Tour Overview (Tour Code – PKE03):
On this “Hutong and Courtyard Cultural Experience One-Day Tour,” you will wander through Beijing’s ancient alleys, visit traditional courtyards, and deeply experience the local life and unique cultural charm of old Beijing.
The Hutongs and Courtyards of Beijing are living witnesses to the city’s history, still retaining a strong sense of life. Through this tour, you will have the opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of Beijing residents, savor authentic Beijing cuisine, and explore the perfect blend of modern and traditional culture at Nanluoguxiang.
Itinerary:
Morning:
Leave your hotel for one of Beijing’s most representative Hutong areas—Shichahai. The Hutongs here are crisscrossed, and the Courtyards are full of ancient charm, embodying the essence of old Beijing.
Upon arrival at Shichahai, you have a walk through the Hutongs. You will visit a well-preserved old Courtyard, learning about the unique layout and architectural style of these traditional dwellings, and experiencing the lifestyle of ancient Beijing residents.
Next, you will take a rickshaw ride through the narrow Hutongs, feeling the unique charm and historical depth of these alleys.
Midday:
12:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Beijing lunch at a local restaurant in the Hutong area, where you can taste classic Beijing dishes like Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and Lu Zhu Huoshao (stewed pork with flatbread).
Afternoon:
1:30 PM: After lunch, continue to visit a Courtyard hidden within the Hutongs, where an old Beijing family resides. You will have the opportunity to interact with them, learn about the traditional lifestyle in a Courtyard, and even participate in simple traditional handicraft activities, such as Peking Opera mask painting or paper cutting.
3:00 PM: Afterwards, head to Nanluoguxiang, a historic Hutong that not only retains the traditional Beijing atmosphere but also incorporates modern fashionable elements. You can stroll through this area, exploring various creative shops, cafes, and tea houses, and feel the collision and fusion of old Beijing and modern culture.
4:30 PM: After your leisurely walk, then you will return you to your hotel, concluding your Hutong and Courtyard Cultural Experience One-Day Tour.
Travel Tips:
- This tour involves a significant amount of walking, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and light clothing.
- Consider bringing sunscreen as the sunlight can be strong in the Hutongs during summer.
- To better capture the journey, bringing a camera or a high-resolution smartphone is recommended.
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