Exploring the Hutongs of Beijing
Beijing’s hutongs, or traditional courtyard houses, offer a glimpse into Ming and Qing Dynasty Beijing. They’re also some of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, home to the trendiest shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in the Chinese capital. Here’s what you need to know about exploring the Hutong neighborhoods of Beijing.
Beijing Hutongs History
Beijing’s Hutong neighborhoods date back more than seven centuries, when some of the first courtyard houses were constructed during the Yuan Dynasty. This style of residential planning continued to gain popularity throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, and each hutong has its own style and history. Certain hutongs were built around specific professions; for instance, the Shijia Hutong is where many of the city’s bankers were based. As the city continued to grow, many hutongs were demolished to make way for modern developments, leaving only a few of these traditional neighborhoods in Beijing.
Ways to Experience Beijing’s Hutongs
- Soak up the sights and sounds of the hutongs on a relaxing rickshaw ride through the ancient streets and alleys.
- Eat your way through an old Beijing hutong on a guided food tour by tuk-tuk.
- Stretch your legs with a leisurely bike tour through these historic neighborhoods.
- Start your day off right during a breakfast food tour.
- Follow your guide on a walking tour of a hutong while listening to stories about Beijing’s past.
- Combine your visit to the hutongs with tours of the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tian’anmen Square.
23 Tours and Activities | All Beijing Tours
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Half-Day Private Tour of Beijing Hutong Highlights
Discover Beijing’s hutongs (historical neighborhoods comprised of picturesque alleys and courtyard houses), on this private, half-day excursion. Choose from two tour times, meet your guide at your hotel, and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Then, stroll down the buzzing Nanluoguxiang Hutong and Yandai Xie Street, meet a local family and learn about the area’s history, ascend the famed Drum Tower for a bird's-eye view of the hutongs, admire Qianhai Lake, and more.
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From
$157.34
Price varies by group size
From
$157.34
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Tour by Tuk Tuk
Eat your way around Beijing’s old ‘hutong’ alleyways and courtyards on a small-group tour. Explore by private tuk-tuk and enjoy several food stops at tucked-away restaurants and homes you wouldn’t find by yourself. Taste staples like Beijing wraps, flame-grilled meats, and noodles, learn about local cuisine over unlimited beers, and enjoy a stop at a local brewery. Come hungry: your tastings amount to dinner.
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From
$84.27
From
$84.27
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Beijing Old Hutongs Tour by Rickshaw
Weave your way around charming streets and ancient alleys (hutongs) on a rickshaw tour of Beijing. Clamber into your traditional mode of transport and discover an alternative side of Beijing; see locals going about daily life and marvel at spectacular sights like Drum Tower. Visit a local home to gain insight into ancient Chinese customs and culture and sip aromatic tea collected from local plantations. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your hotel on this enriching tour.
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From
$55.00
From
$55.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Beijing Private Hutong Food Walking Tour
Go off the beaten path in Beijing to visit a ‘hutong' (traditional-style neighborhood) with an experienced private guide for an authentic experience of local Chinese cuisine and the rich culture of old Beijing. Visit the produce market and sample more than 20 different dishes at a range of small eateries including locally owned shops, bakeries and restaurants. Meet the owners and learn about Chinese culinary customs from your guide. Your 4-hour tour includes all food tastings, a great treat for foodies!
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From
$88.00
Price varies by group size
From
$88.00
Price varies by group size
Private Tour-Beijing by Bike at Night
Explore the winding streets of Beijing on a 3-hour private bike tour with an experienced guide. Admire the illuminated city at night as you bike along Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Cycle down Nanluoguxiang Alley to see trendy shops built along Beijing’s ancient alleys, and enjoy the lush environment of Shichahai Lake and Jingshan Park. Hear stories about Beijing's history and contemporary life from your informative guide, and enjoy frequent stops for photo ops. Your guide ensures a safe, fun and fascinating tour of Beijing by bike.
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From
$110.00
Price varies by group size
From
$110.00
Price varies by group size
Private Tour:Beijing Hutong Night Walking with Pekin Roast Duck Dinner
Discover the incandescent beauty of Beijing by night on this 3-hour evening walking tour. See the city sparkle as you explore glimmering waterways, vibrant parks and narrow ‘hutongs’ (alleys) under the cover of darkness. Led by an accomplished guide, sample sublime specialties at the busy Wangfujing Snack Street; browse stalls bursting with exotic ingredients at the Donghuamen Night Market; and stroll amid the ancient and illuminated structures of Imperial City Park for a unique sightseeing experience. Conclude your tour with a tranquil wander around Houhai Lake and enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small-group tour.
