描述

Tour Highlights

• Expert English-speaking guide: Gain a deep understanding of Beijing’s hutong culture, history, local traditions, and authentic food. Not just a quick glance, but a real cultural experience.
• Small VIP group: Flexible meeting points. We can arrange to meet at the designated location or somewhere convenient for you.
• Hands-on activities: Choose from dumpling making in a local home, painting Beijing opera masks, kite painting, or Chinese calligraphy.

Itinerary

09:00 – Meet at the entrance of Prince Gong’s Mansion
Gather with your guide and get ready to start your cultural journey.

09:10 – Explore Prince Gong’s Mansion
Step inside one of the largest and most well-preserved royal mansions from the Qing Dynasty. Admire its grand layout, exquisite carvings, and painted beams. Highlights include the Western-style Gate, the Opera House, and the famous “Fu” (Happiness) Stele—known as the three treasures of the mansion.

11:00 – Stroll around Shichahai Lake
Walk from the mansion to the scenic Shichahai area, which is made up of three lakes—Front Lake, Back Lake, and West Lake. Enjoy the willow trees, lotus flowers, and old stone bridges. Along the way, see landmarks like Yinding Bridge, Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence, and Guo Moruo’s Former Residence.

11:30 – Hutong Walking Tour
Dive into the maze of traditional hutongs and courtyards (siheyuan). These narrow alleyways are the heart of old Beijing. Strolling here, you’ll feel the authentic local lifestyle and discover the charm of everyday life.

12:00 – Dumpling-Making in a Local Home
Visit a local Beijing family and learn how to make dumplings from scratch. From rolling the dough to wrapping the fillings and finally cooking them, you’ll experience the full process. Afterward, enjoy tasting your handmade dumplings together in a warm family atmosphere.

12:30 – More Local Food Options
Besides dumplings, the Shichahai area is famous for its traditional Beijing dishes. You can try specialties such as roast lamb at Kaorou Ji, tripe at Baodu Zhang, or stewed pig intestines at Xiaochang Chen—a real treat for food lovers!

13:00 – Tour Ends
The tour finishes around 1:00 PM. You can continue exploring on your own or head back to your hotel with wonderful memories of old Beijing.