Beijing Hutong Tour including Hutong Museum and Tea with a Local Family

Beijing, China

Take a deep dive into Beijing's 'hutong' neighborhoods on this 3-hour guided small-group walking tour. You'll visit the Shijia Hutong Museum, explore two or three hutongs, tour a local wet market, and drink tea with a local family. Upgrade to enjoy a homemade lunch in a typical hutong home.

Meet your guide and your small group at Dengshikou subway station at 9am: please be on time. Your first stop is the Shijia Hutong Museum (free admission), barely five minutes walk away, which makes the perfect introduction to the world you're about to enter.

Learn how these narrow streets and alleyways became the heart of Old Beijing, and their place in traditional Chinese culture. Discover their traditional architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and traditional lore.

Next, you'll explore some typical hutong alleyways. As you walk, your guide will point out details that explain the superstitions and beliefs that govern Chinese architecture and decoration, providing a deep dive into Chinese culture.

Your guide will lead you through the local wet market, where you'll see locals buying fresh produce as they do every day: meat, eggs, fish, and fresh fruit and vegetables. This is a great opportunity to pick up foodie souvenirs like dried chili peppers, dried mushrooms, dried fruit, or even fresh fruit: your guide will ensure you get a great price!

Finally, you'll visit a local family in their hutong home. Sip Chinese tea as you learn about local life and chat to the family. Upgrade to stay and enjoy a home-cooked lunch, or follow your guide's directions back to Dengshikou.