly what makes them interesting. You may see restored courtyards beside ordinary homes, small shops, bicycles, cafés, and local residents going about their day.
Walk slowly and avoid entering private courtyards without permission.
5. 2:30 pm – Drum Tower and Bell Tower Area
Next, reach the Drum Tower and Bell Tower.
For centuries, these towers helped mark time for the old city. Their location also helps you understand Beijing’s traditional north-south urban axis.
Beijing Bell Tower
If the tower is open and you are comfortable with steep stairs, climb for the view. Otherwise, simply explore the surrounding streets.
Allow around 45 minutes to one hour.
6. 3:30 pm – Walk Toward Shichahai
From the towers, continue south toward Shichahai.
Yandai Xiejie Street
The area includes Yandai Xiejie, Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. Old lanes, courtyard houses, willow trees, bridges, cafés, and lakes all meet here.
However, do not rush straight to busy Houhai. Some of the quieter lanes around the lakes are more rewarding.
This is also a good time to stop for tea or coffee.
7. 4:30 pm – Walk Around Houhai
Finally, finish your sightseeing around Houhai.
Late afternoon works particularly well here. The light softens, local residents come outside, and the lakeside becomes livelier.
Walk Around Houhai
You can walk beside the water or continue exploring nearby hutongs. If you enjoy photography, give yourself extra time.
Optional: Stay for Dinner
Unlike the Forbidden City itinerary, this day does not need a fixed ending.
You can return to your hotel around 5:30 pm. Alternatively, stay around Shichahai for dinner and an evening walk.
Nearby Gulou and hutong neighborhoods also have plenty of restaurants and cafés.
Tickets, Transport & What to Bring
Tickets
The Lama Temple requires an entrance ticket, so check the latest booking arrangements before your visit. Carry your passport, as foreign visitors may need it for ticketing or identity checks.
The Confucius Temple and Imperial College also require admission. However, the hutongs and Shichahai area are free to explore. If you plan to climb the Drum Tower or Bell Tower, check current opening hours and ticket arrangements before you go.
Getting to the Lama Temple
The subway is the easiest way to start this itinerary. Take Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station and walk to the entrance.
I recommend arriving around 9:00 am. Starting here also lets you move naturally west through old Beijing without unnecessary backtracking.
Getting Around During the Day
Most of this itinerary works best on foot. From the Lama Temple, you can walk to Guozijian Street and the Confucius Temple before continuing toward the Drum and Bell Towers.
However, you do not need to walk every section. If you feel tired, use a short taxi or DiDi ride between neighborhoods. Save some energy for the hutongs and Shichahai, where walking is part of the experience.
Returning from Shichahai
At the end of the day, you have several easy ways to return to your hotel. Shichahai and the surrounding neighborhoods have convenient subway connections, taxis, and DiDi service.
Alternatively, stay for dinner around Houhai or the nearby hutongs. This itinerary has a flexible ending, so there is no need to rush back during the evening peak.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes because you will spend much of the day exploring on foot. Also bring your passport, a bottle of water, and a small day bag.
In summer, carry sunscreen and a hat. In winter, dress warmly because the hutongs and Shichahai can feel exposed to cold winds.
Finally, keep your phone charged. You will likely use it for maps, subway directions, mobile payments, translation, and calling a DiDi during the day.
Ruqin’s Practical Tips
Do not turn a hutong visit into a checklist. The pleasure comes from walking, observing, and occasionally taking the wrong lane.
Over the years, I have found that foreign visitors often remember these small moments surprisingly well. A neighborhood market or courtyard doorway can stay in the memory longer than another grand hall.
However, remember that people still live here. Photograph streets freely, but respect residents’ privacy.
Is This Old Beijing Day Tour Right for You?
Choose this itinerary if you want to see Beijing beyond its monumental landmarks. It works especially well after you have already visited the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
More importantly, this route gives your Beijing itinerary some balance. One day shows you imperial power, another shows you the Great Wall, while this day brings you closer to the living city.
Plan More of Your Beijing Trip
Use these practical guides to plan transport, tickets, payments, internet access, and other parts of your Beijing stay.
How to Visit Lama Temple: Maps, Tickets, Highlights & Travel Tips
Confucius Temple And Imperial College Museum: Visitor Guide
Beijing Shichahai Travel Guide: Hutongs, Lakes, Food & Tips
Beijing Drum Tower: Map, Tickets, What to See and Travel Tips
Beijing Bell Tower: Map, Tickets, What to See and Travel Tips
Yandai Xiejie Street (Yandaixie): Map, Shops, Food, Sights and Tips
