Old Beijing Soul Hutong Dumplings Calligraphy and Cricket Culture
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About This Experience in Beijing
Why Visit Beijing?
Beijing, China offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Beijing provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Beijing
The easiest way to reach Beijing is by flying into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- 30mins Ride of Rickshaw at ShiChaHai
- Cricket King's Master Experience's Entrance Fee
- Dumpling Making Workshop materials
- Drum and Bell Tower Entrance tickets
- Professional English Tour Guide
- Lunch (Beijing Soul Food Style Lunch with the Dumplings you make during your workshop)
- Chinese Calligraphy Workshop kit
What's Not Included
- Transportations are not included as this is a walking tour.
- Everything thats not mentioned in the included section of this itinerary.
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
Step out of the modern rush and into ancient historyGetting here is easy! Just type YaoJi ChaoGan Gulou (姚记炒肝鼓楼店) into your DiDi app. When you hop out, look at the restaurant and head into the alley on your left. It’s just a one minute walk to the Drum Tower (鼓楼) entrance gate. Look for the ticket shop，we’ll pick you up right there!
End Point
Our tour ends at Yandaixiejie (烟袋斜街). From there, you’re free to explore the vibrant Hutong atmosphere, enjoy local snacks, and shop for unique gifts and traditional Chinese souvenirs.
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Step out of the modern rush and into ancient history 1 hour
Step out of the modern rush and into ancient history. Our tour starts at the foot of the Bell and Drum Towers, the legendary timekeepers of old Beijing. Here, the air feels different. We’ll explore the massive timber beams and stone foundations that once synchronized the lives of millions, feeling the weight of seven centuries of history as we look out over the timeless horizon of the Hutong neighborhoods.
After our tower visit, we’ll walk over to... 3 hours
After our tower visit, we’ll walk over to a nearby courtyard to slow down and live like a local. You'll try your hand at Chinese calligraphy and learn to make your own dumplings from scratch! Your host will then prepare a traditional Beijing style lunch for you to enjoy together. The highlight of the afternoon is a visit to a second courtyard, where we’ll meet a legendary Cricket King. Cricket fighting and appreciation is a deeply rooted Old Beijing tradition (Lao Beijing), and you’ll get a first hand look at this unique world through the eyes of a true master.
After our deep dive into the world of... 40 minutes
After our deep dive into the world of the Cricket King, we’ll make our way to Shichahai (什刹海) the historic "Three Lakes" area that has served as a playground for princes and poets for centuries. To truly experience the city as the nobility once did, we will board a traditional rickshaw. This is the ultimate "dynastic" way to travel, whisking you through a maze of ancient alleys where history and modern life collide. You’ll see that these aren't just museum pieces real Beijingers still live, cook, and socialize in these courtyards today. It’s a rare, unfiltered look at the "real" Beijing that many travelers miss.
We will conclude our journey at Yandaixiejie (烟袋斜街),... 20 minutes
We will conclude our journey at Yandaixiejie (烟袋斜街), or "Tobacco Pipe Skewed Street." This 800 year old alley is one of Beijing’s oldest thoroughfares; its unique diagonal shape was originally designed to connect the Drum Tower to the bustling docks of Shichahai. During the Qing Dynasty, it became famous for its many shops selling long stemmed tobacco pipes, giving the street its iconic name. Today, the street has transformed into a vibrant hub filled with artisan shops, traditional crafts, and mouth watering local street food. It is the perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs or grab a snack. From here, you are free to continue exploring the hidden gems of the neighborhood or soak in the energy of Beijing’s nightlife on your own!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