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From
$100.00
Price varies by group size
From
$100.00
Price varies by group size
Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour
Discover the foodie highlights of Beijing’s Old Hutong area on this fascinating culinary adventure. The narrow unnamed streets can make the hutong area feels like a maze, but you won’t have to worry about getting lost as a guide will accompany you. Examples of foods you might try include Beijing wraps, Mongolian hot pot, fresh noodles, and homemade pear herbal soup. Conveniently, all food tastings are included, and you’ll also enjoy unlimited beer and soda.
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From
$98.00
Price varies by group size
From
$98.00
Price varies by group size
Private Cultural Day Tour: Hutong Rickshaw Ride, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven
Get personalized attention and enjoy a flexible itinerary on this private classic tour of Beijing. Over the course of the day with your dedicated guide, visit highlights such as the Temple of Heaven, Hutong, the Forbidden City, and Tian'anmen Square. Entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip hotel transportation provided.
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From
$160.00
Price varies by group size
From
$160.00
Price varies by group size
3-Hour Beijing Hutong Swift Walking tour (or by bicycle)
Whether you’re traveling with a young family or you’re more interested in the local nightlife, this half-day tour around one of Beijing’s historic hutongs can be tailored to your interests and needs. Choose between a morning, afternoon or night tour and explore the winding alleyways and centuries-old siheyuan with your own private guide. Walk around areas like Houhai Bar Street and Silver Ingot Bridge or rest your feet and take a rickshaw around the neighborhood.
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From
$114.00
Price varies by group size
From
$114.00
Price varies by group size
Private Tour-Beijing Hutong Life Experience
Learn about China’s traditions on a half-day tour that takes place in one of Beijing’s old hutongs. Start with a morning tai chi lesson in Bell and Drum Tower Square, then ride through the hutong on a rickshaw for an intimate glimpse of the old ways of Beijing. Next, visit a local home where you learn the arts of paper cutting and Chinese calligraphy. You can also create your own Peking opera mask and fashion a giant panda from clay. Your tour includes lunch, activities and an informative guide.
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From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
From
$140.00
Price varies by group size
3-Hour Beijing Hutong Bike Tour
Bike through Beijing’s historic hutongs with an experienced guide on a leisurely 3-hour tour that provides an intimate look at the old city. Learn about the history and traditions of the hutongs as you pedal through atmospheric districts and view top sites such as the Forbidden City, the park outside the Imperial City walls, Tiananmen Square, Drum and Bell Towers, Houhai Lakes and more. Hear how modern development has encroached on the hutongs, and glimpse the past and future of Beijing on a fun and fascinating bike tour.
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From
$60.90
From
$60.90
Beijing Private Tour: Lama Temple, Hutong Tour and Tai Chi Lesson with Lunch
Experience Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, old ‘hutongs’ and love of Tai Chi on this full-day private tour. Tour the imperial Temple of Heaven complex, and enjoy an outdoor Tai Chi class followed by a rickshaw ride through the alleyways of a traditional ‘hutong’ neighborhood. Visit a family home for a dumpling-making session and lunch before learning about hutong life at a hutong museum. Includes private transport, entrance fees, and central hotel pickup and drop-off.
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From
$211.00
Price varies by group size
From
$211.00
Price varies by group size
Hanfu Experience at Beihai Park and Hutong plus Houhai Lake Boat Ride
Travel to Beihai Park, one of China’s most well-preserved imperial gardens, with a guide during this private tour where you can choose to wear traditional Hanfu clothing. Along with the trip to the park, you’ll stop by the Houhai Lake area to learn about the region’s history before hopping aboard a boat at Shichahai Scenic Resort for a cruise. This guided tour from Beijing includes round-trip transport, a meal, and five photos from the day to take home as souvenirs.
Please note: When booking, specify your height and weight if you'd like to dress in provided Hanfu attire.
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From
$168.00
Price varies by group size
From
$168.00
Price varies by group size
Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour
Shun the beaten path and savor a breakfast feast as you explore a traditional hutong neighborhood on this small-group walking tour. Exploring with a foodie guide, learn how locals live as you snack, slurp, and sip over 10 different dishes and drinks from four or five separate eateries. Along the way try yoghurt and pancakes, savor coffee with a view, and visit a local market to see what’s in season.
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From
$52.27
From
$52.27
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour
Beijing is a great place to sample typical Chinese cuisine, but most visitors only eat in the main tourist areas. This small-group tasting tour takes you along the twisting backstreets of Beijing’s atmospheric hutong neighborhoods for a delicious breakfast. Savor traditional treats such as "baozi" (steamed buns), "jianbing" (crepes), silken tofu, and almond pudding.
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From
$69.34
From
$69.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Beijing Craft Beer Fans Hutong Dinner Tour
Whether you're a fan of beer or just want the chance to explore the old hutongs (alleys) of Beijing, this food and beer tour might just be right for you. Your guide will lead you through labyrinthine lanes, where you'll get to try six types of local craft beers along with a meat-heavy menu of hutong barbecue. As you go, your guide will be on hand to tell you about life in hutongs (and in China) and teach you about the local craft beer culture.
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From
$170.00
Price varies by group size
From
$170.00
Price varies by group size
Beijing's Present and Past: Olympic Park and Hutong Tour
Relive the glory of the 2008 Olympic Games on this full-day tour of Beijing, starting with a visit to the famous Olympic Park. Admire modernist landmarks like the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube at the park, and see where the grand opening and closing ceremonies were held. After lunch (included), see a different side to the city with a rickshaw ride around the hutongs (alleyways) of Old Beijing. Get a glimpse of authentic Chinese life as you visit with a local family, then indulge in a tea tasting at a traditional teahouse.
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From
$109.00
From
$109.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Biking through Beijing’s Hutongs
History preserved nearby Beijing’s modern developments and viewed from a bicycle saddle. The Hutongs by bike offer an up and close insight in the history of the capital’s historical buildings through alleys, where a leisurely pace lifestyle rules.
• Watch how history is preserved in modern Beijing
• Head out on a leisurely bike ride, exploring the Hutong
• Follow in the track of an experienced cycling guide
• Turn into new corners, see courtyard houses and more
• Return transfers from and to your hotel are included.
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From
$157.40
Price varies by group size
From
$157.40
Price varies by group size
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Beijing Forbidden City, Hutongs, Jinshan Park and Lama Temple Private Tour
Discover the historical charms of Beijing on a full-day tour that includes guided walk through Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Lama Temple. You’ll also take a rickshaw tour of the hutongs, eat lunch with a family in a traditional home and taste teas at a teahouse in the Drum and Bell Tower. Then do some local people-watching at Jingshan Park and enjoy great views of the city. Includes lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
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From
$165.83
Price varies by group size
From
$165.83
Price varies by group size
Beijing Private Tour: Tiananmen Square,Forbidden City and Hutong Tour with Lunch
Discover Beijing’s most celebrated landmarks, and see a locals-frequented side of the city, too: this two-in-one, private tour makes exploring easy. Depart in the morning from your hotel, and travel in a private vehicle. Discover the colossal Tiananmen Square and explore the wonders of the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City. For lunch, head to the storied Quanjude restaurant for a Peking duck meal. In the afternoon, tour Beijing’s historical hutongs (traditional courtyard residences) via rickshaw. At day’s end, return straight to your hotel.
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From
$173.96
Price varies by group size
From
$173.96
Price varies by group size
Private Half Day Tour of Beijing Old Hutong
Savor the leisurely pace of local life. Visit the home of a local family and learn about their traditional Hutong courtyard life. Climb to the top of the 800 year old Drum Tower for a panoramic view of Beijing.
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From
$104.00
Price varies by group size
From
$104.00
Price varies by group size
Beijing Layover Tour of Old Hutong Experience
While having a layover in Beijing, hop off the plane and take a quick tour of the must-see sights in the capital city. This is an exclusively customized tour for layover time of approx. 8 - 10 hours. With comfortable round trip airport transfer, follow a local guide to explore the old Beijing Hutongs and experience local lifestyle.
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From
$205.60
Price varies by group size
From
$205.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Private Full-Day Tour Beijing City Highlights
Particularly for first-time visitors who don’t speak Chinese, a private guide can transform the Beijing experience. Say no to hustlers and discover the city by private car or public transport on this door-to-door private tour. Check off three of Beijing’s biggest attractions—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven—and stroll through historic hutong alleys. A comprehensive package with private guide, entrance fees, Taxi fare and lunch are all inclusive.
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From
$168.00
Price varies by group size
From
$168.00
Price varies by group size